People often apply sunscreen to protect their skin from ultraviolet radiation. Exposure to UV radiation may result in sunburns and even skin cancer. Before braving the outdoors, proactive individuals use sunscreen to safeguard themselves. But, some sunscreens may contain dangerous levels of Benzene. Individuals may also suffer Benzene exposure through other consumer products or at their workplace during the manufacturing process.
Our law firm is currently handling lawsuits on behalf of individuals who have been injured by exposure to benzene. Lawsuits against manufacturers that use benzene or emit benzene in their production process claim that exposure to the gas can have harmful effects on the blood, including blood cancer.
Benzene is one of the most widely used chemicals in the United States. In fact, it makes the list of the top 20 chemicals used in America. It can be produced naturally, or through human processes. Benzene is a primary component in the production of solvents, detergents, degreasers, lubricants, glues, plastics, rubbers, pesticides, paints, and polishes. Cigarettes, gasoline, and crude oil also contain and emit benzene.
Since many industries use or produce benzene, workers are susceptible to ingesting or inhaling the chemical at their occupations. Someone who lives in close proximity to a manufacturing facility that emits benzene may also suffer exposure. Recent testing shows that even popular sunscreen brands contain benzene, putting consumers at risk as well.
Various agencies including the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Health and Human Services designate benzene as a known human carcinogen. A carcinogen is a substance that causes cancer. The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration limits workplace exposure to benzene to 1ppm for an 8-hour workday and no more than 5ppm for 15 minutes at a time. But, studies indicate that there may be no acceptable or safe level of benzene exposure.
In May 2021, a study conducted by Valisure LLC identified levels of benzene in several popular sunscreen products. The report cited over 50 affected sunscreen products. Given the results, Valisure encouraged the FDA to update the limits for benzene contamination in sunscreens. Following the alarming report, manufacturers like Johnson & Johnson and Copperstone recalled varieties of their sunscreen products. Click here for the full list of sunscreens with excessive levels of benzene.
Long-term exposure to benzene can negatively affect blood and bone marrow. Also, prolonged contact with benzene can lead to aggressive forms of leukemia, a type of cancer that targets the body’s blood cells. Prior contact with carcinogenic chemicals, like benzene, increases an individual’s likelihood of developing these dire forms of cancer. Benzene may also weaken the immune system and decrease red blood cell count causing anemia. Environmental factors like factory emissions, fumes, exhaust, and cigarette smoke contribute to the public’s subjection to carcinogenic chemics. Additionally, people who work in or live nearby work sites that produce rubber, oil, gasoline, lubricant, dye, pesticides, and drugs are vulnerable to benzene exposure. Injuries associated with benzene exposure include:
If you or a loved one suffered harm following exposure to Benzene, you may recover compensation for any or all of the following:
Many individuals have filed lawsuits against employers who exposed workers to benzene in their workplace, and against manufacturers whose products contained benzene. Employers created unsafe working conditions and failed to measure their employees’ exposure to the carcinogenic chemical. Sunscreen manufacturers endangered public health by selling sunscreen products that contained unsafe levels of benzene. Industrial workers and consumers have a right to pursue action against these negligent entities.
In most states, a company can be held liable if its product creates an unreasonable danger and the plaintiff can demonstrate:
In addition to the EPA, several agencies have classified benzene as a carcinogen including:
The Lake Law Firm was founded by Edward J. Lake, Esq., a personal injury lawyer for over 25 years. Our dedicated team of attorneys is committed to seeking justice on behalf of those who have suffered injury or death due to the negligence of others. Our experienced attorneys handle many different types of pharmaceutical drugs, medical devices, and other defective products. The lawyers in our firm have helped collect millions of dollars for their clients. The Lake Law Firm will advocate for you and your rights. Please contact us for a free confidential case evaluation.
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