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French Study Links Benzene and Childhood Leukemia

It is well documented that benzene exposure causes AML, a form of leukemia, and other blood disorders in painters, mechanics, seamen and other workers exposed to the toxic substance in petroleum-based paints, thinners and solvents. But recent studies confirm that you don’t have to work hands-on with benzene to be injured by it. A French study found that benzene-contaminated traffic emissions increase the risk of childhood leukemia.

Benzene in Traffic Emissions Increases Risk of Childhood AML

Denis Hemon with the Paris-based Institute National de la Santé et de la Recherché Medical (INSERM) and his colleagues compared data from 2002 to 2007 concerning 2,760 French childhood leukemia cases with information about 30,000 healthy French children.

Children who lived closer to major roads reportedly had a 20 percent higher risk of developing acute myeloblastic leukemia (AML). The increased risk from traffic emissions was found generally among French children regardless of geographical region and specifically among those living in the Paris metro area. According to the study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology, children living near major roadways with benzene-contaminated traffic emissions all suffered an increased risk for AML.

An Italian scientist, Professor Marco Vinceti with the Universita di Modena e Reggio Emilia, has found similar results in his own separate research. Dr. Hemon in Paris explained that benzene is a long-known carcinogen for adults, but that researchers are still learning about how benzene exposure affects children.

Contact Waters Kraus Paul & Siegel to Learn More About Filing a Benzene Lawsuit

The lawyers at Waters Kraus Paul & Siegel have been representing people who have been sickened by toxic exposures for more than twenty years. Have you or a loved one been exposed to benzene and been diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) or myelodysplastic syndrome? If so, call us at 800.226.9880 to speak with our benzene and childhood cancer lawyers, like Scott Frost and Kevin Loew in our California office, to learn more about how we can assist you with a benzene lawsuit.

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That’s the first question everyone asks. The truth is it’s impossible to know. But we can tell you this. Waters Kraus Paul & Siegel has what it takes to fight against big corporate interests and win. That’s why we’ve taken more mesothelioma trials to verdict than any other firm. And that’s why we’ve recovered more than $1.3 billion for clients like you. Do you think you have a case? Contact us now to speak with an attorney.

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