Railroad Cancer
Railroads employ millions of gallons of diesel fuel to transport freight trains across long distances. The highly toxic diesel exhaust contains carcinogens like arsenic, dioxin and benzene.
You could be eligible for compensation under the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA) if you are an employee of a railroad who has been diagnosed with cancer. Our knowledgeable Houston railroad cancer lawyers can assist you get an equitable financial settlement for the pain you’ve endured.
Benzene
Benzene, an industrial solvent, can be found in diesel fuel exhaust. Many railroad employees, including conductors, engineers, machinists electricians, and conductors are exposed to diesel fumes.
A single exposure to benzene may lead to cancer in some people. In particular, it is believed to cause acute myeloid leukemia (AML). This cancer begins in the bone marrow and spreads into the blood. It is more prevalent among men than women and is deadly if left untreated.
The danger of benzene is derived from the fact that it may affect the immune system. This can cause a range of health problems like infections and a lower capability to fight off germs. Benzene may also weaken bones and increase the risk of arthritis.
Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is a serious consequence of benzene. This kind of cancer begins in the bone marrow, and then spreads to the blood. It can also affect the spleen or other organs of your body.
A study in 2015 found that even low levels of benzene increases the risk of developing leukemia by a third. Researchers looked into medical records of 25000 Norwegian oil workers who were employed for 20 or more days.
Despite the risk of being exposed to benzene, it’s still used in numerous commercial and industrial settings. Fortunately, there are ways to reduce exposure to benzene and prevent poisoning.
One way to do this is to wear the right clothes and eyewear that is protected. This will stop benzene from entering the eyes and nose. It is also recommended to wear an oxygen mask whenever you can.
If you suspect you’ve been exposed, immediately notify your doctor. This will allow you to recognize any symptoms that you may be suffering from and help reduce the chance of death from benzene poisoning.
Benzene is also known to cause brain damage, along with various other forms of cancer. It can cause loss of memory and confusion. If you are affected by this condition it can cause a decrease in your quality of life and make it difficult to function at home and in the workplace.
Asbestos
Asbestos is a poisonous mineral that has been proven to cause serious diseases including Lung Cancer Lawsuit Settlements cancer as well as mesothelioma. It is found in a variety of materials that are used in construction, such as pipe insulation or floor tiles.
As the result asbestos exposure is one of the greatest health risks to people who work in the railroad industry. Railroad workers may be exposed to asbestos in numerous ways. Some of the most prevalent are:
One exposure to asbestos can lead to mesothelioma and various other life-threatening cancers. The cancers, which develop within the lungs or in the membrane that covers the lungs as well as the abdominal cavity (the mesothelium) are usually fatal.
Fortunately, the majority of people who are exposed to asbestos fibers will not develop any of the dangerous health conditions linked to this substance. Most fibers are released through coughing or in the form of mucus. This protects the lungs. However there are certain kinds of asbestos fibers that will stick to your lungs and remain there for decades or years.
The effects of this condition can vary from individual to individual but can cause shortness of breath chest pain, trouble breathing, or a tightness in the chest. 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 inhale harmful fibers via the mouth and nose. Their lung’s development is still in its early stages.
They breathe in more asbestos fibers because they breathe at a higher rate and have a greater surface area to volume ratio than adults.
Due to their vulnerability to inhaling dangerous fibers, children are at a particularly high risk of developing mesothelioma, particularly if they have been in close proximity to railroad cars. If they have a relative with mesothelioma, they are at greater risk of developing the disease.
Creosote
In the 19th century creosote was created to preserve wood from rot and insect damage, thereby saving railroad companies money by cutting down on the cost of replacing wood. Creosote is still used for treating wood products today. It is also used for protection of log homes and marine pilings.
It is a toxic chemical and has been linked to a range of cancers. These include esophageal, lung and larynx cancers.
People who work in the asphalt, wood preservation, and coke-production industries are particularly at risk. Chimney sweeps and those who perform physical labor, such as rail track maintenance and construction, could also be exposed creosote.
Creosote exposure can cause irritation to the skin, eyelid spasms and convulsions, as in addition to chemical burns, chemical burns, convulsions and unconsciousness. It can also cause respiratory problems and lung issues, similar to smoking cigarettes.
Creosote chemical is made from coal tar . It can be taken in through the 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 typically contain large quantities of creosote. This can cause contamination of water, soil and air.
Another source of creosote exposure for employees of rail companies is when they work in the wood treatment industry. A lot of wood products, such as fences and lumber are treated with creosote.
Workers in these industries are often not protected by protective equipment, which can expose them to creosote and other toxic substances. This could lead to serious health conditions like cancer and Grand Trunk Corporation chronic fatigue syndrome.
Creosote, an oily liquid that is amber to black in color. It also has an acidic, Grand Trunk Corporation burning taste. It is not a buoyant substance in water and has specific gravity ranging from 1.037 to 1.087. It is a mixture of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons phenolic compounds and other chemicals. The most common creosote type is coal tar, but different forms are also utilized.
Diesel Exhaust
Diesel exhaust is a byproduct of combustion of fuel and is released into the air when diesel engines are in use. Diesel exhaust is also released by diesel locomotives farm equipment, construction equipment generators, and other industrial equipment.
People who work with diesel exhaust could be at a greater risk of developing cancer. This is because they are typically exposed to more of this substance than people who work in other sectors.
Certain studies have shown that long-term exposure to diesel exhaust can cause lung cancer in laboratory animals such as rats. Diesel exhaust can trigger DNA modifications in cells, making them more prone to cancerous growth.
Studies on diesel exhaust in humans have revealed a wide range of health problems including respiratory disorders like emphysemaor chronic bronchitis, and blood system diseases such as bladder cancers and the voice box, stomach, stomach, and pancreas. Certain cancers of the prostate, stomach, and breast have been connected to diesel exhaust.
The American Cancer Society considers diesel exhaust to be carcinogen. 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 serious threat to those who work with large engines and machines, such as truck drivers or toll booth operators. They may also be at risk when they spend a lot of time in areas where heavy diesel traffic is prevalent (e.g. highways or cities).
In addition, railroad employees who maintain and construct yards and tracks can be exposed to diesel fumes when they are working near locomotives or other equipment that runs on diesel engines. These fumes can be particularly hazardous when they are in the cabins of locomotives as well as other machinery.
Long-term exposure to diesel exhaust can cause lung inflammation and cancer in laboratory rats. Certain of these tumors appeared like a kind of cancer called a lung adenocarcinoma. It occurs when the cells within the lungs become malignant and begin to multiply and grow rapidly.