Railroad Cancer
Railroads burn millions of gallons of diesel fuel to run freight trains over long distances. This highly harmful diesel exhaust is high in carcinogens such as arsenic and benzene.
If you are an ex- or current railroad worker who has been diagnosed with cancer, you may be eligible for compensation under the Federal Employers’ Liability Act (FELA). Our Houston railroad cancer lawyers can help you get fair financial compensation for your suffering.
Benzene
Benzene, an industrial solvent is found in the exhaust from diesel fuel. Many railroad workers, such as machinists, engineers, conductors and electricians are employed in areas where they come into contact with diesel fumes.
Some people may develop cancer following a single exposure to benzene. It is believed to cause acute meeloid leukemia (AML). This cancer starts in the bone marrow and then spreads to blood. It is more common among men than women and can be deadly if left untreated.
The danger of benzene comes due to the fact that it could damage the immune system. This can lead to infections and a decrease in the capacity to fight germs. Benzene may cause bone weakness and increase the risk for arthritis.
Another serious issue associated with exposure to benzene is chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). This type of cancer starts in the bone marrow, and then it spreads to blood. It may affect the spleen or other body parts.
A 2015 study showed that even low levels benzene increases the risk of developing leukemia by 33. Researchers examined medical documents of more than 25,000 Norwegian oil workers on rigs who worked for at least 20 days.
Benzene is still used in a wide variety of industrial and commercial operations, despite the dangers of exposure to it. There are ways to lessen exposure to and avoid poisoning from benzene.
One way to do this is to wear the right clothes and eyewear that is protected. This will prevent benzene getting into the eyes and nose. A respirator is recommended whenever it is possible.
If you suspect you have been exposed to benzene, you must immediately call your doctor. This will allow you to identify any symptoms and reduce the risk of dying from benzene poisoning.
Benzene may also cause brain damage, in addition to many other types of cancer. It can cause confusion and memory loss. If you suffer from this disorder it can result in a decline in your quality of life and make it difficult for you to perform your duties at home or at work.
Asbestos
Asbestos is a toxic mineral that has been known to cause serious diseases like lung cancer and mesothelioma. It can be found in a variety of construction materials, such as floor tiles and Emphysema pipe insulation.
As as a result asbestos exposure is considered to be one of the health hazards that pose the greatest risk to those who work in the railway industry. Railroad workers are exposed to asbestos in a variety ways. Here are some of the most prevalent:
A single exposure to asbestos can result in mesothelioma, or other life-threatening cancers. These cancers may develop in the lungs, the mesothelium (the membrane that surrounds the lung) and the abdominal cavity.
Most people who have been exposed to asbestos fibers will not develop any of the health issues that are associated with this chemical. The majority of fibers are expelled through coughing or in the form of mucus. This helps protect the lungs. There are some asbestos fibers that could be stuck to your lungs for a long time, even decades.
Although the health effects of this condition can vary between individuals, they can result in chest discomfort, shortness of breath and breathing difficulties, tightness in the chest and chest pain. Other signs include difficulty swallowing and weight loss.
Children who have been exposed to asbestos are at a greater risk of developing mesothelioma or another form of cancer because they are more likely to breathe the dangerous fibers through their noses and mouths. Their lung’s development is still in its early stages.
They breathe in more asbestos fibers as they breathe at a faster rate and have a higher surface area to volume ratio than adults.
Because they are more susceptible to inhaling the dangerous fibers, children are at a high risk of developing mesothelioma, especially when they have been in close proximity to railroad cars. If they have a relative who is suffering from mesothelioma are at a higher risk of developing the disease.
Creosote
Creosote was initially developed in the 19th century in order to protect wood from damage caused by insects and rot. Railroad companies were capable of saving money by reducing the expense of replacing wood. Even today, creosote remains 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 these include esophageal, lung and larynx cancers.
The health risks of creosote are especially present in those who work in the wood preservation, coke-production, and asphalt industries. Chimney sweeps, and workers who do physical work like rail track maintenance and construction may also be exposed to creosote.
Creosote exposure can cause irritation to the skin, eyelid spasms and convulsions as along with chemical burns convulsions, chemical burns, and even unconsciousness. It can also affect the lungs and cause respiratory problems in the long run, similar to smoking cigarettes.
Creosote is a chemical that is made from coal tar . It can be inhaled through the skin. It can also enter the body through contaminated food and water.
Railroad workers are exposed to the toxins of creosote when they work close to hazardous waste sites. These sites usually contain large quantities of creosote, which can be harmful to water, soil and even air.
Rail workers may also be exposed to creosote , if they work in the wood treatment sector. Many wood products, including lumber and fences, are treated with creosote.
Workers in these sectors are usually not provided with protective equipment, which can expose them to creosote , as well as other toxins. This could lead to serious health issues like cancer and chronic fatigue syndrome.
Creosote, an oily fluid 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. The most popular form of creosote used is coal tar, however other forms are also utilized.
Diesel Exhaust
Diesel exhaust is a byproduct from the combustion of fuel. It is released into the air when you operate vehicles with diesel engines. Diesel exhaust is also released by diesel locomotives and construction equipment, farm equipment, generators and other industrial equipment.
Workers who work near diesel exhaust are at greater risk of developing cancer. This is because they are more susceptible to exposure than those who work in other industries.
Some research shows that long-term exposure to diesel exhaust can cause lung cancer in laboratory animals like rats. In some instances, the diesel exhaust may alter the DNA in cells, making them more likely to grow and develop cancer.
Studies on the effects of diesel exhaust in humans have also identified a variety of health concerns, including respiratory disorders such as emphysema and chronic bronchitis, as well as blood system diseases like bladder cancers, voice box, stomach, pancreas, stomach, and. Some cancers of the breast, prostate and stomach have been caused by 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 (part of the World Health Organization).
Workers who are exposed to large machines and engines, like truck drivers and toll booth operators, may be at the highest risk of developing cancer from the exhaust of diesel. They may be at risk too for cancer if they spend a significant amount of time in areas that see a lot of diesel traffic (e.g. cities or highways).
Railroad workers who construct and maintain tracks and yards may be exposed to diesel fumes if they work near diesel engines or other machinery. These fumes can be dangerous if they get into the cabins of locomotives or other machinery.
A study in laboratory rats found that exposure for a long time to diesel exhaust caused various lung tumors and inflammatory changes. Certain of these tumors were comparable to lung adenocarcinoma. It is a form of cancer that develops when the lungs’ cells develop rapidly and turn malignant.