Leukemia

Leukemia & Occupational Exposure

to Industrial Cleaning Solvents

Leukemia & Occupational Exposure

to Industrial Cleaning Solvents

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with leukemia after occupational exposure to industrial cleansing solvents, you have rights. Contact us for a FREE no-obligation legal consultation.

Side Effects Linked to Mechanics’ Environmental Hazards:

• Acute myeloid leukemia
• Chronic lymphocitic leukemia
• Acute lymphoblastic leukemia
• Non-Hodgkin lymphoma
• Myelodysplastic syndrome (pre-leukemia)

Recent evidence suggests that mechanics with workplace exposure to benzene and other harmful chemicals may have a higher risk of leukemia. Leukemia is a malignant disease that affects the blood and bone marrow. Auto mechanics, aviation mechanics, industrial mechanics and break repair experts may have come into contact with work-related products known to cause chromosomal damage and cancer.

Exposure to Liquid Wrench Cited in Leukemia Cases..... Liquid Wrench is a blend of fast-acting solvents designed to instantly loosen mechanical parts from rust, corrosion, paint or varnish. The cleaning agent also contains benzene, a colorless and flammable liquid identified as a known carcinogen. Benzene use in gasoline is now limited due to harmful effects, but the agent is still included in industrial solvents like Liquid Wrench. The harmful chemical is immediately absorbed into the bloodstream when a person breathes in benzene-containing emissions.

Leukemia & Occupational Exposure

to Industrial Cleaning Solvents

OSHA has estimated that more than 32 million workers are exposed to 650,000 hazardous chemical products in over 3 million American workplaces. A 2004 study showed an association between leukemia and dwellings near petrol stations or repair garages, citing occupational exposure to hydrocarbons and benzene as the reason for illness. Additionally, a 2011 study demonstrates a link between benzene exposure and aneuploidy, the loss or gain of chromosomes.

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with leukemia after occupational exposure to industrial cleansing solvents, you have rights. Contact us for a no-obligation legal consultation.

OBJECTIVE AND METHODS--This historical cohort study investigated causes of death among car and mobile equipment mechanics in the District of Columbia's Department of Public Works. Men who were employed for at least one year between 1977 and 1989 were eligible for inclusion in the cohort; follow up was up to the end of 1991. Three cases of leukaemia (index cases) had been reported among these workers before the inception of this study. This research was undertaken to estimate the relative risk of haematological cancer among mechanics working for the District of Columbia.

RESULTS--Among the 335 male fleet maintenance workers, the all cause standardised mortality ratio was (33 observed deaths, 95% confidence interval, and the all cancer SMR was 0.55 (nine deaths, 95%). Three deaths from lymphatic and haematopoietic cancer were observed; the SMR was  (95%). In the subgroup with highest potential for exposure to fuels and solvents, the SMR for leukaemia and aleukaemia was 9.26 (two deaths, 95%), and the SMR for other lymphatic and haematopoietic neoplasms was 2.57 (one death from malignant lymphoma, 95%). All three lymphatic and haematopoietic cancer deaths were among car and mobile equipment mechanics. The two additional index cases were a fourth mechanic who died of leukaemia in 1992, after mortality follow up ended, and a fifth mechanic who was diagnosed with leukaemia in 1988 and is still alive.

CONCLUSION--Many garage mechanics in this cohort regularly used petrol to clean parts and to wash their hands; some workers would occasionally siphon petrol by mouth. Benzene, a recognised cause of haematological cancer, is a component of petrol. Previous research indicates that garage mechanics may be at risk of leukaemia and other haematological cancers, presumably due to exposure to petrol; this study supports those findings.

Leukemia & Occupational Exposure

to Industrial Cleaning Solvents