Railroad Cancer
Railroads use millions of gallons diesel fuel to transport freight trains across long distances. The extremely toxic diesel exhaust is a source of carcinogens such as arsenic, benzene and dioxin.
You may be eligible for compensation under the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA) If you're railroad worker who has been diagnosed with cancer. Our Houston railroad cancer lawyers can assist you to receive fair financial compensation for your suffering.
Benzene
Benzene, a solvent for industrial use is found in the exhaust from diesel fuel. Many railroad workers, including conductors, engineers, machinists and electricians, are exposed to diesel fumes.
One exposure to benzene can cause cancer in some people. It is believed to cause acute meeloid leukemia (AML). The cancer starts in the bone marrow, and expands into blood. It is more prevalent in males than females and can be fatal if not treated.
The immune system is susceptible to damage from the chemical benzene. This is why it's a risk. This could lead to various health issues like infections and a lower capability to fight off germs. Benzene can cause bone weakness and increase the risk of arthritis.
Another serious issue resulting from exposure to benzene can be chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). The cancer forms start in the bone marrow and expands into blood. It can also affect the spleen and other parts of your body.
A study from 2015 found that even low levels of benzene can raise the risk of developing leukemia by 33. Researchers examined medical documents of 25000 Norwegian oil workers who were employed for at least 20 days.
Despite the risk of being exposed to benzene in the workplace, it is still utilized in many commercial and industrial operations. There are, however, ways to limit exposure and prevent poisoning with benzene.
One option is to wear the right clothing and protective eyewear. This will stop benzene out of the nose and eyes. You should also wear a respirator when possible.
If you suspect you have been exposed to benzene you should call your doctor immediately. This will enable you to determine any symptoms and reduce the chance of dying due to poisoning by benzene.
In addition to a range of different kinds of cancer in addition, benzene may also affect the brain. It can cause confusion and loss of memory. This condition can lead to a decline in the quality of life, making it difficult to perform at work or at home.
Asbestos
Asbestos is a toxic mineral, has been found to cause lung cancer and mesothelioma. It is present in many construction materials, such as pipes and floor tiles.
As as a result asbestos exposure is considered to be one of the greatest health risks to those who work in the industry of railroads. Railroad workers can become exposed to asbestos-containing substances in various ways, and some of the most frequent are:
One exposure to asbestos can lead to mesothelioma as well as other cancers that are life-threatening. The cancers can grow in the lungs, the mesothelium (the membrane that surrounds the lungs) and the abdominal cavity.
The majority of people who have been exposed to asbestos fibers will not be affected by any of the health issues that are associated with this chemical. The majority of the fibers will be removed from the body, or be carried away in the mucus layer which protects the lung. However there are a few kinds of asbestos fibers that will cling to your lung tissue and stay there for years or even decades.
Although the health effects of this condition are different from person-to-person, they can result in chest discomfort, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, tightness in the chest and chest pain. Symptoms may also include trouble swallowing or weight loss.
Children who have been exposed to asbestos are at greater risk of developing mesothelioma or another form of cancer as they are more likely to breathe asbestos-related fibers through their noses and mouths. Their lung's development is still in its early stages.
They breathe at a higher rate, and as their lungs have a greater volume ratio than adults', they have the ability to inhale more asbestos fibers.
Young children are more likely to breathe in the harmful fibers than adults and are more at risk if they've been in close proximity to railroad vehicles. If they have a family member who suffers from mesothelioma are at greater chance of developing the disease.
Creosote
In the 19th century, creosote was developed to protect wood from rot and insect damage, thereby saving railroad companies money by cutting down on the cost of replacing wood. Creosote can still be used to treat wood products. It can also be used for protection of log homes and marine pilings.
It is a toxic substance and has been linked with numerous cancers. Some of them include esophageal, lung, and larynx cancers.
People who work in the asphalt, wood preservation and coke-production sectors are particularly at risk. People who work in physical labor like maintenance of rail tracks or construction work, such as chimney sweeps, can also be exposed.
Creosote exposure can cause irritation of the eyes and skin chemical burns, eyelid spasms, convulsions, mental confusion kidney problems, unconsciousness, and death. It can also affect the lungs and cause respiratory problems over time, just like smoking.
Creosote chemical, which is made from coal tar can be absorbed through skin. It also can enter the body through food items that are contaminated and water.
Railroad workers are exposed to creosote whenever they work close to hazardous waste sites. These sites typically contain large amounts of creosote which can contaminate soil, water and air.
Rail workers could also be exposed to creosote , if they work in the wood treatment industry. A variety of wood products, such as fences and lumber, are treated with creosote.
They are usually not provided with protective gear that could expose them to toxic creosote and other substances. This can cause serious health conditions such as cancer and chronic fatigue syndrome.
Creosote can be described as an oily liquid that ranges from amber to black in color. It has an acidic, burning taste. It isn't buoyant in water and has an SG of 1.037 to 1.087. It is a mixture of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and phenolic compounds as well as other chemicals. The most commonly used form of creosote used is coal tar, but other forms are also used.
Diesel Exhaust
Diesel exhaust is a byproduct of fuel combustion that is released into the air when you operate vehicles with diesel engines. Diesel exhaust is also released by diesel locomotives and construction equipment, farm equipment generators, as well as other industrial equipment.
Diesel exhaust workers could be at a higher risk of developing cancer. This is because they are exposed to more of this substance than those who work in other sectors.
Union Pacific Lawsuit Settlements -term exposure to diesel exhaust can cause lung cancer in laboratory animals, such as rats. In certain instances, diesel exhaust could alter the DNA in cells, making them more likely to grow and develop cancer.
Studies of diesel exhaust in humans have also demonstrated that exposure to diesel exhaust can trigger numerous health issues that include respiratory disorders such as emphysema and chronic bronchitis and blood system diseases , such as bladder cancers, larynx (voice box) and stomach, esophagus and the pancreas. Some cancers of the breast, prostate and stomach have been connected to diesel exhaust.
Diesel exhaust is considered carcinogens according to the American Cancer Society. It is classified as such by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (part of the World Health Organization).
Diesel exhaust exposure may pose a significant risk to workers who work with large engines and machines, including truck drivers or operators of toll booths. They could be at risk too in the event that they spend too much time in areas where heavy diesel traffic happens (e.g. highways or cities).
Railroad workers who build and maintain tracks and yards can also be exposed to diesel fumes when they work near diesel engines or other machines. These fumes can be hazardous in the cabins of engines or other machinery.
Long-term exposure to diesel exhaust can cause lung cancers and inflammation in laboratory rats. Some of these tumors were similar to lung adenocarcinoma. This is a type of cancer that develops when cells in the lungs increase rapidly and develop into malignant.