Railroad Cancer
Railroads employ millions of gallons of diesel fuel to transport freight trains over long distances. The extremely toxic diesel exhaust is a source of carcinogens, such as arsenic dioxin and benzene.
If you are a railroad employee who has been diagnosed with cancer, you could be eligible for compensation under the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA). Our experienced Houston railroad cancer lawyers can assist you seek an equitable financial settlement to help you bear the burden.
Benzene
Benzene, an industrial solvent, can be found in the exhaust of diesel fuel. Many railroad employees, including machinists and engineers, conductors electricians, and conductors work in areas where they are exposed to diesel fumes.
One exposure to benzene can cause cancer in some people. Particularly, it is known to cause acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The cancer starts in the bone marrow and develops into blood. It is more prevalent in males than females and is fatal if not treated.
The immune system can be damaged by benzene. That's why it's a risk. This can result in infections and a lower ability to fight off germs. Benzene can also weaken bones and increase the risk of developing arthritis.
Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is a more serious side effect of benzene. This form of cancer begins in the bone marrow, and expands into blood. It can also affect the spleen and other organs of your body.
A study from 2015 revealed that even low levels benzene can increase the risk of leukemia by 33. Researchers looked into the medical records of the medical records of 25,000 Norwegian oil-rig workers who been on the job for more than 20 days.
Benzene is still used in many commercial and industrial operations, despite the dangers of being exposed to it. There are ways to limit exposure and prevent poisoning by benzene.
Wearing protective eyewear and clothes is one way to protect your eyes. This will help to keep benzene from getting into the eyes and nose. A respirator should be used as often as feasible.
If you suspect you've been exposed, you should immediately consult your physician. This will allow you to determine any symptoms and reduce the risk of dying from benzene poisoning.
In addition to the occurrence of a variety of different cancer types, benzene also has the ability to affect the brain. It can lead to a loss of memory and confusion. If you suffer from this condition it can result in the quality of life and make it difficult for you to function at home or in the workplace.
Railroad Injury Settlement Amounts , a noxious mineral, has been proven to be a cause of lung cancer and mesothelioma. It is found in a wide range of materials employed in construction, such as pipe insulation and floor tiles.
As a consequence, asbestos exposure is among the greatest health risks to railroad workers. Railroad workers can become exposed to the toxic substance through many different ways. Some of the most common include:
One exposure to asbestos can cause mesothelioma, among other cancers that can be life-threatening. These cancers can manifest in the lungs, mesothelium (the membrane that surrounds the lungs) and the abdominal cavity.
The majority of people who have been exposed to asbestos fibers aren't likely to be affected by any of the health issues that are associated with this chemical. The majority of asbestos fibers are eliminated through coughing or as mucus. This helps protect the lung. However, there are a few kinds of asbestos fibers which will cling to your lungs and lodge in them for years or even decades.
Although the health effects of this condition can vary from person-to-person, it can cause chest pain, breath shortness as well as breathing problems tightness in the chest and chest pain. Other symptoms include difficulty swallowing and weight loss.
Children who have been exposed to asbestos are at a greater risk of developing mesothelioma or another type of cancer as they are more likely to inhale asbestos-related fibers through their mouths and noses. Their lung's development is still in its early stages.
They breathe at a quicker rate, and because their lungs are larger in volume to surface ratio than adults', they are able to inhale more asbestos fibers.
Because they are more susceptible to inhaling the dangerous fibers, young children are at a particularly high chance of developing mesothelioma especially when they have been in close contact with railroad cars. If they have a family member who suffers from mesothelioma are at a higher chance of developing the disease.
Creosote
During the 19th Century, creosote was developed to preserve wood from rot and insect damage, saving railroad companies money by reducing the cost of replacing wood. Creosote can still be used to treat wood products. It is also used to protect log homes and marine pilings.
It is a toxic chemical that has been linked to a variety of cancers. Some of them include lung, esophageal, and larynx cancers.
Railroad Workers of creosote exposure are especially high for those working in the wood preservation, coke production and asphalt industries. People who work in physical labor like rail track maintenance or construction, for instance chimney sweeps, could also be exposed.
Creosote exposure can cause skin irritation, eyelid convulsions and spasms, as in addition to chemical burns, convulsions, chemical burns and unconsciousness. It can also affect the lung and cause respiratory issues over time, similar to smoking cigarettes.
Creosote, a chemical made from coal tar can be absorbed through 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 often contain large amounts of creosote and can be harmful to water, soil and air.
Rail workers can also be exposed to the poison if they work in the wood treatment sector. A lot of wood products, like lumber and fences, are treated with creosote.
People who work in these industries are often not protected with the proper equipment, which exposes them to creosote and toxins. This can lead to serious health problems, including cancer and chronic fatigue syndrome.
Creosote can be described as an oily liquid that ranges from amber to black in color. It also has an acidic, burning taste. It is not buoyant in water and has a specific gravity of 1.037 to 1.087. It is a mix of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and phenolic compounds as well other chemicals. While coal tar is the most common form, various forms of creosote also exist.
Diesel Exhaust
Diesel exhaust is a byproduct from fuel combustion and is released into the air when diesel engines are used. It is also released from diesel locomotives, farm and construction equipment generators, ships and other industrial equipment.
Workers who work near diesel exhaust are more at 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.
A few studies suggest that long-term exposure to diesel exhaust can cause lung cancer in lab animals like rats. In certain instances, diesel exhaust can alter the DNA of cells, making them more likely to grow and become cancerous.
Studies on diesel exhaust in humans have identified a variety of health problems including respiratory disorders like emphysema, chronic bronchitis, as well as blood system diseases such as bladder cancers, voice box, stomach, pancreas and stomach. Other studies have found a link between diesel exhaust and cancers of the prostate and breast.
Diesel exhaust is classified as 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).
Exposure to diesel exhaust may pose a significant risk to those who work with large engines and machines, such as truck drivers or toll booth operators. They may also be at high risk when they spend a lot of time in places where heavy diesel traffic occurs in such places as highways or cities.
Railroad workers who construct and maintain tracks and yards may be exposed to diesel fumes when they work near diesel engines or other machines. The fumes could be harmful in the cabins of locomotives and other equipment.
A study conducted on laboratory animals found that exposure for a long time to diesel exhaust caused several lung tumors and inflammatory changes. Some of these tumors looked like a form of cancer called a lung adenocarcinoma, which occurs when the cells within the lungs are malignant and begin to multiply and grow rapidly.