A Brief History of Benzene
Benzene was initially discovered as a chemical compound in the mid-1820s by an English scientist named Michael Faraday. Having been able to successfully isolate and remove benzene from oil gas, Faraday found the chemical compound to have a variety of valuable properties.
It was not until 1849 that benzene would be produced on an industrial level after another Englishman, chemist Charles Mansfield, successfully isolated the chemical compound from coal tar.
Benzene is still produced industrially based on Mansfield's coal-tar method; however, the vast majority of today's benzene is produced by the petrochemical industry. Benzene can be produced more efficiently from petroleum tan it can from coal.
About Benzene
Benzene is a type of common organic compound that is used widely throughout the chemical industry. Often referred to as PhH or benzol, benzene is an aromatic hydrocarbon (AH) that is incredibly toxic when inhaled, ingested or absorbed via the skin. It is a colorless liquid that is highly flammable and has a sweet and distinctive smell - hence the aromatic classification.
Benzene can be produced naturally as a byproduct of carbon-rich materials undergoing incomplete combustion. Benzene also occurs naturally in crude oil and has been used as a gasoline additive because it can increase octane ratings and minimize engine "knocking." It has been used to decaffeinate coffee, as an aftershave and as an industrial solvent (metal degreaser) in the past; however, the most common use of benzene is as a precursor in the production of other chemicals.
Benzene and benzene derivatives (styrene, phenol and cyclohexane) are still found in varying amounts in a variety of products, some of which include pesticides, drugs, rubbers, lubricants, dyes and detergents.
Benzene Regulation
Benzene has been classified as a human carcinogenic by the US Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). Benzene exposure has been linked with the development of acute myeloid leukemia (acute myelogenous leukemia - AML), a type of cancer that affects the body's white blood cells.
Within the United States, benzene is strictly regulated as a gasoline additive because of fears of the chemical compound entering into and contaminating the groundwater. In accordance with US regulations, gasoline cannot be more than one percent benzene.
In accordance with US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulation, drinking water cannot have more than .005 milligrams per liter of benzene. Accidents resulting in the spilling / release of more than 10 pounds of benzene must be reported to the EPA immediately so that they can take appropriate action to ensure safe handling procedures.
People are most likely to come into contact with benzene in an occupational setting. As such, the US Occupational Safety and health Administration (OSHA) requires that employers ensure their workers are not exposed to more than one part of benzene per million parts of air.
Benzene Exposure Liability
It is the responsibility of employers operating facilities that deal with benzene or benzene-laden materials to ensure the safety of their employees by taking measures to minimize benzene exposure. Failure to take such measures is deemed negligent and grounds for legal action. Benzene lawsuits are designed to provide compensation for pain, suffering and legal expenses incurred as a result of an employer's negligence. Contact a benzene lawyer to get additional information about your rights as a benzene disease victim.
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