Benzene Recent News
November 16, 2006: Benzene Dealers Seek Dismissal of Suit Filed by Former Plant Workers
A group of benzene manufacturers, distributors, and suppliers requested dismissal of a lawsuit brought by former employees of a Uniroyal plant in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. The suit alleges that benzene exposure at the plant caused the workers to develop Multiple Myeloma or a similar cancer. Among other arguments for dismissal of the case, the defendant benzene dealers claim that the workers knew the dangers of the chemicals at the plant (and voluntarily used the chemicals), and that the chemicals conformed to industry standards, including proper safety warnings.
August 28, 2006: Coca-Cola Sued Over Benzene-Forming Ingredients
A lawsuit was filed against Coca-Cola as part of an ongoing effort to eliminate ingredients that form benzene in soft drinks and other beverages. Plaintiffs have added Coca-Cola's "Vault Zero" energy drink to a Kansas lawsuit which also targets Pepsi's "Diet Wild Cherry" and Kraft's "Crystal Light Sunrise Classic Orange" drinks.
August 25, 2006: Soft Drink Companies Settle Benzene Case
Soft drink manufacturers In Zone Brands, Inc. and Talking Rain Beverage Company have settled lawsuits which had alleged that their products contain harmful benzene-forming ingredients. Although the beverage makers denied that their products caused any harm, they agreed in April and May of this year to eliminate from their products any ingredients that can form benzene.
July 26, 2006: Boeing Workers Sue Manufacturers of Benzene
Two lawsuits were filed in King County Superior Court (Washington) against manufacturers of benzene. The two Boeing workers who brought suit allege that the defendants failed to warn about the dangers of benzene and that they contracted acute myelogenous leukemia as a result of their exposure to benzene. According to case records, among the 26 named defendants are 3M Co., Chevron USA, Inc., Dow Chemical Co., Fisher Scientific Co., and Kelly Moore Paint Co., Inc.
June 12, 2006: Former Plant Workers Sue Benzene Dealers
Nine former employees of a Uniroyal plant in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, have brought suit against manufacturers, distributors, and suppliers of benzene, alleging that they were exposed to benzene on the job and have since developed Multiple Myeloma or a similar cancer. They allege that the defendants knew, but failed to disclose, that their products were dangerous.
April 13, 2006: FDA Issues Statement on Benzene in Soft Drinks
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a statement describing steps it is taking in response to reports that benzene has been found in soft drinks and other beverages. The FDA continues to follow up with beverage companies to ensure that processing conditions are established that will avoid or minimize benzene formation. In the meantime, it believes that the results of its most recent survey indicate that the levels of benzene found in soft drinks do not pose a safety concern. Click here to read the full FDA Statement.
April 12, 2006: Soft Drink Makers Sued Over Benzene
Class action law suits were filed in Massachusetts and Florida against Polar Beverages, Inc. and In-Zone Brands, Inc., alleging that the benzene content in the companies' beverages exceeds safe drinking-water standards set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
February 2006: EPA Proposes a Rule to Reduce Hazardous Air Pollutants from Mobile Sources
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a regulatory announcement proposing a new rule to control emissions of hazardous air pollutants (such as benzene and other air toxics) from mobile sources, including motor vehicles and other moving sources. The proposed standard would reduce benzene emissions by lowering benzene in gasoline, reducing exhaust emissions from passenger vehicles operated at cold temperatures, and reducing emissions that evaporate from, and permeate through, portable gas cans. Click here to read the full EPA regulatory announcement.