It’s not a surprise to benzene exposure lawyers that people who live in areas where there’s a high concentration of benzene in the environment, have a higher risk of developing diseases like cancer.  However, a new study shows that women, who live in these areas, may also be at a higher risk of having babies with a neurological defect.

The study was conducted by researchers from the University Of Texas School of Public Health and the Texas Department of Public Safety.  The findings of the study have been published in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives.  This is believed to be the first study that links exposure to benzene with a serious neurological birth defect.

According to the study, pregnant women who were exposed to high concentrations of benzene had a two times greater risk of having babies with Spina Bifida. .  This is a neurological condition in which a section of the spinal cord protrudes from the spinal column.  This defect may cause paralysis in the lower body.  These babies may also suffer from learning disabilities and depression as they grow older.  The defect occurs in the very first month of pregnancy.

More interestingly, the study did not find any evidence linking the birth defects to exposure to any other air pollutants, including ethyl benzene and toulene.

This study is of particular interest to me. The Texas benzene exposure lawyers at our law firm have filed a mass lawsuit against BP for injuries sustained during exposure to benzene from a leak at the Texas City refinery.

Image Courtesy: Flickr – rumpleteaser

Vuk Vujasinovic is a Board Certified Houston personal injury attorney who practices Houston auto accident and other personal injury cases.

For more info on how Vuk can help you with your potential case please call him at (877) 724-7800 or fill out the contact form on the right.

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