Railroad Cancer
Railroads use millions of gallons diesel fuel to transport freight trains across long distances. This highly harmful diesel exhaust is high in carcinogens, including arsenic as well as benzene.
If you are an ex- or current 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 can assist you to get fair financial compensation for your suffering.
Benzene
Benzene, an industrial solvent, can be found in diesel fuel exhaust. Many railroad workers, like conductors, engineers, machinists and electricians work in areas in which they come in contact with diesel fumes.
A single exposure to benzene may cause cancer in some people. Specifically, it is known to cause acute myeloid leukemia (AML). This cancer starts in the bone marrow, and then spreads into the blood. It is more common for men than women and is fatal if not treated.
The immune system is susceptible to damage from benzene, and that's why it poses a danger. This could lead to a range of health problems such as infections and a decreased capacity to fight off germs. Benzene may also cause bone weakness and increase the risk for arthritis.
Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is a different serious consequence of benzene. Railroad Workers Cancer Lawsuit of cancer starts in the bone marrow and grows into blood. It can also affect the spleen or other parts of your body.
A study from 2015 revealed that even low levels benzene can increase leukemia risk by three-quarters. Researchers looked into medical documents of 25000 Norwegian oil rig workers who worked for at least 20 days.
Benzene is still used in many commercial and industrial operations, despite the dangers of being exposed to it. There are ways to lessen exposure to and avoid poisoning from benzene.
One way to do this is to wear proper clothing and protective eyewear. This will prevent benzene out of the nose and eyes. It is also recommended to wear an oxygen mask whenever you can.
If you suspect you've been exposed to benzene, you must immediately call your doctor. This will help you determine any symptoms and reduce the chance of dying from poisoning by benzene.
Benzene may also cause brain damage, as well as other forms of cancer. It can lead to a loss of memory and confusion. If you are affected by this condition it could cause a decline in your quality of life and make it difficult for you to perform at home or in the workplace.
Asbestos
Asbestos is an extremely toxic mineral that has been shown to be the cause of many serious illnesses including lung cancer as well as mesothelioma. It is found in many construction materials, including flooring tiles and pipe insulation.
As the result asbestos exposure is among of the biggest health risks to those who work in the railroad industry. Railroad Cancer Lawsuit may be exposed to the toxic substance through numerous ways, and some of the most prevalent are:
One exposure to asbestos can result in mesothelioma and other cancers that can be life-threatening. These cancers can develop in the lungs, mesothelium (the membrane that surrounds the lung) and the abdominal cavity.
Fortunately, the majority of people who are exposed to asbestos fibers will not develop any of the harmful health conditions linked to asbestos. Most fibers are released through coughing or in the form of mucus. This protects the lungs. There are a few asbestos fibers that can be stuck to your lungs for a long time, even decades.
Although the health effects of this condition are different from person to person, they can cause chest pain, breath shortness trouble breathing, tightness in the chest, and chest pain. Other symptoms include trouble swallowing or weight loss.
Children exposed to asbestos are more at chance of developing mesothelioma and other types of cancer. They are more likely to inhale harmful fibers via the nose and mouth. Their lung's development is still in its early stages.
They breathe at a greater rate, and since their lungs have a larger volume-to-surface ratio than adults', they have the ability to inhale more asbestos fibers.
Young children are more likely to inhale the harmful fibers than adults, and are particularly at risk if near railway cars. If they have a relative who has mesothelioma, they are at an increased risk of developing the disease.
Creosote
During the 19th Century the development of creosote helped preserve wood from rot and insects, thus saving railroad companies money by reducing the cost of replacing wood. Creosote can still be used to treat wood products. It can also be used to protect log homes as well as marine pilings.
It is a toxic compound and has been linked to many types of cancer. These include esophageal and lung cancers, and larynx cancers.
The health risks of creosote-related exposure are especially high among those who work in the wood preservation, coke production, and asphalt industries. Chimney sweeps, and workers who perform physical labor, such as rail track maintenance and construction could also be exposed to creosote.
Creosote's exposure can cause irritation of the eyes and skin chemical burns, eyelid spasms, convulsions, mental agitation, unconsciousness, kidney problems, and even death. It can also affect the lung and cause respiratory issues in the long run, similar to smoking cigarettes.
Creosote, a substance derived by coal tar, can be absorbed through the skin. It is also absorption through food or water.
Railroad workers are exposed to creosote whenever they work close to hazardous waste sites. These sites typically contain large amounts of creosote which can be harmful to water, soil and air.
Another source of creosote exposure for rail employees is when they work in the wood treatment industry. A lot of wood products, like fences and lumber, are treated with creosote.
These workers are often not protected by protective equipment and are therefore exposed to toxic substances. This can cause serious health issues, such as chronic fatigue syndrome and cancer.
Creosote, an oily fluid with a bitter, burning taste, is an amber-black 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. While coal is the most commonly used form, different forms of creosote can also be found.
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. It is also released from diesel locomotives, construction and farm equipment generators, ships and other industrial equipment.
Workers who work near diesel exhaust may be at a greater risk of developing cancer. This is due to the fact that they are often exposed to more of this substance than those who work in other industries.
Some research shows that exposure to diesel exhaust could cause lung cancer in laboratory animals like rats. In some instances, diesel exhaust could alter the DNA of cells which make them more likely to develop and eventually become cancerous.
Studies of diesel exhaust in humans have also proven that exposure to diesel exhaust can trigger numerous health issues that include respiratory disorders such as emphysema and chronic bronchitis and blood system diseases such as cancers of the bladder and larynx (voice box) as well as stomach, esophagus and the pancreas. Certain cancers of the prostate, breast and stomach have been associated with diesel exhaust.
Diesel exhaust is regarded as a carcinogen by the American Cancer Society. It is classified as such by the International Agency for Research on Cancer and is part of the World Health Organization.
Workers who work with large machines and engines, such as truck drivers and operators of toll booths, could be at the highest risk of developing cancer from exposure to diesel exhaust. They could also be at risk in the event that they spend too much time in areas where heavy diesel traffic is prevalent (e.g. highways or cities).
Additionally, Railroad Workers Cancer Lawsuit who maintain and build yards and tracks can be exposed to diesel fumes when they work near locomotives or other equipment that runs on diesel engines. These fumes pose a particular risk when they enter the cabins of locomotives or other machinery.
Long-term exposure to diesel exhaust can cause lung inflammation and cancer in laboratory rats. Some of these tumors were like a kind of cancer known as a lung adenocarcinoma, which occurs when the cells in the lungs become malignant and grow and divide rapidly.