Submit your claim details for a free, no obligation case review
Get Started:
The residents of Laurel Garden housing subdivision in Hazelton, Pennsylvania are concerned about their safety following the leak of at least 50,000 gallons of gasoline from the underground storage tanks of four eastern Pennsylvania gas stations.
The fumes from the leak containing the deadly chemical benzene have seeped into homes through sewer systems, water, and contaminated air, affecting approximately 350 plus middle class homes. The most disconcerting news came from a recent University of Pittsburg study that reported an abnormally high instance of leukemia cases in the residential area, suggesting benzene may be the cause.
While the study performed by Ami Patel and colleagues at the Graduate School of Public Health found that the cancer rate in the area was actually lower than the state average, the leukemia rate in Laurel Gardens was 4.5 times higher than researchers had expected. Of 663 residents involved in the study, there were four cases of leukemia found, two of which were acute myelogenous leukemia, which has been closely associated with benzene exposure.
Benzene expert, Martyn Smith of the University of California at Berkeley commented, that while numbers may seem low, it is the proportion that is relevant. The doctor added that the probability that a person will acquire acute myelogenous leukemia is about one in 25,000, making two in 663 residents a disturbing figure.
Despite the Environmental Protection Agency''s $25 million effort to clean up this area of eastern Pennsylvania, they are continuing to have to filter contaminated ground water and vapors.
Underground gas leaks are a serious problem facing the United States today with over 120,000 locations where gas leaks have occurred. Four thousand of these leaks are located in Pennsylvania.
Benzene is a known carcinogen and is commonly associated with the onset of acute myelogenous leukemia. The organic hydrocarbon can be found in wood fires, cigarette smoke, and gasoline and is commonly used in industrial chemicals. It is unclear what level and length of benzene exposure can put one at a risk for cancer, but health professionals believe that most everyone living over an underground gas spill has some level of risk for health problems.
Christopher Borgert, head of the Applied Pharmacology and Toxicology Inc. in Florida warns however that this evidence must be viewed cautiously. “Just because you have a case of acute myelogenous leukemia and a person exposed to benzene doesn''t necessarily mean benzene caused the disease.”
The researchers will continue to monitor the health of the 663 Laurel Garden residents. Currently there are more than 200 people involved in lawsuits against the owners of the underground tanks.
Copyright © 2001 - 2012 Online Lawyer Source
ATTORNEY ADVERTISEMENT—Thank you for your visit. The content published on this website was not written by medical professionals and should not, at any point, be mistaken for medical advice. Furthermore, the information on this site is intended for educational purposes only and should never interfere with a patient/site visitor and his or her healthcare provider. In addition, viewing the content on this website, requesting additional information, or transmitting information through a contact form should never be considered the formation of an attorney-client relationship. The material published on this site is general and may not apply to your specific circumstances. Every case comes with its own set of unique circumstances; past success discussed on this site does not guarantee future performance. Information found on this website should not be used as incentive to act without seeking counsel from a professional. For more information, please read our disclaimer.