Which Areas of Texas Have the Highest Risk of Benzene Exposure?

In Texas, people face the highest risk of benzene exposure along the Gulf Coast. Those who live or work in fenceline communities near any of the state’s major oil refineries, chemical plants, and barge-cleaning operations may be more susceptible to benzene exposure than others.

Benzene exposure can cause long-lasting health issues. If you have been exposed to benzene due to another party’s actions, get legal help. Our meticulous Benzene exposure attorney in Texas can review your situation and let you know if you could have grounds for a claim or lawsuit.

Top Areas for Benzene Exposure in Texas

Research suggests that people who live or work in the Texas communities below could face a high risk of benzene exposure:

• Channelview: Those who reside or work in this Jacintoport neighborhood may face a high level of benzene exposure due to its barge-cleaning and chemical distribution operations.
• Port Arthur: This Jefferson County city is home to several refineries, including the TotalEnergies refinery, that are known to emit benzene.
• Texas City: Over the years, the Marathon Petroleum Galveston Bay refinery in Texas City has been scrutinized for its benzene levels that have exceeded federal action levels.
• Houston: Some Houston neighborhoods surrounding refineries and petrochemical facilities operated by large companies have recorded elevated benzene levels during certain monitoring periods.
• Pasadena: The Chevron refinery and other industrial facilities in Pasadena have been flagged at times for surpassing federal benzene action levels.

In these areas and others, a dense concentration of refineries and chemical plants may contribute to above-average benzene levels.

Which Areas of Texas Have the Lowest Risk of Benzene Exposure?

The Texas areas where people face a low risk of benzene exposure are typically located inland and are not as industrialized as other parts of the state. Such areas include:

• Central Texas
• West Texas
• The Texas Panhandle

Utilize the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) enforcement and compliance history database to track reported emissions where you live.

You can also use the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) Air Quality Forecast to monitor ozone and particulate matter levels in your community.

How to Protect Against Benzene Exposure

You cannot necessarily control your exposure to benzene, particularly if you live or work in an area where there’s a high likelihood that this chemical will be present. However, there are things that you can do to minimize your risk of prolonged exposure that otherwise causes severe health issues, including:

• Make sure that your employer adheres to Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) guidelines. If you work at a refinery or another industrial environment where you could be exposed to benzene, verify that your employer is complying with OSHA guidelines relating to the chemical.
• Use personal protective equipment (PPE). Workers who could be exposed to benzene should have access to respiratory protection.
• Monitor the air quality. The AirNow platform gives you access to data regarding air quality in Texas communities and across the United States.

Receive medical attention if you are dealing with health issues due to suspected exposure to benzene. If these issues may be the result of someone else’s negligence, you may have a case for filing a claim or lawsuit against the liable party. At this point, you can contact an attorney who has handled benzene exposure cases, and they can explain your legal options.