Railroad Cancer
Railroads burn millions of gallons diesel fuel in order to run freight trains over long distances. This highly toxic diesel exhaust contains carcinogens like arsenic, benzene and dioxin.
If Cancer Lawsuit Settlements are a 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 seek fair financial compensation for your suffering.
Benzene
Benzene is a solvent used in industry is present in the exhaust from diesel fuel. Many railroad employees, including conductors and engineers, machinists, electricians, work in areas that are exposed to diesel fumes.
Certain people can develop cancer following just one exposure to benzene. Particularly, it is thought to cause acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The cancer begins in the bone marrow and then spreads into the blood. It is more prevalent in men than it is for women and could be fatal if not treated.
The immune system is susceptible to damage from benzene, which is why it poses a danger. This could lead to infections and a lower ability to fight germs. Benzene can also cause bone weakness and increase the risk for arthritis.
Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is a more serious negative side effect of benzene. This type of cancer starts in the bone marrow and then spreads into the blood. It may also affect the spleen and other organs of your body.
A study conducted in 2015 revealed that even low levels of benzene may increase the risk of developing leukemia by three-quarters. Researchers examined the medical records of the medical records of 25,000 Norwegian oil-rig workers who been working for more than 20 days.
Despite the dangers of exposure to benzene, it's still utilized in many industrial and commercial operations. There are ways to reduce exposure to and avoid poisoning from benzene.
Wearing protective eyewear and clothing is a way to safeguard your eyes. This will help to keep benzene out of the nose and eyes. A respirator should be used whenever it is possible.
If you suspect you have been exposed, you should immediately contact your doctor. This will help identify any symptoms that you may have and will help to reduce your chances of death from benzene poisoning.
Benzene can also cause brain damage, along with various other forms of cancer. It can cause confusion and memory loss. This can cause an impairment in the quality of life, making it difficult to perform at work or at home.
Asbestos
Asbestos is an extremely toxic mineral that has been known to cause many serious diseases, including lung cancer and mesothelioma. It is present in many building materials, including pipe insulation and floor tiles.
As a result asbestos exposure is one of the greatest health risks to railroad workers. Railroad workers are exposed to asbestos in a variety ways. Here are some of the most commonly used:
One exposure to asbestos may lead to mesothelioma and other cancers that can be life-threatening. The cancers that develop within the lungs or in the membrane that covers the lungs as well as the abdominal cavity (the mesothelium) usually cause death.
Fortunately, the majority of people who are exposed to asbestos fibers don't suffer from any of the dangerous diseases that can be linked to asbestos. The majority of the fibers are removed from the body, or be transported away in the mucus layer which protects the lungs. There are some asbestos fibers which can stick to your lungs for years or even decades.
The effects of this condition can vary from individual to individual but may cause shortness of breath or chest pain, difficulty breathing, or a tight feeling in the chest. Other symptoms include difficulty swallowing and weight loss.
Children who have been exposed to asbestos are at a higher chance of developing mesothelioma or another form of cancer since they are more likely to breathe asbestos-related fibers through their mouths and noses. Their lung's development is still in its early stages.
They inhale more asbestos fibers because they breathe at a faster rate and have a greater surface area to volume ratio than adults.
Young children are more likely to inhale the harmful fibers than adults and are at a higher risk if near railroad vehicles. If they have a parent who suffers from mesothelioma are at an increased risk of developing the disease.
Creosote
During the 19th Century, creosote was developed to help protect wood from rot as well as insect damage. It also saved railroad companies money by reducing the cost of replacing wood. Creosote can still be used for treating wood products today. It is also used to protect log homes and marine pilings.
It is a toxic substance and has been linked to various cancers. These include esophageal, lung and larynx cancers.
The health risks of creosote exposure are particularly significant for those working in the wood preservation, coke production and asphalt industries. Chimney sweeps and those who are physically laborers like rail track maintenance and construction, may also be exposed to creosote.
Creosote exposure can cause irritation of the eyes and skin chemical burns, eyelid spasms convulsions, mental confusion, unconsciousness, kidney problems and even death. It can also affect the lung and cause respiratory issues over time, just like smoking cigarettes.
Creosote is a chemical that is made by coal tar and can be taken up through the skin. It also can enter the body through food and water.
Railroad workers are exposed to creosote when they work close to hazardous waste sites. These sites typically contain large amounts of creosote which can be harmful to water, soil and air.
Another reason for exposure to creosote for employees of rail companies is working in the wood treatment industry. Many wood products, including fences and lumber, are treated with creosote.
Workers in these industries are often not protected by protective equipment, which can expose them to creosote and toxins. This could lead to serious health issues like cancer and chronic fatigue syndrome.
Creosote is a liquid that is oily that ranges from black to amber in color and possesses a burning, caustic taste. It is not buoyant in liquids and has an SG of 1.037 to 1.87. It is a mixture polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and phenolic compounds as well as other chemicals. While coal is the most popular form, various forms of creosote also exist.
Diesel Exhaust
Diesel exhaust is a byproduct from combustion of fuel and is released into the atmosphere when diesel engines are used. It is also released from diesel locomotives, construction and farm equipment generators, ships, and other industrial equipment.
Workers who work near diesel exhaust are at greater chance of developing cancer. This is due to the fact that they are often exposed to more of this substance than people who work in other industries.
A few studies suggest that exposure to diesel exhaust can cause lung cancer in laboratory animals like rats. In some instances, the diesel exhaust could alter the DNA of cells which make them more likely to develop and eventually become cancerous.
Studies of diesel exhaust in humans have also revealed that prolonged exposure to diesel exhaust can cause numerous health issues such as respiratory diseases like emphysema and chronic bronchitis and blood system disorders like bladder cancer and larynx (voice box) and stomach, esophagus and pancreas. Other studies have identified diesel exhaust as a cause of cancers of the prostate and breast.
The American Cancer Society considers diesel exhaust to be carcinogen. It is classified as such by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (part of the World Health Organization).
People who work with big machines and engines, like truck drivers and toll booth attendants, may be at the highest risk of developing cancer because of the exhaust of diesel. They may also be at risk for cancer if they spend a significant amount of time in areas where heavy diesel traffic occurs (e.g. cities or highways).
In addition, railroad employees who maintain and construct tracks and yards may be exposed to diesel fumes while they work near locomotives or other equipment that uses diesel engines. These fumes can be dangerous if they get into the cabins of engines or other machinery.
A study of laboratory rats revealed that exposure to diesel exhaust caused several lung tumors and the development of inflammatory changes. Some of these tumors appeared similar to a type of cancer known as a lung adenocarcinoma. The condition occurs when the cells in the lungs become malignant and multiply rapidly.