Benzene is one of the most common—and most dangerous—environmental pollutants in the United States. Long-term exposure to benzene is proven to cause leukemia, blood cancers, bone marrow damage, reproductive problems, immune system failure, and other life-altering health complications.
If your drinking water, soil, or air has been contaminated by benzene due to industrial dumping, leaking tanks, refinery activity, or hazardous waste mismanagement, you may have the right to pursue legal action.
Salenger, Sack, Kimmel & Bavaro, LLP represents cities, towns, public water providers, and affected communities nationwide in complex environmental contamination lawsuits.
Benzene is a colorless, flammable, sweet-smelling chemical that evaporates quickly when exposed to air. Although it naturally occurs in small amounts (such as from forest fires), the overwhelming majority of human exposure comes from industrial activity.
Benzene is one of the top 20 most-produced chemicals in the U.S., commonly found in:
The EPA classifies benzene as a hazardous air pollutant, and numerous international agencies recognize it as a Group 1 carcinogen.
Even small amounts of benzene inhaled or ingested over time can cause serious illness. Once absorbed, benzene spreads rapidly through the bloodstream and accumulates in fatty tissues—and studies show women may absorb benzene at higher rates than men.
If you or a loved one have been affected by Benzene pollution, don’t wait to seek legal help.
Contact Salenger, Sack, Kimmel & Bavaro today for a FREE consultation.
Call (800) 675-8556 or contact us online to get started.
Research shows benzene disrupts cell function and damages DNA in bone marrow, leading to mutations that trigger leukemia and blood cancers.
Benzene enters communities through a wide range of industrial and environmental processes. Because it evaporates quickly but breaks down slowly in soil and groundwater, contamination can persist for years—sometimes decades.
Benzene contamination has been documented in urban neighborhoods, rural towns, industrial corridors, and agricultural regions across the United States.
The EPA limits benzene in public drinking water to:
5 parts per billion (5 ppb)
Many states set even stricter limits.
Any community located near industrial facilities or waste sites may be at risk. High-risk areas include:
Communities near shale gas wells may experience benzene emissions into both air and groundwater.
You may have a benzene contamination case if:
✔ Your public water system exceeds 5 ppb benzene
✔ Air or soil testing shows elevated benzene levels
✔ Residents report unusual odors, chemical tastes, or discoloration in drinking water
✔ There is a nearby refinery, chemical plant, landfill, or industrial waste site
✔ Local wells show signs of contamination
✔ You live near a fracking or shale gas extraction site
You can also review your municipality’s Consumer Confidence Report (CCR)—published annually—to see if benzene was detected in your water system.
Benzene contamination cases are typically filed by:
• Cities, towns, and counties
• Public and private water providers
• Municipalities and community groups
• Individuals harmed by prolonged exposure (in certain cases)
Polluters must be held accountable—not taxpayers.
With more than four decades of litigation experience, Salenger, Sack, Kimmel & Bavaro has taken on some of the world’s largest corporations—and won.
We continue to fight for municipalities and individuals harmed by benzene, PFAS, pesticides, asbestos, and other hazardous pollutants.
SSKB supports communities by:
Our team has the resources and experience required to handle large-scale, multi-defendant environmental pollution lawsuits.
If your community’s air, drinking water, or soil has been contaminated with benzene, you may be eligible to pursue legal action.
Salenger, Sack, Kimmel & Bavaro, LLP is actively reviewing benzene contamination claims for municipalities, water authorities, and impacted residents nationwide.
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