The Nation - News from Feb. 15, 1985

Shell Oil Co., responding to reports that at least 20 refinery workers died of leukemia during a 10-year period, said that it had been open in telling its employees of the health danger and was trying to determine the cause of the disease. The statement came in response to a published report that the deaths at two Shell refineries represented a much higher number than statistically likely and possibly were caused by exposure to benzene. The company said in a statement that it frequently communicated with employees and retirees about benzene dangers through meetings, bulletins and letters to homes.