Benzene and AML (Acute Myelogeneus Leukemia)
Since as early as 1897, Benzene has been known to cause disease when it was linked to aplastic anemia, but it wasn’t until 100 years later, in 1997, that Benzene and AML (acute myelogeneus leukemia) were linked.
In case you are unfamiliar with the term, “Benzene,” is a hydrocarbon compound, which is produced naturally in crude oil. This carcinogenic agent provides an important raw material for the oil industry, but at what cost?
Apparently, Benzene is being used as a cleaning product in this industry and while it is unknown how many people have actually been stricken by this disease, it is known that there have been numerous lawsuits filed against the perpetrators because of exposure to Benzene. Although numerous studies have shown that Benzene and AML are related, there are also studies contradicting this claim on the side of the oil industry, citing no conclusive evidence associated Benzene and AML.
Now, it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out that something is wrong in the industry. Regardless of who wins these battles in court, the fact still remains that people are getting sick and will continue to get sick if nothing is done to stop this exposure to Benzene. Victorious lawsuits don’t mean a thing if you aren’t healthy enough to spend the money or if you aren’t around. Money can buy a lot of things, but it cannot buy the return of one’s health, nor can it buy back a life.
I don’t know if there’s not enough research being done, or if the oil industry is doing a good job at covering this up, but one thing that is apparent is the problem needs to be dealt with and fast.
The sad truth is that there is a long list of related diseases associated with Benzene and AML. This not only touches workers in the oil industry, but many other industries as well. This disease does not discriminate, it affects all races from all walks of life — women, men, and even children. If man can walk on the moon, I’m sure something can be done to stop the exposure to Benzene.