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Posts Tagged ‘benzene attorney’

Myelodysplastic syndromes, more commonly referred to as MDS, can have an extremely negative impact on a person’s blood. As one of the precursors to leukemia, which is a cancer of the bloodstream, MDS has direct implications on the red and white blood cells, as well as on the bone marrow. Some forms of MDS are easy to manage but others that are difficult to treat may lead to other health complications such as leikemia.

MDS in the blood affects an estimated 10,000 to 15,000 people in the United States yearly. The median age for those commonly affected by the diseases is 65; however, in rare cases, younger adults and children can be diagnosed with this sometimes fatal illness. Although MDS, according to statistics, is more common in men, women are also affected by the diseases.

Causes of MDS Blood Issues?

When a person develops MDS in their bloodstream, this means that their body is not producing enough normal, healthy red blood cells, white blood cells or platelets. In conjunction with the sporadic production of blood cells, the bone marrow usually also makes unformed cells, known as blasts. Blasts typically develop into red blood cells, white blood cells or platelets. When MDS is present in the blood, blasts occur in a curious and abnormal manner causing the cells to develop and function abnormally.

For the most part, the cause of this spontaneous change in the blood cell production and bone marrow condition remains unknown, though scientists and researchers are working vigorously to discover the truth behind MDS and the cancers it causes. However, in certain cases, doctors have been able to link this abnormality to a person’s lengthy exposure to toxic chemicals like benzene, or their exposure to radiation and pesticides. Environmental factors are responsible for these cases that are referred to as secondary MDS or treatment-related MDS.

Symptoms of MDS

The symptoms may vary from person to person depending on the severity of the disease and the impact that the MDS has had on the blood. Some people may not be experiencing symptoms when they receive they initial diagnosis, which makes this news all the more painful. A routine blood test to determine the patient’s blood cell count and it’s relationship to normal may be run to find the disease. Anemia may develop when a person has a low red blood cell count resulting in weakness, exhaustion, pale skin and shortness of breath. Anemia has a significant impact on the blood and, according to reports is the most common form of MDS.

Frequent infections and consistent fevers may result when a person has a low white blood cell count because white blood cells help to fight against infections. Uncontrollable bleeding and easy bruising can also be common symptoms of a low white blood cell count.

Have you experienced some or all of these symptoms and believe you could be at risk of MDS of the blood due to your exposure to benzene? Contact a benzene attorney if you or someone you love has been exposed to any of these risk factors and you believe that you could have aplastic anemia.

Serious health conditions can result from benzene poisoning which develops from intense and long-term exposure to the chemical benzene. Benzene has been found to be a known carcinogen and it is used in a variety of things, from gasoline to soft drinks.

A Breakdown of Benzene

Benzene is a colorless or light yellow colored liquid chemical. It can be found in a variety of consumer products, in petroleum and in the manufacturing industry. Benzene can occur naturally in certain cases, and is found in crude oil and volcanic emissions. Benzene poisoning can cause cancer and lead to a variety of other diseases.

Benzene Poisoning: How Does it Happen

Exposure to benzene, whether in the manufacturing process or in an environment where it is present in high levels, can lead to benzene poisoning. Benzene can be inhaled or ingested and cause harm to the body that can be life-threatening. Benzene poisoning can also happen if someone’s skin comes into direct contact with the chemical. 

Benzene Poisoning and Its Effects

A person’s health may be impacted in a variety of ways by benzene poisoning. Some of the most common effects of being exposed to benzene are:

• Drowsiness
• Fatigue
• Rapid heartbeat
• Confusion
• Unconsciousness

In more severe cases, benzene poisoning can even be so serious it can lead to death.Research shows that blood diseases such as leukemia and lymphoma can develop as a result of long-term exposure to benzene.

How to Avoid Benzene Poisoning?

Prevention of benzene poisoning is best done by avoiding benzene altogether. In order to avoid benzene it is important to not consume products like soft drinks that are known to contain it and stay away from areas with high benzene levels. Of course, avoiding a substance that is so widely used is difficult to do, especially for those who work with and around it. Masks and other protective gear can be used in these cases to help limit exposure.

If you do come into contact with benzene, emergency steps should be taken such as:

• Getting fresh air
• Removing contaminated clothing
• Washing the contaminated area with soap and water
• If the exposure was significant, seek medical attention

How Can Benzene Poisoning be Treated?

Although there is no cure for benzene poisoning or the illnesses that result, there are treatments for both short and long term exposure.

Even if you have been exposed to benzene only briefly, you should follow the above tips. In addition, your clothing and shoes should be removed immediately and thoroughly washed before you bring them into your home or car. Do not touch your eyes and wash your hands immediately if you have handled benzene.

If you have been exposed to benzene and are suffering the effects of benzene poisoning, contact a doctor as soon as possible. Blood tests may be run to check whether the benzene poisoning has had an effect on your health.

Benzene poisoning can be life-altering but with the right knowledge and by taking steps in the right direction you can prevent benzene exposure from affecting you. It is important to seek medical attention if you have been affected by benzene exposure. You can also contact a benzene attorney to receive any legal support you may need.