Benzene
What Is Benzene?
Benzene is a colorless, flammable liquid used widely in various industries. It’s a known carcinogen linked to leukemia, multiple myeloma, Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma (NHL), Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL), Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL), Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML), Chronic Myelomonocytic Leukemia (CMML), Acute Myelogenous Leukemia (AML), Acute Myelomonocytic Leukemia (AMML), Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS), Myelofibrosis and T-Cell Lymphoma. Benzene occurs naturally in crude oil and is used to make plastics, synthetic fibers, rubber, dyes, resins, and detergents. It is known for its sweet smell. It’s also present in gasoline and industrial solvents. Workers in oil refineries, chemical plants, manufacturing, and even some trades like painting or printing may be exposed to it.
How Benzene Exposure Causes Cancer
Benzene is a well-established human carcinogen commonly found in petroleum products, industrial solvents, degreasers, paints, and other workplace chemicals. It is a colorless liquid with a sweet odor, which makes it noticeable but no less dangerous. Workers can be exposed by inhaling vapors or through skin contact. Even repeated low-level exposure has been shown to damage bone marrow, suppress the production of healthy blood cells, and cause harmful changes to DNA. Over time, these effects increase the risk of developing serious illness.
Scientific research has consistently linked benzene exposure to blood cancers, with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) being the most common. Studies have also connected benzene to other leukemias, myelodysplastic syndromes, and immune system disorders. The connection between benzene and AML is especially strong because benzene’s toxic effects directly target the bone marrow, where AML develops.
Who Is at Risk?
Benzene exposure occurs in many workplaces. Higher-risk occupations include:
- Oil refinery workers
- Gas station attendants and fuel haulers
- Mechanics and automotive technicians
- Painters and printers
- Chemical plant workers
- Laboratory staff
- Construction and demolition workers
Legal Rights for AML Patients in Canada
If you have any of the above listed cancers and were exposed to benzene at work or in another setting, you may be entitled to compensation. At Miskin Law, we help clients across Canada pursue claims related to toxic exposure.
We may be able to help you recover compensation for:
- Medical expenses
- Future care needs
- Lost wages and reduced earning ability
- Pain and suffering
- Wrongful death (if applicable)
Why Choose Miskin Law
Daniel Miskin and the team at Miskin Law have deep experience handling toxic exposure and serious illness claims, including cases involving mesothelioma and other workplace-related cancers. We will:
- Review your exposure and work history.
- Gather medical and scientific evidence.
- Consult with lawyers experienced in occupational health and toxicology.
- Help you choose the best legal pathway for your claim.
- Work on contingency, no fee unless we recover compensation for you.
We have helped Canadians who were exposed to asbestos, benzene, and other toxic substances while working in Canada or the United States.
What to Do Next
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Contact Miskin Law
Daniel Miskin, Lawyer
Based in Ontario, Serving Clients Across Canada
Peterborough: 705-755-7363 ext. 2
Toll Free: 1-877-428-8000 ext. 2