Many workers in Pasadena and throughout Texas face the reality of going to work each day at a refinery and being unaware of the invisible toxins they could be breathing in with each passing hour. While refineries are vital to our economy and way of life, they can also pose serious health risks to the hardworking people employed there. Benzene, in particular, is a known carcinogen that has been linked to devastating illnesses like leukemia.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with a serious health condition after working at a refinery, it's essential to understand your legal rights. A Pasadena refinery injury lawyer at SJ Injury Attorneys is here to help you navigate this difficult time and fight for the compensation you deserve after a chemical release injury.
What Is Benzene?
Benzene is a colorless, flammable liquid with a sweet odor. It occurs naturally in crude oil and is a key component in gasoline. It's also used as a starting material to make other chemicals used to produce plastics, resins, nylon, and synthetic fibers.
While benzene has many industrial applications, it's a known human carcinogen. Exposure to benzene, either through inhalation, ingestion, or skin contact, can lead to serious health problems.
In refineries, benzene can be released into the air during the production process. Workers may be exposed when performing tasks like sampling, testing, or cleaning equipment. They can also be exposed during chemical leaks or other uncontrolled releases.
Jobs With Heightened Risk of Benzene Exposure
Certain jobs within refineries carry a higher risk of benzene exposure, such as:
- Laboratory technicians. These workers handle benzene directly for testing and analysis. They may work with pure benzene or benzene-containing mixtures, putting them at risk for inhalation or skin contact. Proper personal protective equipment (PPE) and ventilation are critical for these employees.
- Maintenance workers. Tasks like cleaning tanks or repairing pumps can lead to benzene exposure. When equipment is opened for maintenance, residual benzene can be released. Workers may also encounter benzene when servicing pipes or vessels. Following lockout/tagout procedures and using appropriate PPE is essential.
- Pipeline workers. Leaks or breaks in pipelines carrying crude oil or refined products can release benzene. Workers responding to these incidents may be exposed during repair or cleanup. Regular pipeline inspections and prompt responses to leaks can help mitigate risks.
- Refinery operators. General refinery operations involve potential benzene exposure. Operators may be exposed during process checks, sampling, or when handling benzene-containing feedstocks or products. Proper training, engineering controls, and PPE are essential for reducing exposures.
Without proper safety gear and protocols, workers in these roles face an increased likelihood of dangerous benzene exposure over time.
Health Impacts of Benzene Exposure
Benzene exposure, especially long-term or in high concentrations, can lead to serious health issues, including:
- Leukemia. Benzene is most notably linked to blood cancers, particularly acute myeloid leukemia (AML).
- Anemia. Benzene can cause bone marrow not to produce enough red blood cells.
- Immune system damage. Benzene can alter blood levels of antibodies, reducing immune function.
- Reproductive issues. Some studies link benzene exposure to irregular menstrual cycles and decreased ovary size in women.
These conditions can dramatically impact a worker's quality of life, earning capacity, and long-term well-being. It's crucial for exposed workers to understand their rights.
Legal Avenues for Refinery Workers Exposed to Benzene
If you've been diagnosed with a benzene-related illness after working at a refinery, you may have legal options to recover compensation.
Many Texas refineries are non-subscribers, meaning they've opted out of the state workers' compensation system. In these cases, injured workers can file a direct lawsuit against their employer if negligence caused their benzene exposure.
Non-subscriber cases often allow workers to pursue higher compensation than what's available through workers' compensation. You may be able to recover damages for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses related to your benzene exposure injuries.
However, these cases require proving that your employer's negligence contributed to your exposure and illness. A Pasadena refinery injury lawyer can help gather evidence like safety records, maintenance logs, and expert testimony to build a strong case.
Time limits apply for filing non-subscriber work injury claims, so it's important to speak with a refinery injury lawyer as soon as you receive a diagnosis. An experienced refinery injury lawyer can assess your case and advise you on the best path forward.