Railroads burn millions of gallons of diesel fuel to operate freight trains over long distances. This highly toxic diesel exhaust contains carcinogens such as arsenic, benzene and dioxin.
You could be entitled to compensation under the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA) if you are an employee of a Railroad Cancer Lawsuit who is diagnosed with cancer. Our Houston railroad cancer lawyers can help you obtain fair financial compensation for your suffering.
Benzene
Benzene is a solvent used in industrial processes and is found in the exhaust of diesel fuel. Many railroad workers, such as conductors, engineers, machinists and electricians are employed in areas in which they come in contact with diesel fumes.
Some people may develop cancer following an exposure to benzene for a short period of time. Specifically, it is known to cause acute myeloid leukemia (AML). This cancer begins in the bone marrow, and then spreads to the blood. It is more prevalent in men than it is for women and could be fatal if it is not treated.
The immune system can be damaged by the chemical benzene. This is the reason it is a risk. This can result in a range of health problems including infections and a reduced ability to fight off germs. Benzene may also weaken bones and increase the risk of developing arthritis.
Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is a different serious adverse effect of benzene. This type of cancer starts in the bone marrow, and then spreads to blood. It can also affect the spleen or other parts of your body.
A study from 2015 found that even the smallest amount of benzene can increase the risk of leukemia by a third. Researchers looked at the medical documents of more than 25,000 Norwegian oil-rig workers who worked for more than 20 days.
Despite the danger of exposure to benzene, it’s still used in numerous commercial and industrial settings. There are ways to lessen exposure to and avoid poisoning from benzene.
One way is to wear proper clothes and eyewear that is protected. This will help prevent benzene from getting in the eyes and nose. You should also wear a respirator when possible.
If you suspect you have been exposed to benzene, you should contact your physician immediately. This will enable you to detect any signs and decrease the risk of dying from poisoning with benzene.
Benzene can also cause brain damage, along with various other forms of cancer. It can cause confusion and memory loss. This condition can cause a decrease in quality of life, and make it difficult to function at work or at home.
Asbestos
Asbestos, a noxious mineral, has been found to cause lung cancer and mesothelioma. It is found in a wide range of materials used in construction including pipe insulation, floor tiles.
As as a result, asbestos exposure is one of the biggest health risks to those who work in the industry of railroads. Railroad workers are exposed to asbestos in a variety of ways. Here are a few of the most frequent:
One exposure to asbestos may cause mesothelioma as well as other cancers that are life-threatening. These cancers may develop in the lungs, mesothelium (the membrane that surrounds the lungs) as well as the abdominal cavity.
Fortunately, most people who are exposed to asbestos fibers don’t suffer from any of the dangerous health issues that are linked to asbestos. The majority of fibers are expelled 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 lung and remain there for years or decades.
Although the health effects of this condition are different between individuals, they can result in chest pain, shortness of breath trouble breathing tightness in the chest, and chest pain. Other symptoms include trouble swallowing or weight loss.
Children who have been exposed to asbestos are at a greater risk of developing mesothelioma and another form of cancer since they are more likely to breathe the dangerous fibers through their noses and mouths. The reason for this is because their lung tissues are still developing.
They inhale more asbestos fibers because they breathe at a higher speed and have a larger volume to surface ratio than adults.
Since they are more prone to inhaling dangerous fibers, children are at a particularly high risk of developing mesothelioma, especially if they’ve been in close proximity to railroad cars. If they have a relative who suffers from mesothelioma are at greater risk of developing the disease.
Creosote
During the 19th Century Creosote was invented to preserve wood from rot and insects, thus saving railroad companies money by cutting down on the cost of replacing wood. Creosote is currently used to treat wood products. It is also used for protection of log homes and marine pilings.
It is a toxic substance and has been linked with various cancers. These include lung, esophageal and larynx cancers.
The health risks associated with creosote exposure are particularly high for those working in the wood preservation, coke-production, and asphalt industries. Chimney sweeps, and workers who do physical work like rail track maintenance and construction could also be exposed creosote.
Creosote exposure can lead to irritation of the eyes and skin chemical burns, eyelid spasms, convulsions and mental confusion, kidney problems, unconsciousness, and even death. It can also affect the lungs and cause respiratory problems in the long run, similar to smoking.
Creosote, a chemical, is made from coal tar . It can be inhaled through the skin. It can also be absorption through food or water.
Railroad workers are exposed to the toxins of creosote when they work close to hazardous waste sites. These sites typically contain huge quantities of creosote, which can infect water, soil and even air.
Another way to expose yourself to creosote for rail employees is working in the wood treatment industry. A lot of wood products, such as fences and lumber are treated with creosote.
They are usually not protected by protective equipment, which can expose them to toxic substances. This can lead to serious health conditions, including chronic fatigue syndrome and cancer.
Creosote is an oily liquid that has a bitter, burning taste, is amber-black in color. It is not a buoyant substance in water and has an SG of 1.037 to 1.087. It is a mix of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, phenolic compounds and other chemicals. The most common form of creosote used is coal tar, however different forms are also utilized.
Diesel Exhaust
Diesel exhaust is a byproduct from fuel combustion and is released into the air when diesel engines are used. Diesel exhaust can also be released by diesel locomotives as well as farm equipment, construction equipment generators, as well as other industrial equipment.
Diesel exhaust workers may be more at risk of developing cancer. This is because they are more susceptible to exposure to radiation than those who work in other industries.
Some research shows that long-term exposure to diesel exhaust could cause lung cancer in lab animals such as rats. In certain instances, diesel exhaust could alter the DNA in cells which make them more likely to grow and develop cancer.
Studies on the effects of diesel exhaust on humans have also demonstrated that heavy exposure can cause many health problems, including respiratory disorders like emphysema and chronic bronchitis and blood system diseases like cancers of the bladder, larynx (voice box) and stomach, esophagus and pancreas. Other studies have connected diesel exhaust to certain cancers of the prostate and breast.
Diesel exhaust is considered carcinogens by the American Cancer Society. It is classified as such in the International Agency for Research on Cancer (part of the World Health Organization).
Exposure to diesel exhaust may be a serious risk for those who work with large engines and machines, including truck drivers or toll booth operators. They could also be at risk in the event that they spend too much time in areas where heavy diesel traffic happens (e.g. highways or cities).
In addition, railroad workers who construct and maintain yards and tracks may be exposed to diesel fumes if they work near locomotives or other equipment that uses diesel engines. The fumes can be extremely dangerous when they enter the cabins of locomotives and other machinery.
Long-term diesel exhaust exposure caused lung inflammation and railroad cancer cancer in laboratory rats. Certain of these tumors appeared like a kind of cancer known as lung adenocarcinoma. It occurs when the cells within the lungs are malignant and begin to multiply and grow rapidly.