Railroad Cancer
Railroads burn millions of gallons of diesel fuel in order to operate freight trains over long distances. The extremely toxic diesel exhaust is a source of carcinogens such arsenic dioxin and benzene.
You could be eligible for compensation under the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA) If you're railroad worker who has been diagnosed with cancer. Our Houston railroad cancer lawyers will assist you get fair financial compensation for your suffering.
Benzene
It is an industrial solvent and is found in the exhaust of diesel engines. Many railroad employees, including machinists and engineers, conductors and electricians, work in areas that are exposed to diesel fumes.
One exposure to benzene could cause cancer in some people. Specifically, it is known to cause acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The cancer starts in the bone marrow, and expands into blood. It is more prevalent in men than it is in women , and can be fatal if not treated.
The immune system is susceptible to damage from benzene, which is the reason it is a risk. This can cause various health issues including infections and a diminished ability to fight off germs. Benzene may also weaken bones and increase the risk of developing arthritis.
Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is a serious adverse effect of benzene. This form of cancer begins in the bone marrow and expands into the blood. It can affect the spleen as well as other body parts.
A 2015 study found that even the smallest amount of benzene could increase the risk of leukemia by a third. Researchers looked into medical documents of 25,000 Norwegian oil workers on rigs who worked for 20 days or more.
Benzene is still utilized in a wide variety of industrial and commercial operations despite the risks of being exposed to it. There are, however, ways to reduce exposure to benzene and prevent poisoning.
Wearing protective eyewear and clothes is one way to safeguard your eyes. This will prevent benzene from getting into the eyes and nose. Also, you should wear a respirator when possible.
When you suspect that you have been exposed to benzene in any way, you should call your doctor immediately. This will enable you to determine any symptoms and reduce the risk of dying from benzene poisoning.
Benzene can also cause brain damage, in addition to other forms of cancer. It can cause confusion and memory loss. If you suffer from this disorder it can result in a decrease in your quality of life and make it difficult to perform at home or at work.
Asbestos
Asbestos is a poisonous mineral that has been shown to be the cause of many serious illnesses like lung cancer and mesothelioma. It is found in a variety of materials employed in construction, like pipe insulation and floor tiles.
As a result , asbestos exposure is one of the most serious health risks to railroad workers. Railroad workers may be exposed to the harmful substance in a number of ways, and some of the most frequent are:
One exposure to asbestos can cause mesothelioma and other cancers that can be life-threatening. The cancers that develop in the lungs or the membrane that covers the lungs as well as the abdominal cavity (the mesothelium) can be fatal.
Fortunately, most people who are exposed to asbestos fibers don't develop any of the negative diseases that can be linked to asbestos. The majority of fibers are expelled through coughing or in the form of mucus. This helps protect the lung. There are some asbestos fibers which can stay in your lungs for years or even for decades.
The health effects of this condition vary from person to person, but it may cause shortness of breath, chest pain, trouble breathing or a tight feeling in the chest. It can also cause problems with swallowing or weight loss.
Children exposed to asbestos are more at risk of developing mesothelioma as well as other forms of cancer. They are more likely to inhale harmful fibers via the mouth and nose. The reason for this is because their lungs are still developing.
They breathe at a greater rate, and because their lungs have a higher volume to surface ratio than adults', they will inhale more asbestos fibers.
Young children are more likely to breathe in the harmful fibers than adults and are particularly at risk if they have been near railroad cars. They also stand a higher risk of getting this disease if they have a family member with mesothelioma.
Creosote
Creosote first came into use in the 19th century in order to protect wood from rot and insect damage. Railroad companies were capable of saving money by reducing the expense of replacing wood. Creosote is still used for treating wood products today. It can also be used to protect log homes and marine pilings.
It is a poisonous chemical and has been linked to a range of cancers. These include lung, esophageal and larynx cancers.
The health risks associated with creosote exposure are especially significant for those working in the wood preservation, coke-production and asphalt industries. People who work in physical labor like rail track maintenance or construction, like chimney sweeps, may also be exposed.
Creosote exposure can cause irritation of the skin and eyes, chemical burns, eyelid spasms, convulsions, mental agitation, unconsciousness, kidney problems and even death. It can also cause respiratory problems and lung problems, much like smoking cigarettes.
Creosote chemical, which is made by coal tar, can be absorbed through skin. It is also taken in through food items that are contaminated or water.
Railroad workers are exposed to creosote when they work close to hazardous waste sites. These sites usually contain large amounts of creosote. Railroad Cancer Lawsuit Settlements can infect water, soil, and air.
Another way to expose yourself to creosote for employees of rail companies is working in the wood treatment industry. Many wood products such as fences and lumber are treated with creosote.
These workers are typically not provided with protective gear and are therefore exposed to toxic creosote and other substances. This could lead to serious health issues like chronic fatigue syndrome and cancer.
Creosote is a liquid that is oily that is amber to black in color and possesses an acidic, burning taste. It is not buoyant in water and has specific gravity of 1.037 to 1.087. It is a mixture of aromatic polycyclic hydrocarbons, phenolic compounds, and various other chemicals. The most common form of creosote used is coal tar, but other forms are also utilized.
Diesel Exhaust
Diesel exhaust is a by-product of fuel combustion that is released into the air when you operate vehicles that have diesel engines. It is also released from diesel locomotives, construction and farm equipment, generators, ships and other industrial equipment.
People who work with diesel exhaust may be at greater risk of developing cancer. This is because they are more susceptible to being exposed to radiation than workers in other sectors.
Long-term exposure to diesel exhaust can cause lung carcinoma in laboratory animals such as rats. Diesel exhaust can trigger DNA changes in cells , which make them more prone to cancerous growth.
Railroad Cancer Settlement Amounts on the effects of diesel exhaust in humans have identified a variety of health issues, including respiratory disorders like emphysema, chronic bronchitis, and blood system diseases such as bladder cancers, the voice box, stomach pancreas and stomach. Other studies have identified diesel exhaust as a cause of cancers of the breast and prostate.
Diesel exhaust is classified as carcinogens by the American Cancer Society. It is classified as such by the International Agency for Research on Cancer and is part of the World Health Organization.
Workers who are exposed to large machines and engines, like truck drivers and toll booth operators, could be at a high chance of developing cancer due to the exhaust of diesel. They may be at risk too for cancer if they spend a significant amount of time in areas where heavy diesel traffic happens (e.g. cities or highways).
In addition, railroad workers who manage and construct tracks and yards can be exposed to diesel fumes while they are working close to locomotives or other equipment that uses diesel engines. These fumes are particularly dangerous when they are in the cabins of locomotives and other machinery.
Long-term exposure to diesel exhaust has led to lung inflammation and cancer in laboratory rats. Some of these tumors appeared like a particular type of cancer called a lung adenocarcinoma. Csx Lawsuit Settlements happens when the cells in the lungs become malignant and grow and divide rapidly.