Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma is a very serious type of blood cancer that attacks white blood cells in the body and frequently develops in the lymph nodes. There is strong scientific evidence that this type of cancer can be caused by workplace exposure to dangerous chemicals such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and benzene.
There were over 70,000 new diagnoses of Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and around 20,000 deaths in the U.S. in 2015. The percentage of cases related to chemical exposure is unknown; however, the Environmental Protection Agency, the American Association of Cancer Research, and others have studied the effects of these chemicals. A large majority of studies on this subject find that exposure to these chemicals increases the risk of cancer.
PCBs are a chemical that was used widely in industrial settings from the 1930s until it was banned in 1979. Even though PCBs have not been used for decades, they can still cause harm because they take a long time to degrade in the environment. Many products manufactured before 1979 contain high levels of PCBs, including:
- Plastics
- Caulking
- Transformers and capacitors
- Electrical equipment
- Motor oil
- Tapes and adhesives
Benzene is another dangerous chemical used in a number of products, and unlike PCBs, it is still in use today. High levels of benzene exposure can come from many sources, such as:
- Gasoline industries
- Oil refineries
- Chemical plants
- Pesticide
- Dyes, detergents, and other industrial chemicals
- Cigarettes
- Steel work
If you or a loved one are suffering from Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma that may have been caused by workplace exposure to dangerous chemicals, you may be entitled to compensation. The injury attorneys at Geoff McDonald and Associates are dedicated to helping ordinary citizens seek justice for workplace-related illness and injury. Contact us today at 804-888-8888 for a free, no-obligation evaluation of your case.