Railroad Cancer
Railroads burn millions of gallons diesel fuel to run freight trains on long distances. The highly toxic diesel exhaust is high in carcinogens including arsenic and benzene.
You may be qualified for compensation under the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA) if you are railroad worker who is diagnosed with cancer. Our Houston railroad cancer lawyers will assist you obtain fair financial compensation for your suffering.
Benzene
It is an industrial solvent that is found in the exhaust of diesel engines. Many railroad workers, such as conductors, engineers and machinists and electricians are employed in areas where they come into contact with diesel fumes.
Some people may develop cancer after an exposure to benzene for a short period of time. Specifically, it is known to cause acute myeloid leukemia (AML). This cancer begins in the bone marrow and expands into blood. It is more prevalent in men than it is in women and can be fatal if untreated.
The immune system can be damaged by benzene, and that's why it is a threat. This can lead to various health issues like infections and a lower capacity to fight off germs. Benzene can also cause bone weakness and increase the risk of arthritis.
Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is another serious adverse effect of benzene. The cancer forms start in the bone marrow, and expands into blood. It may also affect the spleen and other organs of your body.
A study from 2015 found that even the smallest amount of benzene can increase the risk of developing leukemia by 33. Researchers examined the medical documents of 25000 Norwegian oil-rig workers who worked for more that 20 days.
Despite the risk of being exposed to benzene in the workplace, it is still used in many commercial and industrial processes. Fortunately, there are ways to limit exposure and prevent poisoning with benzene.
Wearing eye protection and appropriate clothing is one way to protect your eyes. This will prevent benzene out of the nose and eyes. You should also wear a respirator whenever you can.
If you suspect that have been exposed to benzene, you should call your doctor immediately. This will help identify any symptoms you might be suffering from and help reduce your chances of death from benzene poisoning.
Benzene can also cause brain damage, along with other forms of cancer. It can lead to a loss of memory and confusion. If you are suffering from this condition it can cause an impairment in your quality of life and make it difficult for you to function at home or in the workplace.
Asbestos
Asbestos is a poisonous mineral that has been proven to cause many serious diseases such as lung cancer and mesothelioma. It is found in a variety of substances used in construction such as pipe insulation or floor tiles.
As as a result asbestos exposure is considered to be one of the most serious health risks to people who work in the industry of railroads. Railroad workers can be exposed to asbestos-containing substances in various ways, and some of the most common include:
A single exposure to asbestos can cause mesothelioma or any other cancers that could be life-threatening. These cancers can manifest in the lungs, mesothelium (the membrane that covers the lung) and the abdominal cavity.
Fortunately, most people who are exposed to asbestos fibers won't develop any of the dangerous health conditions linked to asbestos. The majority of the fibers will be eliminated, or be released into mucus that protects the lungs. There are asbestos fibers which can stick to your lungs for a long time, even for decades.
The health effects of this condition vary from person to person, but it may cause shortness of breath, chest pain, trouble breathing or a tight feeling in the chest. Other symptoms include difficulty swallowing and weight loss.
Children exposed to asbestos are at higher chance of developing mesothelioma or other forms of cancer. They are more likely to breathe harmful fibers through their mouth and nose. The reason for this is because their lung tissues are still developing.
They breathe at a greater rate, and since their lungs have a larger surface area to volume ratio than adults', they are able to inhale more asbestos fibers.
Due to their vulnerability to inhaling the dangerous fibers, young children are at a particularly high risk of developing mesothelioma especially if they've been in close contact with railroad cars. They also have an increased risk of developing this disease when they have an ancestor who has mesothelioma.
Creosote
Creosote was initially developed in the 19th century to shield wood from damage caused by insects and rot. Railroad companies were capable of saving money by reducing the cost of replacing wood. Creosote can still be used for treating wood products today. Railroad Workers can also be used to protect log homes and marine pilings.
It is a toxic substance and has been linked to numerous cancers. Some of these include esophageal, lung and larynx cancers.
Workers in the asphalt, wood preservation, and coke-production industries are particularly vulnerable. Workers who work physically such as rail track maintenance or construction, like chimney sweeps, might also be exposed.
Creosote exposure can cause skin irritation, eyelid spasms and convulsions, along with chemical burns convulsions, chemical burns, and even unconsciousness. It can also cause respiratory problems and lung problems, similar to smoking.
Creosote, a substance derived from coal tar, can be absorbed through skin. It can also be consumed through food that is contaminated or water.
Railroad workers are exposed to creosote whenever they work close to hazardous waste sites. These sites usually contain huge amounts of creosote that can cause contamination of water, soil and air.
Rail workers could also be exposed to creosote when they work in the wood treatment field. Many wood products such as fences and lumber are treated with creosote.
People who work in these industries are usually not equipped with safety equipment, which can expose workers to creosote as well as other toxic substances. This can lead to serious health conditions, like cancer and chronic fatigue syndrome.
Creosote, a liquid that is oily with a burning, bitter taste, is an amber-black color. It is not buoyant in liquids and has a specific gravity range of 1.037 to 1.87. It is a mix of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, phenolic compounds, and various other chemicals. While coal is the most popular form, other forms of creosote are also offered.
Cancer Lawsuit is a byproduct from burning fuel and released into the atmosphere when diesel engines are used. It is also released from diesel locomotives, farm and construction equipment generators, ships, and other industrial equipment.
Diesel exhaust workers are at a higher risk of developing cancer. This is due to the fact that they are frequently exposed to more of this substance than those who work in other sectors.
A few studies suggest that long-term exposure to diesel exhaust can cause lung cancer in lab animals like rats. Diesel exhaust can trigger DNA modifications in cells, making them more prone to cancerous growth.
Studies of diesel exhaust in humans have also shown that exposure to heavy amounts can lead to many health problems, including respiratory disorders like chronic bronchitis and emphysema, as well as blood system disorders like bladder cancer and larynx (voice box), esophagus, stomach and the pancreas. Other studies have identified diesel exhaust as a cause of cancers of the prostate and breast.
The American Cancer Society considers diesel exhaust to be carcinogen. It is classified as carcinogenic by the International Agency for Research on Cancer which is part of the World Health Organization.
Workers who are exposed to large machines and engines, such as truck drivers and operators of toll booths, could be at the highest risk of developing cancer from the exhaust of diesel. They may also be at risk for cancer if they spend a significant amount of time in areas where heavy diesel traffic occurs (e.g. cities or highways).
In addition, employees of railroads who manage and construct tracks and yards may be exposed to diesel fumes if they are working close to locomotives or other equipment that utilizes diesel engines. Railroad Injury Settlement Amounts can be hazardous in the cabins of locomotives and other equipment.
A study conducted on laboratory animals showed that long-term exposure to diesel exhaust can cause several lung tumors and the development of inflammatory changes. Certain of these tumors appeared like a particular type of cancer known as a lung adenocarcinoma. The condition occurs when the cells within the lungs develop malignancy and expand and divide quickly.