Painters

Some paint products and paint thinners contain, or have contained, benzene. Painters and paint-factory workers have regular exposure to paint products and thinners, and they can be exposed to benzene in these products—both through contact with the skin and through breathing in fumes from the paint. Because benzene evaporates easily, working around products that contain the chemical creates significant risk of exposure.

Because benzene released from paint supplies—even stored paint supplies—is a major contributor to high levels of benzene in indoor air, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recommends to homeowners that paint supplies be discarded if they will not be used immediately.

A history of working with and around benzene-containing paint products puts painters at increased risk of developing a variety of benzene-related diseases. Studies have shown that the risk of certain benzene-related cancers is significantly higher among painters and varnishers than in the general population.

If you or a loved one is, or used to be, a painter and has developed a benzene-related disease, contact us to learn more about your legal rights.