Benzene is a toxic chemical and one of the 20 most widely used chemicals in the U.S. Exposure to Benzene increases your risk of developing cancer and a host of other serious health problems. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets maximum levels of contaminants in drinking water that it considers safe, and while those levels are often much higher than other experts feel are safe, in the case of benzene, even the EPA says no amount of the chemical in drinking water is safe. Water sources that formerly contained no benzene can become suddenly contaminated after an event such as a wildfire or manmade fire.
Dangers of Benzene
Long term consequences of benzene exposure can include:
- Immune system damage
- Blood disorders
- Leukemia
- Cancer
- Chromosomal aberrations
- Developmental disabilities in infants
- Death
Symptoms of acute benzene poisoning include:
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Vomiting
- Rapid heartrate
- Irregular heartbeat
- Sleepiness
- Confusion
- Tremors
- Convulsions
- Loss of consciousness
Acute benzene poisoning can be fatal if large amounts are ingested.
Paradise after the Fire
Paradise, California is an example of how a water supply can become contaminated as result of an event. After the Camp Fire in November 2018, the Paradise water supply was tested, and when the results cam in in January, it was positive for benzene. It is believed this is a result of the melting of the plastic piping in the water system. Residents are advised not to drink the water or to even bathe or brush their teeth with it until more can be learned about the extent of the problem.
If you believe that you have been sickened by benzene-contaminated drinking water, you may be able to recover compensation for your injuries. Stag Liuzza, LLC, can help. We represent victims of environmental contamination across the US. Please call us at 504-593-9600 or email us to schedule your free consultation
