Railroad Cancer
Railroads burn millions of gallons of diesel fuel in order to operate freight trains across long distances. This extremely polluting 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 may be entitled to compensation under the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA). Our experienced Houston railroad lawyers can help you get fair financial compensation for your suffering.
Benzene
Benzene, a solvent for industrial use, can be found in diesel fuel exhaust. Railroad Injury Settlement Amounts , including machinists, engineers, conductors and electricians, work in areas where they come into contact with diesel fumes.
One exposure to benzene could cause cancer in a few people. Particularly, it is thought to cause acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The cancer starts in the bone marrow, and develops into blood. It is more prevalent in men than in women and can be fatal if it is not treated.
The dangers of benzene stem due to the fact that it can damage the immune system. This could lead to a range of health problems including infections and a reduced capability to fight off germs. Benzene may also cause bone weakness and increase the risk of arthritis.
Another serious problem from exposure to benzene can be chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). This type of cancer begins in the bone marrow and expands into blood. It can affect the spleen as well as other parts of the body.
A study in 2015 showed that even the smallest amount of benzene may increase the risk of leukemia by one-third. Researchers examined medical records of 25,000 Norwegian oil crew members who worked for at least 20 days.
Despite the dangers of exposure to benzene in the workplace, it is still used in numerous commercial and industrial processes. There are ways to reduce exposure and avoid poisoning from benzene.
Wearing protective eyewear and proper clothing is one way to safeguard your eyes. This will prevent benzene from getting into the eyes and nose. A respirator is recommended whenever possible.
If you suspect that you have been exposed to benzene in any way, you should contact your physician immediately. This will allow you to recognize any symptoms that you may have and will help to reduce the risk of death from benzene poisoning.
Benzene is also known to cause brain damage, in addition to many other types of cancer. It can cause loss of memory and confusion. If you are affected by this condition it can result in a decrease in your quality of life and make it difficult for you to function at home and at work.
Asbestos
Asbestos is a noxious mineral that has been shown to cause serious diseases such as lung cancer and mesothelioma. It is present in a variety of construction materials, such as pipes and floor tiles.
As as a result, asbestos exposure is one of the most serious health risks to those who work in the industry of railroads. Railroad workers are exposed to asbestos in a variety ways. Here are a few of the most common:
One exposure to asbestos can result in mesothelioma or any other cancers that could be life-threatening. These cancers can develop in the lungs, the mesothelium (the membrane that surrounds the lung) as well as the abdominal cavity.
Fortunately, most people who are exposed to asbestos fibers won't suffer from any of the dangerous health conditions linked to asbestos. The majority of the fibers are coughed up, or will be carried away in the mucus layer which protects the lungs. However there are certain types of asbestos fibers that can stick to your lungs and remain there for years or even decades.
Although the effects on health of this condition can differ from person-to-person, it can cause chest pain, breath shortness and breathing difficulties, tightness in the chest, and chest pain. It can also cause problems with swallowing or weight loss.
Children exposed to asbestos are at higher risk of developing mesothelioma as well as other types of cancer. They are more likely to breathe dangerous fibers through the mouth and nose. The reason is that their lung tissues are still developing.
They breathe at a higher rate, and because their lungs have a larger volume to surface ratio than adults', they have the ability to inhale more asbestos fibers.
Since they are more prone to inhaling harmful fibers, children are at a particularly high risk of developing mesothelioma, especially if they've been in close contact with railroad cars. If they have a family member with mesothelioma, they are at a greater risk of developing the disease.
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. Even today, creosote remains used to treat wood products. It is also used for protection of log homes and marine pilings.
It is a poisonous substance and has been linked to many types of cancer. These include esophageal, lung and larynx cancers.
The health risks associated with creosote exposure are especially high among those who work in the wood preservation, coke-production, and asphalt industries. Workers who do physical labor such as rail track maintenance or construction, such as chimney sweeps, might also be exposed.
Creosote exposure can cause irritation to the skin, eyelid spasms and convulsions as well as chemical burns, convulsions, chemical burns and unconsciousness. It can also affect the lung and cause respiratory problems as time passes, much like smoking.
Creosote is a chemical that is made from coal tar and can be inhaled through the skin. It is also absorbed through contaminated food or water.
One of the most common sources of exposure to creosote among railroad employees is when they work near the hazardous waste sites. These sites usually contain huge amounts of creosote and can cause contamination of water, soil and air.
Another source of exposure to creosote for rail employees is when they work in the wood treatment industry. Many wood products, including fences and lumber, are treated with creosote.
Workers in these industries are usually not provided with protective equipment, which could expose them to creosote and toxins. This could lead to serious health conditions such as chronic fatigue syndrome and cancer.
Creosote can be described as an oily liquid which ranges from amber to black in color. It has a burning, caustic taste. It is non-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 common form of creosote is coal tar, but other forms are also used.
Diesel Exhaust
Diesel exhaust is a byproduct of fuel combustion and is released into the atmosphere when diesel engines are utilized. It is also released from diesel locomotives, farm and construction equipment generators, ships and other industrial equipment.
Diesel exhaust workers are at greater risk of developing cancer. This is due to the fact that they are more susceptible to being exposed to radiation than those who work in other industries.
Exposure to diesel exhaust for a long time can cause lung cancer in laboratory animals, such as rats. In some instances, diesel exhaust could alter the DNA of cells, making them more likely to develop and eventually become cancerous.
Studies on diesel exhaust in humans have also identified a variety of health concerns, including respiratory disorders like emphysema, chronic bronchitis, and blood system diseases like cancers of the bladder and the voice box, stomach stomach, and pancreas. Some cancers of the prostate, stomach, and breast have been caused by diesel exhaust.
The American Cancer Society considers diesel exhaust to be carcinogen. It is classified as carcinogenic by the International Agency for Research on Cancer and is part of the World Health Organization.
People who work with large machines and engines, like truck drivers and toll booth operators are at a higher risk of developing cancer from the exhaust of diesel. They could be at risk too for cancer if they spend a significant amount of time in areas where heavy diesel traffic is prevalent (e.g. highways or cities).
Railroad workers who manage and construct tracks and yards may be exposed to diesel fumes when they work near diesel engines or other machinery. These fumes can be particularly hazardous when they enter the cabins of locomotives and other machinery.
A study of laboratory rats revealed that exposure to diesel exhaust caused a variety of lung tumors and inflammation. Certain of these tumors were comparable to lung adenocarcinoma. This is a type of cancer that develops when cells in the lungs develop rapidly and turn malignant.