Railroad Cancer
Railroads make use of millions of gallons of diesel fuel to transport freight trains across long distances. This extremely toxic diesel exhaust is high in carcinogens including arsenic and benzene.
If you're an ex- or current railroad worker who has been diagnosed with cancer, you could be eligible for compensation under the Federal Employers' Liability Act (FELA). Our skilled Houston railroad cancer lawyers can assist you seek an equitable financial settlement for your suffering.
Benzene
Benzene is a solvent used in industrial processes and can be found in the exhaust from diesel engines. Many railroad employees, including conductors and engineers, machinists electricians, and conductors, work in areas where they are exposed to diesel fumes.
Some people may develop cancer as a result of just one exposure to benzene. Particularly, it is known to cause acute myeloid leukemia (AML). This cancer starts in the bone marrow and then it spreads to blood. It is more prevalent among men than women, and it can be fatal if not treated.
The immune system is susceptible to damage from benzene, and that's why it's a risk. This can result in various health issues including infections and a diminished ability to fight off germs. Benzene may also weaken bones and increase the risk of developing arthritis.
Railroad Workers (CML) is another serious negative side effect of benzene. The cancer forms start in the bone marrow, and expands into the blood. It can be a threat to the spleen, or other organs of your body.
A 2015 study found that even the smallest amount of benzene may increase the risk of developing leukemia by 33. Researchers looked into medical documents of 25,000 Norwegian oil crew members who worked for more than 20 days.
Benzene is still utilized in a wide variety of industrial and commercial operations despite the risks of exposure to it. Fortunately, there are ways to reduce exposure and avoid benzene poisoning.
One way to do this is to wear the right clothing and protective eyewear. This will prevent benzene from getting in the eyes and nasal. It is also recommended to wear a respirator when possible.
If you suspect that you've been exposed, immediately call your doctor. This will help identify any symptoms you might have and will help to lower the risk of dying from benzene poisoning.
In addition to a variety of cancer types in addition, benzene may also affect the brain. It can cause confusion and memory loss. This condition can cause a decrease in quality of life, and make it difficult to function at work or at home.
Asbestos
Asbestos is a poisonous mineral that has been found to be the cause of many serious illnesses such as lung cancer and mesothelioma. It is found in many construction materials, including floor tiles and pipe insulation.
As the result asbestos exposure is considered to be one of the health hazards that pose the greatest risk for those working in the railroad industry. Railroad workers can be exposed to asbestos-containing substances in many different ways, and some of the most common include:
One exposure to asbestos can lead to mesothelioma and other life-threatening cancers. These cancers can develop in the lungs, the mesothelium (the membrane that covers the lungs) and the abdominal cavity.
The majority of people who are exposed to asbestos fibers won't develop any health issues caused by this substance. Most fibers are released through coughing or as mucus. This protects the lungs. There are asbestos fibers that could stick to the lungs for many years or even for decades.
The effects of this condition vary from individual to individual however, it can result in shortness of breath or chest pain, difficulty breathing, or a tightness in the chest. Symptoms may also include trouble swallowing or weight loss.
Children who have been exposed to asbestos are at greater risk of developing mesothelioma and another type of cancer as they are more likely to inhale the dangerous fibers through their mouths and noses. Their lungs are still developing.
They breathe at a higher rate, and since their lungs have a greater surface area to volume ratio than adults', they will inhale more asbestos fibers.
Young children are more likely to inhale the harmful fibers than adults, and are particularly at risk if they have been in close proximity to railroad cars. They also stand a higher risk of developing this disease when they have an ancestor who has mesothelioma.
Creosote
Creosote was first developed in the 19th century in order to protect wood from insect and rot damage. Railroad companies were successful in saving money by reducing the cost of replacing wood. Even today, creosote remains used to treat wood products. It is also used to protect log homes as well as marine pilings.
It is a poisonous chemical and has been linked to a number of cancers. This includes esophageal, lung and larynx cancers.
The health risks associated with creosote exposure are particularly high for those working in the wood preservation, coke production, and asphalt industries. Workers who do physical labor such as maintenance of rail tracks or construction, like chimney sweeps, may also be exposed.
Creosote exposure can lead to irritation of the skin and eyes chemical burns, eyelid spasms, convulsions, mental agitation, unconsciousness, kidney problems, and even death. It can also cause respiratory problems and lung problems, similar to smoking cigarettes.
Creosote, a substance derived by coal tar, can be absorbed through the skin. It can also be taken in through food items that are contaminated or water.
Cancer Lawsuits are exposed to creosote if they work close to hazardous waste sites. These sites typically contain large quantities of creosote, which can be harmful to water, soil, and air.
Another reason for exposure to creosote for rail workers is when they work in the wood treatment industry. Many wood products, such as lumber and fences are treated with creosote.
The people who work in these sectors are usually not equipped with safety equipment, which exposes them to creosote and toxic substances. This can cause serious health problems, including chronic fatigue syndrome and cancer.
Creosote is a liquid that is oily that is amber to black in color and possesses the taste of burning and caustic. It is not buoyant in water and has specific gravity ranging from 1.037 to 1.087. It is a mixture of aromatic polycyclic hydrocarbons, phenolic compounds, as well as other chemicals. The most popular form of creosote used is coal tar, but different forms are also utilized.
Diesel Exhaust
Diesel exhaust is a byproduct of burning fuel and released into the atmosphere when diesel engines are utilized. Diesel exhaust is also released by diesel locomotives as well as farm equipment, construction equipment generators, and other industrial equipment.
People who work around diesel exhaust may be at a greater chance of developing cancer. This is due to the fact that they are more susceptible to being exposed than those who work in other industries.
A few studies suggest that exposure to diesel exhaust could cause lung cancer in lab animals, such as rats. In some cases, the diesel exhaust could alter the DNA in cells which makes them more likely to develop cancerous cells and grow.
Railroad Injury Settlement Amounts on the effects of diesel exhaust in humans have shown a range of health problems , including respiratory disorders such as emphysema and chronic bronchitis and blood system diseases such as bladder cancers and voice box, stomach, stomach, and pancreas. Some cancers of the prostate, breast, and stomach have been linked to diesel exhaust.
The American Cancer Society considers diesel exhaust to be a carcinogen. It is classified as carcinogenic by the International Agency for Research on Cancer, part of the World Health Organization.
The exposure to diesel exhaust can cause serious health risks to workers who work with large engines and machines, including truck drivers or operators of toll booths. Railroad Injury Settlement Amounts may be at risk too if they spend too much time in areas where heavy diesel traffic happens (e.g. cities or highways).
Railroad workers who build and maintain tracks and yards may be exposed to diesel fumes if they work near diesel engines or other machinery. Union Pacific Lawsuit Settlements can be extremely dangerous if they enter the cabins of locomotives or other machinery.
A study conducted on laboratory animals found that exposure for a long time to diesel exhaust triggered numerous lung tumors and the development of inflammatory changes. Some of these tumors were comparable to lung adenocarcinoma. This is a kind of cancer that develops when lungs' cells increase rapidly and develop into malignant.