Railroad Cancer
Railroads employ millions of gallons of diesel fuel to transport freight trains across long distances. This highly toxic diesel exhaust contains carcinogens, such as arsenic benzene and dioxin.
If you're a former or current railroad worker who was diagnosed with cancer, you may be eligible for compensation under the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA). Our skilled Houston railroad cancer lawyers can assist you to seek an equitable financial settlement for the pain you've endured.
Benzene
Benzene, a solvent for industrial use is present in diesel fuel exhaust. Many railroad employees, including machinists and engineers, conductors electricians, and conductors work in areas that are exposed to diesel fumes.
Some people may develop cancer from just one exposure to benzene. Specifically, it is known to cause acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The cancer develops in the bone marrow and then spreads to blood. It is more common in men than in women and is fatal if not treated.
The immune system can be damaged by benzene, which is why it's a risk. This could lead to various health issues like infections and a lower ability to fight off germs. Benzene may cause bone weakness and increase the risk of arthritis.
Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is a more serious side effect of benzene. The type of cancer develops in the bone marrow and then it spreads to blood. It can affect the spleen , as well as other organs of the body.
A 2015 study showed that even low levels benzene can increase the risk of leukemia by one-third. Researchers examined medical documents of the medical records of 25,000 Norwegian oil rig workers who worked for 20 or more days.
Despite the dangers of exposure to benzene, it's still used in many commercial and industrial settings. There are ways to reduce exposure and prevent poisoning by benzene.
Wearing protective eyewear and clothing is one way to protect your eyes. This will stop benzene from getting in the nose and eyes. You should also use an oxygen mask whenever you can.
If you suspect that have been exposed to benzene, it is recommended that you must immediately contact your doctor. This will enable you to detect any signs and decrease the chance of dying from poisoning caused by benzene.
In addition to the occurrence of a variety of different kinds of cancer, benzene can also affect the brain. It can cause confusion and loss of memory. If you suffer from this condition, it can lead to a decline in your quality of life and make it difficult for you to function at home and in the workplace.
Asbestos
Asbestos, a noxious mineral, has been found to cause lung cancer and mesothelioma. It is found in a variety of substances that are used in construction, such as pipe insulation and floor tiles.
As as a result, asbestos exposure is one of the biggest health risks to people who work in the railroad industry. Railroad workers can be exposed to the harmful substance in a number of ways. Some of the most prevalent are:
One exposure to asbestos may cause mesothelioma and other life-threatening cancers. The cancers, which form within the lungs or in the membrane that surrounds the lungs and abdominal cavity (the mesothelium), are often fatal.
The majority of people who are exposed to asbestos fibers won't develop any of the health issues associated with this substance. The majority of fibers are expelled through coughing or as mucus. This helps protect the lungs. There are some asbestos fibers that can stay in your lungs for years or even for decades.
Although the health effects of this condition can differ between individuals, they can result in chest pain, breath shortness and breathing difficulties tightness in the chest, and chest pain. Other signs include difficulty swallowing and weight loss.
Children who have been exposed to asbestos are at a higher chance of developing mesothelioma and other types of cancer. They are more likely to inhale 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 higher volume-to-surface ratio than adults', they have the ability to inhale more asbestos fibers.
Young children are more likely to inhale the harmful fibers than adults and are especially at risk if in close proximity to railroad cars. They are also at an increased risk of developing this disease in the event of a family member with mesothelioma.
Creosote
Creosote was developed in the 19th century to guard wood from insect and rot damage. Railroad companies were in a position to save money by reducing the cost of replacing wood. Creosote can still be used for treating wood products today. It can also be used to protect log homes and marine pilings.
It is a toxic chemical that has been linked to a number of cancers. Some of them include lung, esophageal, and larynx cancers.
Railroad Cancer Settlements who work in the asphalt, wood preservation and coke-production industries are at particular risk. Workers who work physically like rail track maintenance or construction work, such as chimney sweeps, may also be exposed.
Exposure to creosote can cause irritation of the eyes and skin chemical burns, eyelid spasms convulsions and mental confusion, unconsciousness, kidney problems and even death. It can also affect the lung and cause respiratory problems over time, just like smoking.
Creosote chemical is made from coal tar . It can be taken up through the skin. It can also be absorbed through contaminated food or water.
One of the primary sources of exposure to creosote for railroad employees is when they work around an area of hazardous waste. These sites usually contain huge amounts of creosote which can be harmful to water, soil and air.
Another source of creosote exposure for employees of rail companies 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 provided with protective equipment, which could expose them to creosote , as well as other toxins. This can cause serious health problems, including chronic fatigue syndrome and cancer.
Creosote, an oily fluid with a bitter, burning taste, is amber-black in color. It is not a buoyant substance in water and has specific gravity ranging from 1.037 to 1.087. It is a mix of aromatic polycyclic hydrocarbons, phenolic compounds, and other chemicals. The most commonly used form of creosote used is coal tar, however other forms are also used.
Diesel Exhaust
Diesel exhaust is a byproduct of combustion of fuels and is released into the atmosphere when diesel engines are used. Diesel exhaust can also be released by diesel locomotives and construction equipment, farm equipment, generators and other industrial equipment.
People who work with diesel exhaust may be at a higher chance 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.
Some studies show that exposure to diesel exhaust can cause lung cancer in laboratory animals, such as rats. In some instances, diesel exhaust may alter the DNA in cells which make them more likely to grow and become cancerous.
Studies on the effects of diesel exhaust in humans have shown a range of health concerns, including respiratory diseases like emphysema, chronic bronchitis, as well as blood system diseases like bladder cancers, voice box, stomach, pancreas, stomach, and. Some cancers of prostate, breast and stomach have been linked to diesel exhaust.
Diesel exhaust is considered carcinogens by 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 be a serious risk for people who work with huge engines and machines, including truck drivers or toll booth operators. They can also be at risk for cancer if they spend a large amount of time in locations where heavy diesel traffic occurs in such places as highways or cities.
In addition, railroad workers who maintain and construct tracks and yards may be exposed to diesel fumes when they are working near locomotives or other equipment that runs on diesel engines. These fumes are particularly dangerous when they are in the cabins of locomotives and other machinery.
A study in laboratory rats found that exposure for a long time to diesel exhaust can cause various lung tumors and inflammation changes. Some of these tumors were like a kind of cancer known as lung adenocarcinoma. The condition occurs when the cells in the lungs are malignant and grow and divide rapidly.