Railroad Cancer
Railroads burn millions of gallons of diesel fuel in order to run freight trains on long distances. This extremely polluting diesel exhaust is high in carcinogens like arsenic and benzene.
You may be entitled to compensation under the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA) when you're an employee of a railroad who is diagnosed with cancer. Our skilled Houston railroad lawyers can help you get an equitable financial settlement for your suffering.
Benzene
Benzene is an industrial solvent and is present in the exhaust of diesel fuel. Many railroad workers, such as conductors, engineers and machinists and electricians are employed in areas that come into contact with diesel fumes.
One exposure to benzene can lead to cancer in some people. It is believed to cause acute meeloid leukemia (AML). The cancer starts in the bone marrow and it spreads to the blood. It is more prevalent in men than in women and is fatal if not treated.
The dangers of benzene stem from the fact that it can cause harm to the immune system. This can result in infections and a decrease in the capability to fight off germs. Benzene can also weaken bones and increase the risk for arthritis.
Another serious issue that can be attributed to exposure to benzene is chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). This kind of cancer begins in the bone marrow and then spreads into the blood. It can affect the spleen as well as other organs.
A study from 2015 showed that even low levels of benzene can increase the risk of leukemia by three-quarters. Researchers looked into the medical records of more than 25,000 Norwegian oil-rig workers who worked for more that 20 days.
Despite the risk of exposure to benzene, it is still being used in a variety of commercial and industrial processes. There are ways to limit exposure and avoid poisoning from benzene.
Wearing eye protection and appropriate clothing is one of the ways to safeguard your eyes. This will help prevent benzene from getting into the eyes and nose. Railroad Injury Settlement Amounts should be used whenever it is possible.
If you suspect that you have been exposed to benzene, you must immediately contact your doctor. This will allow you to recognize any signs and minimize the risk of dying due to benzene poisoning.
Benzene is also known to cause brain damage, as well as other forms of cancer. It can lead to a loss of memory and confusion. This can lead to a decline in quality of life and make it difficult to function at work or at home.
Asbestos
Asbestos, a toxic mineral, has been shown to cause lung cancer as well as mesothelioma. It can be found in a variety of construction materials, such as floor tiles and pipe insulation.
As the result asbestos exposure is among of the biggest health risks to those who work in the industry of railroads. Railroad workers can be exposed to the harmful substance in various ways. Some of the most frequent are:
One exposure to asbestos can trigger mesothelioma and other life-threatening cancers. The cancers, which grow in the lungs or the membrane that surrounds the lungs and abdominal cavity (the mesothelium) usually cause death.
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 removed from the body, or be carried away in the mucus layer which protects the lungs. There are some asbestos fibers that can stick to your lungs for years , or even decades.
The effects of this condition differ from individual to individual but it can result in shortness of breath chest pain, trouble breathing or a tight feeling in the chest. Symptoms may also include trouble swallowing or 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-containing fibers through their mouths and noses. The reason is that their lungs are still developing.
They breathe in more asbestos fibers since they breathe at a higher rate and have a greater volume to surface ratio than adults.
Young children are more likely to breathe in the harmful fibers than adults and are at a higher risk if they've lived in close proximity to railroad vehicles. They also stand the risk of developing mesothelioma if they have relatives who has mesothelioma.
Creosote
During the 19th Century Creosote was invented to protect wood from rot and insects, thus saving railroad companies money by reducing the cost of replacing wood. Even today, creosote remains used to treat wood products. It can also be used for protection of log homes and marine pilings.
It is a poisonous chemical that has been linked to a variety of cancers. These include esophageal, lung and larynx cancers.
The health risks of creosote-related exposure are especially high for those working in the wood preservation, coke production and asphalt industries. Chimney sweeps, and workers who do physical work, such as rail track maintenance and construction may also be exposed to creosote.
Exposure to creosote can cause irritation of the skin and eyes, chemical burns, eyelid spasms, convulsions, mental confusion, unconsciousness, kidney problems and even death. It can also trigger respiratory problems and lung issues, similar to smoking.
Creosote, a chemical, is made from coal tar and can be absorbed through the skin. It can also get into the body through food and water.
Railroad workers are exposed to creosote when they work close to hazardous waste sites. These sites usually contain large amounts of creosote that can infect water, soil, and even air.
Another way to expose yourself to creosote for employees of rail companies is working in the wood treatment industry. Many wood products, like fences and lumber are treated with creosote.
These workers are typically not protected by protective equipment that could expose them for creosote or other toxic substances. This could lead to serious health issues, such as chronic fatigue syndrome and cancer.
Creosote is an oily liquid with a bitter, burning taste, is an amber-black color. It is not buoyant in water and has specific gravity ranging from 1.037 to 1.087. It is a mixture of aromatic polycyclic hydrocarbons, phenolic compounds and other chemicals. While coal tar is the most common form, other types of creosote are also available.
Diesel Exhaust
Diesel exhaust is a byproduct of combustion of fuel that is released into the air when you operate vehicles that have diesel engines. It can also be released from diesel locomotives, construction and farm equipment, generators, ships and other industrial equipment.
Workers who work near diesel exhaust are at a greater risk of developing cancer. This is due to the fact that they are more likely to be exposed to radiation than workers in other industries.
A few studies suggest that exposure to diesel exhaust can cause lung cancer in lab animals, such as rats. Diesel exhaust can cause DNA changes in cells that make them more susceptible to cancerous growth.
Studies on the effects of diesel exhaust in humans have shown a range of health problems , including respiratory diseases like emphysema, chronic bronchitis, and blood system diseases such as bladder cancers and the voice box, stomach, stomach, and pancreas. Certain cancers of the prostate, breast, and stomach have been associated with diesel exhaust.
Diesel exhaust is classified as carcinogens by the American Cancer Society. It is classified as carcinogenic by the International Agency for Research on Cancer and is part of the World Health Organization.
Exposure to diesel exhaust may cause serious health risks to those who work with large engines and machines, including truck drivers or toll booth operators. They could be at risk too for cancer if they spend a significant amount of time in areas where heavy diesel traffic is prevalent (e.g. highways or cities).
In addition, employees of railroads who maintain and build yards and tracks can be exposed to diesel fumes if they are working near locomotives or other equipment using diesel engines. The fumes could be harmful if they get into the cabins of locomotives and other equipment.
Long-term diesel exhaust exposure caused lung cancers and inflammation in laboratory rats. Certain of these tumors were comparable to lung adenocarcinoma. It is a form of cancer that occurs when the lungs' cells increase rapidly and develop into malignant.