Locks Law Firm's Work on Benzene Is Supported by New Medical Study

International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) Study Concluding
Link Between Cancer and Exposure to Gasoline

PHILADELPHIA, April 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Locks Law Firm, one of the leading mass tort firms in the United States, recently obtained a verdict of $725.5M against ExxonMobil. This is the largest in a series of cases related to the carcinogenic benzene in gasoline. The new study issued in March 2025 by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), a division of the World Health Organization (WHO), concluded that exposure to automotive gasoline causes cancer in humans.

Locks Law Firm has successfully represented dozens of clients in benzene cases arguing that prolonged exposure to benzene, an additive in the gasoline that fuels cars and other home machines such as leaf blowers and lawnmowers, causes cancers including urinary bladder cancer and acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The study by IARC included a panel of 20 scientists from 16 countries who reviewed research and studies that consistently supported heightened cancer risk among gas station attendants, gasoline distribution workers, automobile mechanics, and other workers with significant gasoline vapor exposure.

The IARC study has classified automotive gasoline as carcinogenic to humans, or Group 1, citing sufficient evidence linking it to AML and urinary bladder cancer in adults. A Group 1 carcinogen is the highest category of risk and includes other known products such as asbestos.

"This common exposure is largely unknown to the general public who go to gas stations daily," commented Andrew DuPont, Senior Partner, Locks Law Firm. "The people who work in the automotive industry, whether as mechanics, gas station attendants, or in refineries, have spent a lifetime being exposed to the damaging chemicals without realizing the risk they were taking. Just last year, we successfully won a historic $725 million verdict for a gasoline station attendant/mechanic whose prolonged exposure to gasoline caused him to develop AML. We hope this incredible verdict will help change the rights of these individuals moving forward."

The general public's main exposure to dangerous gasoline vapors is when they live near a gas station or while fueling their cars. Exposure to harmful gasoline vapors can also come via air pollution, or from water and soil that has been contaminated by gasoline spills.

This danger has been hidden from the public for decades due to the powerful influence of big oil. In the 1950's, it is documented that oil companies knew of the cancer risks associated with gasoline exposure.

"This study by the World Health Organization should raise public awareness for this long-hidden issue," said DuPont. "I suspect in 10 years benzene will have the same household recognition as asbestos. It's a shame that it has taken this long and so many people have gotten sick over something preventable with a change in gasoline production."

About Locks Law Firm
Locks Law Firm stands as a nationally recognized leader in mass tort litigation, having successfully managed some of the most significant cases in American legal history. The firm rose to national prominence through its groundbreaking work on landmark asbestos cases, trying dozens of cases, making asbestos a household name, and changing how Americans view toxic exposure. The firm later secured litigation work on the Agent Orange case following the Vietnam War.

More recently, Locks Law Firm distinguished itself as the premier advocate for NFL players in the historic concussion settlement, representing more than 1500 retired NFL. The firm's legacy of taking on powerful interests continues with its current work on benzene litigation, having secured a record-breaking $725 million settlement in early 2025—the largest benzene verdict in history.

With strategic offices in Philadelphia, New York City, and Cherry Hill, New Jersey, Locks Law Firm specializes in trial advocacy—a rare expertise in today's legal landscape. The firm has built its reputation on protecting the rights of people nationwide and providing justice for individuals and families who have suffered injuries or death due to corporate negligence and recklessness.

For more information about Locks Law Firm's groundbreaking work and commitment to law as a way to settle disputes, visit www.lockslaw.com.

Contact:
Erica Bates
erica@batesadvising.com
917-559-4984

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SOURCE Locks Law Firm