Benzene Found in Water Distribution System Amid Wildfire

In recent years, promises to rebuild burned houses and ruined towns have become frequent in the United States. It is a natural reaction to the increasing wildfires that threaten entire communities around the country, particularly those in western states. While every displaced neighbor returning to their home following such a catastrophe hopes that the town will remain safe, experts now warn...

Largest U.S. Refinery Releases Benzene Amid Hurricane Shutdown

In the early morning of August 27th, 2020, Hurricane Laura made landfall near the Texas-Louisiana coastline as a deadly Category 4 hurricane. After being declared the tenth-strongest U.S. hurricane by wind speed on record, it comes as no surprise that Laura has inflicted an estimated $14 billion in insured damages and caused the death of 77 people. Though the worst of the storm has passed,...

Is the U.S. Occupational Benzene Exposure Limit Safe?

Researcher’s findings in a 2017 study confirmed a long-tested and proven fact – benzene has toxic effects on blood and bone marrow. The research suggests that benzene exposure could be toxic to workers even at levels below the U.S. occupational standard of 1 part per million (ppm). This discovery leaves those who operate at the nationally recommended limit at risk of developing...

Novel Treatment Options: A Substantial Step Forward for AML Patients

While cancer appears in many forms due to genetic or environmental influence, some cancers are more environmentally controlled than others. This is true of blood cancers, and more specifically, Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML). Countless studies have linked AML to exposure of to benzene, a highly toxic chemical used for industrial purposes. While Leukemia has no definitive cure, various treatment...

Colorado Oil and Gas Well Leak Exposes Students to Benzene

Air sampling near a Colorado school recently showed an increased level of benzene, a cancer-causing chemical derived from natural gas and crude oil. The unprecedented national rush of oil and gas extraction has states all across the country reporting troublesome levels of toxic chemicals in their cities.

The benzene was detected last fall during a single 45-minute sample reading of the...