PPG Workers | Benzene Exposure

Workers involved in the production of household and industrial chemicals, paints, sealants, coatings and refinishes are often exposed to toxic substances and end products that contain Benzene and other dangerous carcinogens, potentially increasing the risk of cancer and other health issues.

PPG Industries is one of the largest paint and coatings supplier in the country, employing thousands of Ohio and regional residents.

PPG manufacturers many commonly sold products with chemicals and solvents containing Benzene and other toxic carcinogens. Due to the fact that chronic occupational exposure to Benzene has been proven to increase the risk of certain cancers like acute myeloid leukemia (AML), PPG Industries workers may be in danger of future health issues.

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PPG Cancer Risks

There are several notable medical studies that now link Benzene to forms of cancer. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) lists Benzene as a high-level carcinogen. Increased risks of Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) have been reported among paint production workers with high levels of Benzene exposure.

Chronic workplace exposure to paint and paint-related chemicals may cause an increased risk of cancer, according to a study published by the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine.

Further studies of paint workers exposed to Benzene and other solvents indicate high risks of stomach and esophageal cancers, cancer of the gall bladder, pancreatic cancer, Hodgkin’s disease, and multiple myeloma.

PPG Industries Ohio Chemical and Paint Facilities

PPG has a large presence in Ohio and employs thousands of residents, many of which my face health risks due to past and current occupational toxin exposure.

Ohio plants operated by PPG produce a number of industrial and household products, including a wide range of interior and exterior paints, specialty coatings and colorants, wood care, refinishes and high-performance automotive coatings.

PPG Industries has plants at the following locations:

• Circleville, Ohio
• Cleveland, Ohio
• Delaware, Ohio
• Euclid, Ohio
• Huber Heights, Ohio
• Huron, Ohio
• Lima, Ohio
• Milford, Ohio
• Strongsville, Ohio

Airborne Toxins in PPG Facilities

Several potentially toxic chemicals are commonly used to produce paints, coatings, colorants, refinishes and sealants. Toxic chemicals at PPG workplaces may include:

• Benzene
• ‍Silica
• ‍Formaldehyde‍
• Styrene
• ‍Toluene
• ‍Xylene‍
• Ethyl acetate
• ‍Methylene chloride‍
• Aliphatic compounds
• Ketones
• Glycol ethers

Occupational Cancer Linked to Chemicals and Paints

Long-term exposure and regular inhalation of Benzene can cause a fatal cancer called Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML). Benzene exposure is most likely in the form of inhalation, though the toxin can also enter the body through skin absorption, and once in the blood, Benzene can severely damage bone marrow and blood forming cells, white blood cells, red blood cells and platelets. Benzene exposure at the workplace is linked to the following types of cancer:

• Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML)
• ‍Lung Cancer
• ‍Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS)
• ‍Multiple Myeloma‍
• Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML)
• Breast Cancer
• ‍Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma
• ‍Aplastic Anemia‍
• Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL)
• Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL)
• ‍Hairy Cell Leukemia‍
• Hematologic cancer
• Myelofibrosis and Myeloid Metaplasia

Watch our Video About Benzene

Benzene is a highly-volatile chemical used in gasoline and as a solvent in many chemical and pharmaceutical products. In 2010, the World Health Organization said exposure to Benzene was a “major public health concern.”

It is a concern because Benzene is a toxin that may cause blood cancers such as acute myeloid leukemia (AML), myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and acute non lymphatic leukemia. The IARC classifies it as a group 1 carcinogen. Benzene is considered as toxic as asbestos.

The American Public Health Association reports that three million workers in the United States at auto mechanic and repair shops, gas stations, shipping loading docks, paint manufacturing plants, printers, trucking positions, and rubber manufacturing facilities are at risk.