Railroad Cancer
Railroads utilize millions of gallons of diesel fuel to transport freight trains over long distances. This extremely toxic diesel exhaust is a source of carcinogens such as arsenic, dioxin and benzene.
If you are a former or current railroad worker who has been diagnosed with cancer, you could be eligible for compensation under the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA). Our knowledgeable Houston railroad cancer lawyers can assist you get an equitable financial settlement to help you bear the burden.
Benzene
It is an industrial solvent that is found in diesel fuel exhaust. Many railroad employees, including conductors and engineers, machinists electricians, and conductors are exposed to diesel fumes.
One exposure to benzene could cause cancer in certain people. Particularly, it is thought to cause acute myeloid leukemia (AML). This cancer begins in the bone marrow, and develops into blood. It is more prevalent in men than in women and is fatal if left untreated.
The immune system can be damaged by the chemical benzene. This is why it is a threat. This can result in a range of health problems like infections and a lower ability to fight off germs. Benzene can cause bone weakness and increase the risk of arthritis.
Another serious issue resulting from exposure to benzene is chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). The type of cancer develops in the bone marrow, and then spreads to blood. It can also affect the spleen or other organs of your body.
A study from 2015 showed that even low levels benzene increases the risk of developing leukemia by one-third. Researchers examined the medical documents of the medical records of 25,000 Norwegian oil-rig workers who been on the job for more than 20 days.
Despite the dangers of exposure to benzene in the workplace, it is still utilized in many commercial and industrial operations. There are ways to limit exposure and avoid poisoning from benzene.
Wearing protective eyewear and clothing is one of the ways to safeguard your eyes. This will help to keep benzene from getting in the nose and eyes. It is also recommended to wear a respirator whenever possible.
If you suspect that you have been exposed to benzene you must contact your doctor right away. This will help you determine any symptoms and reduce the risk of dying from poisoning with benzene.
In addition to a variety of different types of cancer, benzene can also affect the brain. It can cause loss of memory and confusion. If you are suffering from this condition it could cause an impairment in your quality of life and make it difficult to function at home and in the workplace.
Asbestos
Asbestos is a toxic mineral, has been proven to be a cause of lung cancer and mesothelioma. It is found in a variety of materials that are used in construction, including pipe insulation, floor tiles.
As as a result, asbestos exposure is one of the most serious health risks to people who work in the industry of railroads. Railroad workers are exposed to asbestos in a number of ways, and some of the most common include:
A single exposure to asbestos can result in mesothelioma, or other life-threatening cancers. The cancers can grow in the lungs, the mesothelium (the membrane that surrounds the lungs) as well as the abdominal cavity.
Most people who have been exposed to asbestos fibers aren't likely to develop any of the health issues associated with this substance. The majority of the fibers will be coughed up, or will be carried away in a layer of mucus that protects the lungs. However there are a few types of asbestos fibers that will stick to your lungs and remain there for years or even decades.
The effects of this condition can vary from individual to individual, but it may cause shortness of breath chest pain, trouble breathing, or a tightness in the chest. Other signs include difficulty swallowing and weight loss.
Children who have been exposed to asbestos are at a higher risk of developing mesothelioma and another form of cancer, because they are more likely to breathe the dangerous fibers through their noses and mouths. The reason for this is that their lung tissues are still developing.
They breathe at a faster rate, and as their lungs have a greater volume to surface ratio than adults', they will inhale more asbestos fibers.
Because they are more vulnerable to inhaling dangerous fibers, children are at a particularly high risk of developing mesothelioma, particularly when they've been in close contact with railroad vehicles. If they have a relative who has mesothelioma, they are at an increased risk of developing the disease.
Creosote
In the 19th century, creosote was developed to keep wood from rot and insect damage, saving railroad companies money by reducing the cost of replacing wood. Creosote can still be used for treating wood products today. It is also used for protection of log homes and marine pilings.
It is a poisonous chemical and has been linked to a variety of cancers. These include esophageal, lung and larynx cancers.
The health risks of creosote are especially significant for those working in the wood preservation, coke-production and asphalt industries. Chimney sweeps as well as workers who are physically laborers like rail track maintenance and construction, may also be exposed to creosote.
Creosote exposure can cause eyelid irritation, skin spasms and convulsions, along with chemical burns convulsions, chemical burns, and even unconsciousness. It can also affect the lungs and cause respiratory problems as time passes, much like smoking cigarettes.
Creosote chemical is made from coal tar and can be inhaled through the skin. It is also consumed through food that is contaminated or water.
One of the major sources of exposure to creosote for railroad workers is working near an area of hazardous waste. These sites typically contain large amounts of creosote that can contaminate soil, water and air.
Rail workers may also be exposed to creosote when they work in the wood treatment field. Many wood products, including fences and lumber, are treated with creosote.
These workers are typically not protected by protective equipment that could expose them to toxic creosote and other substances. This can cause serious health conditions, including cancer and chronic fatigue syndrome.
Creosote, an oily liquid with a burning, bitter taste, is amber-black in color. It is not a buoyant liquid and has a specific gravity range of 1.037 to 1.87. It is a mix of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and phenolic compounds as well other chemicals. While coal is the most popular form, different forms of creosote are also offered.
Diesel Exhaust
Diesel exhaust is a byproduct of combustion that is released into the air when you operate vehicles equipped with diesel engines. It is also released from diesel locomotives, farm and construction equipment generators, ships, and other industrial equipment.
Diesel exhaust workers are at a higher 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.
Long-term exposure to diesel exhaust can cause lung carcinoma in laboratory animals such as rats. In some cases, the diesel exhaust may alter the DNA in cells, making them more likely to develop cancerous cells and grow.
Studies on diesel exhaust in humans have also shown a range of health problems , including respiratory disorders such as emphysema and chronic bronchitis, as well as blood system diseases like bladder cancers and the voice box, stomach pancreas and stomach. Other studies have found a link between diesel exhaust and cancers of the breast and prostate.
Railroad Workers Cancer Lawsuit is classified as carcinogens by the American Cancer Society. It is classified as such in the International Agency for Research on Cancer (part of the World Health Organization).
Excessive exposure to diesel exhaust could be a serious risk for workers who work with large engines and machines, including truck drivers or toll booth operators. They can also be at high risk for cancer if they spend a large amount of time in locations that see a lot of diesel traffic, such as highways and cities.
In addition, employees of railroads who manage and construct yards and tracks can be exposed to diesel fumes when they work near engines or other equipment using diesel engines. These fumes pose a particular risk when they enter the cabins of locomotives as well as other machinery.
Long-term diesel exhaust exposure caused lung cancers and inflammation in laboratory rats. Certain of these tumors were comparable to lung Adenocarcinoma. This is a type of cancer that develops when the lung's cells expand rapidly and then become malignant.