Railroad Cancer
Railroads employ millions of gallons of diesel fuel to transport freight trains over long distances. This extremely toxic diesel exhaust is a source of carcinogens, such as arsenic dioxin and benzene.
If you're an ex- or current railroad worker who was diagnosed with cancer, you could be eligible for compensation under the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA). Our Houston railroad cancer lawyers will help you receive fair financial compensation for your suffering.
Benzene
Benzene, an industrial solvent, can be found in diesel fuel exhaust. Many railroad workers, like conductors, engineers and machinists and electricians, work in areas in which they come in contact with diesel fumes.
One exposure to benzene can cause cancer in some people. Particularly, it is known to cause acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The cancer starts in the bone marrow, and expands into blood. It is more common for men than women, and it can be fatal if it is not treated.
Union Pacific Lawsuit Settlements of benzene arise due to the fact that it could harm the immune system. This can cause various health issues including infections and a reduced capability to fight off germs. Benzene can also weaken bones and increase the risk for arthritis.
Another serious problem from exposure to benzene is chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). This type of cancer starts in the bone marrow, and then it spreads to blood. It can affect the spleen as well as other parts of the body.
A study in 2015 found that even low levels of benzene can increase the risk of leukemia by three-quarters. Researchers looked into medical documents of 25,000 Norwegian oil workers who were employed for 20 or more days.
Despite the dangers of exposure to benzene, it's still being used in a variety of commercial and industrial settings. There are, however, ways to reduce exposure and prevent benzene poisoning.
One option is to wear the right clothes and eyewear that is protected. Railroad Injury Settlement Amounts will prevent benzene getting in the eyes and nose. A respirator should be used whenever possible.
If you suspect that you've been exposed, immediately notify your doctor. This will help you detect any signs and decrease the risk of dying from poisoning caused by benzene.
Benzene is also known to cause brain damage, as well as various other forms of cancer. It can lead to a loss of memory and confusion. If you suffer from this disorder, it can lead to an impairment in your quality of life and make it difficult for you to perform your duties at home or at work.
Asbestos
Asbestos is a poisonous mineral that has been found to be the cause of many serious illnesses like lung cancer and mesothelioma. It is found in a variety of materials that are used in construction, such as pipe insulation or floor tiles.
As a result , asbestos exposure is among the most serious health risks to railroad workers. Railroad workers are exposed to asbestos in numerous ways, and some of the most prevalent are:
One exposure to asbestos can result in mesothelioma or other life-threatening cancers. The cancers, which grow in the lungs or the membrane that covers the lungs and abdominal cavity (the mesothelium), are often fatal.
Fortunately, the majority of people who are exposed to asbestos fibers won't develop any of the negative diseases that can be linked to asbestos. Most fibers are released through coughing or as mucus. This helps protect the lungs. However there are some kinds of asbestos fibers that can adhere to the lung and remain there for decades or years.
Although the effects on health of this condition may differ from person-to-person, they can result in chest pain, breath shortness trouble breathing tightness in the chest and chest pain. Other signs include difficulty swallowing and weight loss.
Children exposed to asbestos are more at risk of developing mesothelioma as well as other forms of cancer. They are more likely to inhale harmful fibers through the nose and mouth. The reason is that their lung tissues are still developing.
They inhale more asbestos fibers due to the fact that they breathe at a higher rate and have a higher surface area to volume ratio than adults.
Young children are more likely to breathe in the harmful fibers than adults and are particularly at risk if they've lived in close proximity to railroad vehicles. If they have a parent who suffers from mesothelioma are at greater risk of developing the disease.
Creosote
In the 19th century, creosote was developed to preserve wood from rot and insect damage. It also saved railroad companies money by reducing the cost of replacing wood. Creosote can still be used to treat wood products in the present. It is also used for protection of log homes and marine pilings.
It is a poisonous chemical that has been linked to a range of cancers. This includes esophageal, lung and larynx cancers.
People who work in the wood preservation, asphalt, and coke-production industries are at particular risk. Chimney sweeps as well as workers who do physical work like rail track maintenance and construction, could also be exposed to creosote.
Creosote exposure can cause skin irritation, eyelid convulsions and spasms, as also chemical burns, convulsions, chemical burns and even unconsciousness. It can also cause lung problems and respiratory problems, similar to smoking.
Creosote chemical, which is made by coal tar, can be absorbed through the skin. It also can enter the body through food items that are contaminated and water.
One of the primary sources of exposure to creosote among railroad employees is working around the hazardous waste sites. These sites typically contain large quantities of creosote, which can infect water, soil and the air.
Rail workers might also be exposed to creosote when they work in the wood treatment industry. A variety of wood products, such as lumber and fences, are treated with creosote.
These workers are often not provided with protective gear, which can expose them to toxic creosote and other substances. This could lead to serious health issues like chronic fatigue syndrome and cancer.
Creosote is an oily liquid which ranges from amber to black in color. It also has a burning, caustic taste. It is not buoyant in liquids and has a specific gravity of 1.037 to 1.87. It is a mix of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and phenolic compounds in addition to other chemicals. While coal is the most popular form, different forms of creosote are also available.
Diesel Exhaust
Diesel exhaust is a byproduct from combustion of fuel and is released into the air when diesel engines are used. Diesel exhaust can also be released by diesel locomotives, construction equipment, farm equipment, generators and other industrial equipment.
Diesel exhaust workers are at greater risk of developing cancer. This is due to the fact that they are frequently exposed to more of this substance than people who work in other industries.
A few studies suggest that exposure to diesel exhaust could cause lung cancer in lab animals like rats. In some cases, the diesel exhaust can even change the DNA of cells, making them more likely to develop and eventually become cancerous.
Studies on the effects of diesel exhaust on humans have also proven that exposure to heavy amounts can lead to numerous health issues that include respiratory disorders such as chronic bronchitis or emphysema as well as blood system diseases like cancers of the bladder, larynx (voice box), esophagus, stomach and pancreas. Some cancers of prostate, breast, and stomach have been caused by diesel exhaust.
The American Cancer Society considers diesel exhaust to be a carcinogen. Cancer Lawsuits is classified as carcinogenic by the International Agency for Research on Cancer which is part of the World Health Organization.
People who work with large machines and engines, like truck drivers and toll booth operators may be at the highest risk of developing cancer because of exposure to exhaust fumes from diesel. They may also be at high risk for cancer if they spend a large amount of time in locations where heavy diesel traffic occurs like highways and cities.
Railroad workers who build and maintain yards and tracks can be exposed to diesel fumes when they work near diesel engines or other machines. The fumes can pose a risk in the cabins of machinery such as locomotives and other machines.
Cancer Lawsuits on laboratory rats revealed that exposure to diesel exhaust can cause numerous lung tumors and the development of inflammatory changes. Some of these tumors appeared similar to a type of cancer called a lung adenocarcinoma. The condition occurs when the cells within the lungs become malignant and multiply rapidly.