Railroad Cancer
Railroads burn millions of gallons of diesel fuel to operate freight trains over long distances. The highly toxic diesel exhaust contains carcinogens such arsenic benzene and dioxin.
If you are a railroad worker who was diagnosed with cancer, you could be entitled to compensation under the Federal Employers' Liability Act (FELA). Our Houston railroad cancer lawyers will assist you get fair financial compensation to your suffering.
Benzene
Benzene, a solvent used in industrial processes, can be found in the exhaust from diesel fuel. Many railroad workers, including conductors, engineers and machinists and electricians are employed in areas that come into contact with diesel fumes.
One exposure to benzene can cause cancer in some people. It is known to cause acute meeloid leukemia (AML). This cancer begins in the bone marrow, and expands into blood. It is more prevalent in men than in women, and it can be fatal if not treated.
The immune system can be damaged by benzene. That's why it's a risk. This can lead to a range of health problems such as infections and a decreased capacity to fight off germs. Benzene can cause bone weakness and increase the risk of arthritis.
Another serious problem from benzene exposure is chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). The cancer forms start in the bone marrow and expands into blood. It may be a threat to the spleen, or other organs of your body.
A study from 2015 revealed that even low levels benzene increases the risk of developing leukemia by 33. Researchers examined medical documents of the medical records of 25,000 Norwegian oil workers on rigs who worked for 20 days or more.
Despite the dangers of exposure to benzene, it's still being used in a variety of commercial and industrial settings. Fortunately, there are ways to limit exposure and prevent poisoning with benzene.
Wearing eye protection and appropriate clothes is one way to protect your eyes. This will prevent benzene from getting in the eyes and nose. You should also use a respirator when possible.
If you suspect you have been exposed, immediately contact your doctor. This will allow you to recognize any symptoms you might have and reduce the chance of death from benzene poisoning.
Alongside a myriad of different cancer types in addition, benzene may also affect the brain. It can cause confusion and memory loss. If you are affected by this condition it could cause the quality of life and make it difficult for you to function at home and at work.
Asbestos
Asbestos is an extremely toxic mineral that has been proven to cause many serious diseases, including lung cancer and mesothelioma. It is found in a wide range of materials used in construction, such as pipe insulation and floor tiles.
As a result , exposure to asbestos is one of the health hazards that is most severe for railroad workers. Railroad workers are exposed to asbestos in a variety ways. Here are some of the most frequent:
A single exposure to asbestos may lead to mesothelioma or any other cancers that could be life-threatening. The cancers, which grow in the lungs or within the membrane that covers the lungs as well as the abdominal cavity (the mesothelium), are often fatal.
Fortunately, the majority of people who are exposed to asbestos fibers do not develop any of the negative health problems that are associated with this substance. Most fibers are released through coughing or as mucus. This protects the lung. There are asbestos fibers that can stay in your lungs for years , or even decades.
While the health effects of this condition can vary from person to person, they can cause chest discomfort, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, tightness in the chest, and chest pain. Other symptoms include difficulty swallowing and weight loss.
Children who have been exposed to asbestos are at greater chance of developing mesothelioma, or another type of cancer as they are more likely to breathe asbestos-containing fibers through their noses and mouths. The reason for this is because their lung tissues are still developing.
They breathe in more asbestos fibers due to the fact that they breathe at a higher speed and have a larger volume to surface ratio than adults.
Because they are more susceptible to inhaling dangerous fibers, children are at a high chance of developing mesothelioma especially when they have been in close contact with railroad cars. If they have a parent who has mesothelioma, they are at a higher risk of developing the disease.
Creosote
Creosote first came into use in the 19th century in order to protect wood from insect and rot damage. Railroad companies were successful in saving money by reducing the cost of replacing wood. Creosote can still be used to treat wood products in the present. It can also be used for protection of log homes and marine pilings.
It is a poisonous substance and has been linked to various cancers. This includes esophageal, lung and larynx cancers.
The health risks associated with creosote exposure are particularly significant for those working in the wood preservation, coke-production, and asphalt industries. Chimney sweeps and those who work physically, such as rail track maintenance and construction, could also be exposed to creosote.
Creosote exposure can cause skin irritation, eyelid spasms and convulsions, along with chemical burns convulsions, chemical burns and unconsciousness. It can also trigger respiratory problems and lung problems, similar to smoking cigarettes.
Creosote chemical, which is made by coal tar, can be absorbed through skin. It can also get into the body through food items that are contaminated and water.
Railroad workers are exposed to creosote whenever they work close to hazardous waste sites. These sites usually contain huge amounts of creosote which can contaminate soil, water and air.
Another reason for exposure to creosote for rail workers is when they work in the wood treatment industry. Many wood products, including fences and lumber, are treated with creosote.
These workers are typically not protected by protective equipment, which can expose them for creosote or other toxic substances. This can lead to serious health problems like chronic fatigue syndrome and cancer.
Creosote is an oily liquid which ranges from amber to black in color and possesses an acidic, burning taste. It is non-buoyant in liquids and has an SG of 1.037 to 1.87. It is a mix of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and phenolic compounds as well other chemicals. While coal tar is the most common form, various forms of creosote are also available.
Diesel Exhaust
Diesel exhaust is a byproduct of fuel combustion and is released into the air when diesel engines are being used. Diesel exhaust can also be released by diesel locomotives, construction equipment, farm equipment, generators and other industrial equipment.
Workers who work near diesel exhaust are more at risk of developing cancer. This is due to the fact that they are more likely to be exposed to radiation than those who work in other sectors.
Some research shows that long-term exposure to diesel exhaust can cause lung cancer in laboratory animals, such as rats. Diesel exhaust can trigger DNA changes in cells that make them more susceptible to cancerous growth.
Railroad Injury Settlement Amounts of diesel exhaust in humans have also shown that exposure to diesel exhaust can trigger numerous health issues, including respiratory disorders like chronic bronchitis, emphysema and blood system disorders like cancers of the bladder and larynx (voice box) as well as stomach, esophagus and pancreas. Some cancers of the prostate, stomach, and breast have been associated with diesel exhaust.
The American Cancer Society considers diesel exhaust to be a carcinogen. It is classified as such in the International Agency for Research on Cancer (part of the World Health Organization).
Workers who are exposed to large machines and engines, such as truck drivers and toll booth attendants, could be at the highest risk of developing cancer as a result of the exhaust of diesel. They may also be at risk for cancer if they spend a significant amount of time in areas where heavy diesel traffic is prevalent (e.g. cities or highways).
Additionally, railroad workers who maintain and construct tracks and yards may be exposed to diesel fumes when they work near locomotives or other equipment using diesel engines. These fumes can be hazardous when they enter the cabins of engines or other machinery.
A study in laboratory rats found that exposure for a long time to diesel exhaust resulted in various lung tumors and inflammation changes. Certain of these tumors were comparable to lung adenocarcinoma. It is a form of cancer that develops when lungs' cells expand rapidly and then become malignant.