Railroad Cancer
Railroads make use of millions of gallons of diesel fuel to transport freight trains across long distances. The highly toxic diesel exhaust contains carcinogens such as arsenic, benzene and dioxin.
If you're a railroad employee who has been diagnosed with cancer, you may be eligible for compensation under the Federal Employers' Liability Act (FELA). Our Houston railroad cancer lawyers will help you receive fair financial compensation for your suffering.
Benzene
Benzene is a solvent used in industry, can be found in the exhaust of diesel engines. Cancer Lawsuit Settlements , including conductors and engineers, machinists electricians, and conductors work in areas that are exposed to diesel fumes.
Some people may develop cancer after a single exposure to benzene. Specifically, it is known to cause acute myeloid leukemia (AML). This cancer begins in the bone marrow, and spreads into the blood. It is more prevalent in men than in women and can be fatal if untreated.
The immune system is susceptible to damage from benzene. That's why it's a risk. This can cause infections and a lower capability to fight off germs. Benzene may also weaken bones and increase the risk of developing arthritis.
Another serious issue resulting from exposure to benzene is chronic leukemia (CML). This type of cancer starts in the bone marrow, and then spreads to the blood. It can affect the spleen and other body parts.
A study from 2015 showed that even low levels benzene can increase the risk of leukemia by 33. Researchers looked at the medical documents of more than 25,000 Norwegian oil-rig workers who been on the job for more than 20 days.
Benzene is still utilized in many commercial and industrial operations despite the dangers of exposure to it. There are, however, ways to limit exposure and avoid benzene poisoning.
Wearing protective eyewear and clothing is one of the ways to protect your eyes. This will stop benzene from getting in the eyes and nose. A respirator should be used as often as feasible.
If you suspect that you've been exposed to benzene, you must immediately contact your doctor. This will allow you to identify any symptoms and reduce the chance of dying due to poisoning by benzene.
Benzene can also cause brain damage, in addition to many other types of cancer. It can cause confusion and memory loss. This condition can lead to a decrease in quality of life and make it difficult to perform at work or at home.
Asbestos
Asbestos is a noxious mineral that has been shown to cause many serious diseases such as lung cancer and mesothelioma. It is found in a variety of materials used in construction, such as pipe insulation and floor tiles.
As consequently asbestos exposure is one of the biggest health risks to people who work in the railroad industry. Railroad workers can be exposed to asbestos in a variety of ways. Here are a few of the most frequent:
One exposure to asbestos can lead to mesothelioma, or other life-threatening cancers. The cancers that develop within the lungs or in the membrane which covers the lungs, and abdominal cavity (the mesothelium), are often fatal.
Fortunately, the majority of people who are exposed to asbestos fibers won't develop any of the dangerous health issues that are linked to asbestos. The majority of the fibers are eliminated, or be transported away in mucus that protects the lungs. However there are some kinds of asbestos fibers that can stick to your lung and remain there for a long time or even decades.
Although the effects on health of this condition can differ from person-to-person, they can cause chest discomfort, shortness of breath trouble breathing tightness in the chest and chest pain. Other symptoms include difficulty swallowing and weight loss.
Children exposed to asbestos are at higher chance of developing mesothelioma or other types of cancer. They are more likely to breathe harmful fibers through the nose and mouth. Their lung's development is still in its early stages.
They breathe in more asbestos fibers as they breathe at a higher pace 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 particularly at risk if they have been in close proximity to railroad vehicles. If they have a parent who suffers from mesothelioma are at a higher risk of developing the disease.
Creosote
In the 19th century creosote was created to preserve wood from rot and insect damage, saving railroad companies money by cutting down on the cost of replacing wood. Creosote can still be used to treat wood products in the present. It is also used to protect log homes and marine pilings.
It is a toxic chemical that has been linked with a variety of cancers. This includes esophageal, lung and larynx cancers.
The health risks of creosote are especially high for those working in the wood preservation, coke production, and asphalt industries. Chimney sweeps as well as workers who perform physical labor like rail track maintenance and construction, could also be exposed to creosote.
Creosote exposure can cause irritation to the skin, eyelid convulsions and spasms, as along with chemical burns convulsions, chemical burns and even unconsciousness. It can also affect the lung and cause respiratory problems over time, similar to smoking cigarettes.
Creosote, a chemical made from coal tar, may be absorbed through skin. It can also enter the body through food items that are contaminated and water.
One of the main sources of exposure to creosote for railroad employees is when they work around a hazardous waste site. These sites typically contain huge quantities of creosote. This can infect water, soil and even air.
Rail workers may also be exposed to creosote , if they work in the wood treatment industry. A lot of wood products, like fences and lumber are treated with creosote.
These workers are often not provided with protective gear and are therefore exposed to toxic creosote and other substances. This can lead to serious health problems, including cancer and chronic fatigue syndrome.
Creosote, a liquid that is oily with a bitter, burning taste, is an amber-black color. It is not buoyant in water and has specific gravity of 1.037 to 1.087. It is a mix of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and phenolic compounds as well as other chemicals. While coal tar is the most common form, different forms of creosote are also offered.
Diesel Exhaust
Diesel exhaust is a by-product from the combustion of fuel. It is released into the air when you operate vehicles with diesel engines. Diesel exhaust can also be released by diesel locomotives as well as farm equipment, construction equipment generators, as well as other industrial equipment.
People who work around diesel exhaust are at a higher risk of developing cancer. This is due to the fact that they are often exposed to more of this substance than those who work in other industries.
Certain studies have shown that exposure to diesel exhaust could cause lung cancer in laboratory animals like rats. In some cases, the diesel exhaust can alter the DNA in cells, making them more likely to grow and become cancerous.
Studies of diesel exhaust in humans have also revealed that exposure to heavy amounts can lead to many health problems that include respiratory disorders such as emphysema and chronic bronchitis and blood system disorders like cancers of the bladder and larynx (voice box) and stomach, esophagus and pancreas. Some cancers of prostate, breast and stomach have been linked to diesel exhaust.
The American Cancer Society considers diesel exhaust to be a carcinogen. It is classified as such by the International Agency for Research on Cancer that is part of the World Health Organization.
Exposure to diesel exhaust may be a serious risk for employees who work with big engines and machines, including truck drivers or toll booth operators. They could also be at risk for cancer if they spend a large amount of time in areas that are prone to heavy diesel traffic in such places as highways or cities.
In addition, railroad employees who maintain and build tracks and yards can be exposed to diesel fumes if they are working close to locomotives or other equipment using diesel engines. The fumes could be harmful when they enter the cabins of locomotives and other equipment.
Long-term exposure to diesel exhaust can cause lung cancers and inflammation in laboratory rats. Some of these tumors looked like a kind of cancer known as a lung adenocarcinoma. It occurs when the cells within the lungs become malignant and grow and divide rapidly.