Rubber and Tire Manufacturers

Benzene-containing solvents are used in the manufacture of tires and other rubber products. Benzene fumes are created throughout such plants by manufacturing processes that generate heat, causing the evaporation of benzene into the air and potentially exposing production and maintenance workers in the plant. Benzene-containing solvents and other raw materials are typically shipped into the receiving unit of such plants, risking exposure among workers employed in shipping and receiving. Maintenance workers, laborers and electrical repairmen may also use benzene containing solvents to clean and repair machinery. Their work also takes them to areas throughout the plant where they may be exposed to benzene vapors from other processes.

Rubber workers manufacture neoprene, gaskets, tubing, belting and other rubber products. Processes involving the use of heat can emit significant amounts of benzene vapors. Workers at tire manufacturing plants can be exposed to benzene vapors in areas that are associated with heat and high solvent use. Rubber batches are put through a number of processes to create tires including extrusion, calendaring, curing and product fabrication. Benzene fumes are created when heat and solvents are used to form and coat the rubber. Laborers and workers who use solvents to finish and repair tires are also at risk of exposure to benzene containing solvents.

For over 29 years, the law firm of Baron & Budd, P.C. has fought to safeguard the rights of victims of toxic substances like benzene. The Leukemia Lawyer Web site is a service of Baron & Budd, P.C.