ROXANA, ILLINOIS ENVIRONMENTAL AND TOXIC TORT LITIGATION

The Dysart Law Firm, P.C. is currently representing property owners and victims of benzene induced Leukemia against Shell Oil Company and other defendants, stemming from Shell's release of benzene and other toxic chemicals in and around Roxana, Illinois.

The Illinois EPA has documented a benzene release in Roxana, Illinois occurring in and around January 30, 1986 from an underground pipeline located just northwest of the intersection Route 111 and Rand Avenue. Another documented release occurred in February 1986.

Recent investigation by the Illinois EPA indicates that there are numerous toxic chemicals in the groundwater in and around Roxana, Illinois. The toxic chemicals discovered to date include Benzene, Ethylbenzene, Toulene, 1, 23 Trimethylbenzene, Xylene, MTBE and Napthalene. Information from the Illinois EPA indicates that the toxic chemicals in the groundwater are being influenced and moving as a result of the Wood River Refinery withdrawal of water in a cone of depression beneath the refinery.  According to the Illinois EPA, the movement of toxic chemicals in the groundwater poses a risk to homes, and businesses located between the release site and the pumping wells. According to the Illinois EPA, the high concentration of contaminants present on the surface of the water table and the unconfined sand aquifer present suitable conditions for vapor migration and vapor intrusion into the homes of Roxana residents.

Does Benzene Cause Cancer and Leukemia?

Research has shown Benzene can cause cancer and central nervous system toxicity. It is classified as a "Category A" human carcinogen under the EPA Risk Assessment Guidelines of 1986. Studies have linked Benzene exposure to leukemia, a malignant disease that affects the blood and bone marrow, as well as other forms of cancer.

Benzene and Hematalogic Disease

Studies have also linked benzene to hematologic diseases such as Myelodysplastic Syndrome, Aplastic Anemia, Pancytopenia, and Myelofibrosis.

Benzene is easily absorbed into the bloodstream through the inhalation of vapors and mist. It can also be absorbed through your skin and into your bloodstream when in contact with a person's body.

$39.5 Million Recovery Hartford, Illinois Environmental Contaminant Case

The Dysart Law Firm, P.C., is an experienced environmental property damage law firm. We recently finalized a $39.5 million settlement with the last of numerous defendants including Shell Oil Company, BP Products North America, Premcor, Sinclair and Apex Oil Company, stemming from a 4 million gallon gasoline plume under the town of Hartford, Illinois, a town neighboring Roxana, Illinois.

In July 2008, we reached a settlement with Premcor and Shell for $16 million. In 2009, plaintiffs reached a settlement with BP for $19.5 million.

In 2011, plaintiffs reached a settlement with Apex Oil and Sinclair Oil for $4 million. The total recovery for the residents of Hartford, Illinois for property damage to their homes and businesses is $39.5 million.

If you or a loved one may have been injured by the effects of Benzene or your property damaged by toxic chemicals please call Christopher Dysart at The Dysart Law Firm, P.C. today at 636-812-0191.