Railroad Cancer Railroads burn millions of gallons of diesel fuel to operate freight trains across long distances. This highly toxic diesel exhaust contains carcinogens such arsenic benzene and dioxin. You may be eligible for compensation under Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA) when you're railroad employee who has been diagnosed as having cancer. Our experienced Houston railroad cancer lawyers can assist you seek fair financial compensation for your suffering. Benzene Benzene is an industrial solvent and can be found in the exhaust from diesel engines. A lot of railroad workers, including machinists and engineers, conductors and electricians, work in areas where they are exposed to diesel fumes. One exposure to benzene can cause cancer in some people. In particular, it is believed to cause acute myeloid leukemia (AML). This cancer begins in the bone marrow, and develops into blood. It is more common for men than women and is deadly if left untreated. The dangers of benzene arise from the fact that it could damage the immune system. This can cause infections and a lower ability to fight off germs. Benzene can also weaken bones and increase the risk of arthritis. Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is a serious consequence of benzene. The cancer forms start in the bone marrow and expands into the blood. It may affect the spleen or other parts of the body. A study in 2015 showed that even low levels of benzene could increase the risk of leukemia by three-quarters. Researchers examined medical documents of the medical records of 25,000 Norwegian oil workers who were employed for 20 days or more. Despite the dangers of exposure to benzene in the workplace, it is still used in many commercial and industrial settings. Fortunately, there are ways to limit exposure to benzene and prevent poisoning. One option is to wear proper clothing and protective eyewear. This will stop benzene from getting in the eyes and nose. It is also recommended to wear an oxygen mask whenever you can. If you suspect that you have been exposed to benzene in any way, you must immediately contact your doctor. This will enable you to identify any symptoms and reduce the chance of dying due to benzene poisoning. In addition to a range of different cancer types, benzene also has the ability to affect the brain. It can cause loss of memory and confusion. If you are affected by this condition it can result in a decline in your quality of life and make it difficult to function at home and in the workplace. Asbestos Asbestos, a noxious mineral, has been found to cause lung cancer as well as mesothelioma. It is found in a variety materials employed in construction, such as pipe insulation and floor tiles. As a result, asbestos exposure is one of the health hazards that pose the greatest risk to those who work in the railway industry. Railroad workers can be exposed to asbestos in a variety ways. Here are some of the most prevalent: A single exposure to asbestos can cause mesothelioma, or other life-threatening cancers. The cancers, which grow in the lungs or within the membrane that surrounds the lungs and abdominal cavity (the mesothelium) usually cause death. The majority of people who have been exposed to asbestos fibers don't suffer from any of the health issues related to this substance. The majority of the fibers are coughed up, or will be removed in mucus that protects the lungs. There are a few asbestos fibers that could stay in your lungs for years or even for decades. The effects of this condition vary from individual to individual, but it can cause shortness in breath, chest pain, trouble breathing, or a tightness in the chest. Other signs include difficulty swallowing and weight loss. Children exposed to asbestos are at higher chance of developing mesothelioma and other forms of cancer. They are more likely to breathe harmful fibers via the nose and mouth. Their lung's are still developing. They breathe at a quicker rate, and since their lungs have a greater surface area to volume ratio than adults', they can inhale more asbestos fibers. Due to their vulnerability to inhaling dangerous fibers, children are at a high chance of developing mesothelioma particularly if they have been in close contact with railroad vehicles. They are also at the risk of developing this disease in the event of an ancestor with mesothelioma. Creosote Creosote first came into use in the 19th century in order to protect wood from rot and insect damage. Railroad companies were successful in saving money by reducing the cost of replacing wood. Creosote is currently used to treat wood products. It can also be used to protect log homes and marine pilings. It is a poisonous chemical that has been linked to a variety of cancers. These include lung, esophageal and larynx cancers. The health risks associated with creosote-related exposure are especially high among those who work in the wood preservation, coke-production, and asphalt industries. People who work in physical labor like maintenance of rail tracks or construction work, such as chimney sweeps, could also be exposed. Creosote's exposure can cause irritation of the eyes and skin chemical burns, eyelid spasms convulsions, mental confusion unconsciousness, kidney issues, and death. It can also trigger respiratory problems and lung problems, similar to smoking cigarettes. Creosote, a substance derived by coal tar, can be absorbed through the skin. It is also absorbed through contaminated food or water. Union Pacific Lawsuit Settlements are exposed to creosote whenever they work near hazardous waste sites. These sites usually contain large amounts of creosote that can cause contamination of water, soil and even air. Another source of creosote exposure for rail workers is working in the wood treatment industry. Many wood products, like fences and lumber are treated with creosote. Those who work in these industries are usually not equipped with safety equipment, which can expose them to creosote , as well as other toxic substances. This can cause serious health conditions like 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 a buoyant liquid and has specific gravity of 1.037 to 1.87. It is a mixture polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and phenolic compounds, as well as other chemicals. The most commonly used form of creosote is coal tar, however other forms are also utilized. Diesel Exhaust Diesel exhaust is a byproduct from the combustion of fuel. It is released into the air when you operate vehicles that have diesel engines. It can also be released from diesel locomotives, farm and construction equipment generators, ships and other industrial equipment. Diesel exhaust workers are more susceptible to developing cancer. This is due to the fact that they are often exposed to more of this substance than those who work in other sectors. A few studies suggest that long-term exposure to diesel exhaust could cause lung cancer in lab animals such as rats. Diesel exhaust can trigger DNA changes in cells that make them more susceptible to cancerous growth. Studies on the effects of diesel exhaust in humans have also revealed a wide range of health problems including respiratory diseases like emphysema, chronic bronchitis and blood system diseases such as cancers of the bladder and the voice box, stomach pancreas, and stomach. Some cancers of prostate, breast and stomach have been connected to diesel exhaust. Diesel exhaust is regarded as 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). The exposure to diesel exhaust can be a serious risk for employees who work with big engines and machines, such as truck drivers or toll booth operators. They may also be at risk if they spend a lot of time in locations that are prone to heavy diesel traffic like highways and cities. In addition, railroad workers who maintain and build tracks and yards may be exposed to diesel fumes when they work near engines or other equipment that utilizes diesel engines. The fumes can be extremely dangerous when they enter the cabins of locomotives and other machinery. A study in laboratory rats revealed that exposure to diesel exhaust triggered various lung tumors and the development of inflammatory changes. Some of these tumors were comparable to lung adenocarcinoma. This is a form of cancer that develops when the lungs' cells increase rapidly and develop into malignant.
Union Pacific Lawsuit Settlements
