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I think I drank softdrinks that contained benzene a couple years ago. Can I still take legal action?
I have heard on the news that some soft drinks contain a harmful substance called benzene. I have been drinking soft drinks for several years. Do I have any legal rights?
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Answers (1)
Benzene contamination is a public health concern and has caused significant outcry among environmental and health advocates. Benzene levels are regulated in drinking water nationally and in bottled water in the United States. For soft drinks, benzene levels are only regulated informally. The FDA released preliminary results in May 2006 for 100 beverages showing that many soft drinks contained low levels of benzene (less than 5 ppb, the federal drinking water limit) while four drinks contained amounts above the standard. The FDA stated that it is working with manufacturers to reformulate products that contain benzene above the federal drinking water standard.
If you are experiencing any health problems, the first thing to do may be to go to the doctor and find out the source of the problem. Product liability is the area of law in which manufacturers, distributors, suppliers, retailers, and others who make products available to the public are held responsible for the injuries those products cause. There must first be an injury to initiate an action again the soft drink company that may be responsible. Moving forward, please consult with an Environmental Lawyer to determine the best course of action for your case.
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Posted by Jason Tong on 21 Jan 2010
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(12 Votes)