Railroad Cancer
Railroads utilize millions of gallons of diesel fuel to transport freight trains over long distances. The highly toxic diesel exhaust is rich in carcinogens, including arsenic as well as benzene.
If you are an ex- or current railroad worker who has been diagnosed with cancer, you could be entitled to compensation under the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA). Our Houston railroad cancer lawyers will help you obtain fair financial compensation for your suffering.
Benzene
It is an industrial solvent and is present in diesel fuel exhaust. Many railroad workers, such as conductors, engineers and machinists and electricians, work in areas that come into contact with diesel fumes.
Certain people can develop cancer following one exposure to benzene. In particular, it is believed to cause acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The cancer starts in the bone marrow and it spreads to the blood. It is more common for men than women and can be fatal if it is not treated.
The immune system can be damaged by the chemical benzene. This is why it is a threat. This can result in infections and a decreased ability to fight off germs. Benzene may cause bone weakness and increase the risk for arthritis.
Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is a more serious side effect of benzene. This type of cancer starts in the bone marrow, and then spreads into the blood. It can also affect the spleen or other parts of your body.
A study from 2015 showed that even low levels of benzene can increase the risk of leukemia by a third. Researchers looked at the medical records of more than 25,000 Norwegian oil-rig workers who worked for more than 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 and avoid poisoning from benzene.
Wearing protective eyewear and proper clothes is one way to protect your eyes. This will prevent benzene out of the eyes and nose. A respirator should be used whenever it is possible.
If you suspect that you've been exposed, immediately notify your doctor. This will help you identify any symptoms you might be suffering from and help reduce the chance of death from benzene poisoning.
Benzene may also cause brain damage, along with other forms of cancer. It can cause loss of memory and confusion. This can cause an impairment in the quality of life, making it difficult to function at work or at home.
Asbestos
Asbestos is a poisonous mineral that has been found to be the cause of many serious illnesses such as lung cancer and mesothelioma. It is found in a variety of substances used in construction, like pipe insulation and floor tiles.
As a result asbestos exposure is among the greatest health risks for railroad workers. Railroad workers may be exposed to asbestos in numerous ways, and some of the most common include:
One exposure to asbestos can trigger mesothelioma, among other cancers that can be life-threatening. These cancers may develop in the lungs, the mesothelium (the membrane that covers the lungs) and the abdominal cavity.
Fortunately, the majority of people who are exposed to asbestos fibers won't develop any of the dangerous health problems that are associated with asbestos. The majority of the fibers are removed from the body, or be carried away in a layer of mucus which protects the lung. However, there are a few types of asbestos fibers that can adhere to the lung tissue and stay there for decades or years.
Although the effects on health of this condition can differ from person-to-person, it can cause chest pain, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing tightness in the chest and chest pain. The symptoms could also include difficulty swallowing or weight loss.
Children who have been exposed to asbestos are at greater chance of developing mesothelioma, or another form of cancer, because they are more likely to inhale asbestos-containing fibers through their noses and mouths. Their lung's are still developing.
They breathe in more asbestos fibers since they breathe at a higher rate and have a greater volume to surface ratio than adults.
Young children are more likely to breathe in the harmful fibers than adults and are especially at risk if they've lived near railroad vehicles. If they have a relative who has mesothelioma, they are at an increased risk of developing the disease.
Creosote
Creosote was initially developed in the 19th century to shield wood from damage caused by insects and rot. Railroad companies were in a position to save money by reducing the expense of replacing wood. Even today, creosote remains used to treat wood products. It can also be used to protect log homes and marine pilings.
It is a poisonous chemical and has been linked with a variety of cancers. These include lung, esophageal and larynx cancers.
The health risks of creosote exposure are particularly high among those who work in the wood preservation, coke production, and asphalt industries. Chimney sweeps as well as workers who are physically laborers like rail track maintenance and construction, could also be exposed creosote.
Creosote exposure can cause irritation of the skin and eyes chemical burns, eyelid spasms convulsions, mental agitation, kidney problems, unconsciousness, and even death. Railroad Cancer Lawsuit can also trigger lung problems and respiratory issues, similar to smoking.
Creosote, a chemical made from coal tar, can be absorbed through the skin. It also can enter the body through contaminated food and water.
Railroad workers are exposed to creosote whenever they work near hazardous waste sites. These sites often contain large amounts of creosote and can cause contamination of water, soil and air.
Rail workers may also be exposed to creosote when they work in the wood-treatment industry. Many wood products, including fences and lumber are treated with creosote.
Workers in these industries are usually not protected by protective equipment, which exposes workers to creosote as well as other poisons. This could lead to serious health conditions, like chronic fatigue syndrome and cancer.
Creosote, a liquid that is oily that has a bitter, burning taste, is amber-black in color. It is not a buoyant liquid and has an SG of 1.037 to 1.87. It is a mixture polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and phenolic compounds in addition to other chemicals. The most popular creosote type is coal tar, however other forms are also utilized.
Diesel Exhaust
Diesel exhaust is a byproduct from fuel combustion and is released into the atmosphere when diesel engines are being used. It is also released from diesel locomotives, construction and farm equipment generators, ships and other industrial equipment.
Diesel exhaust workers may be more susceptible to developing cancer. This is due to the fact that they are more susceptible to being exposed to radiation than those who work in other sectors.
Some studies show that exposure to diesel exhaust can cause lung cancer in laboratory animals such as rats. Diesel exhaust can cause DNA changes in cells , which make them more susceptible to cancerous growth.
Studies on the effects of diesel exhaust on humans have also demonstrated that exposure to diesel exhaust can trigger various health issues that include respiratory disorders such as chronic bronchitis, emphysema and blood system diseases such as bladder cancers and larynx (voice box) as well as stomach, esophagus and the pancreas. Other studies have identified diesel exhaust as a cause of cancers of the breast and prostate.
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 be a serious risk for employees who work with big 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. cities or highways).
In addition, railroad workers who construct and maintain yards and tracks may be exposed to diesel fumes while they are working near locomotives or other equipment that uses diesel engines. The fumes could be harmful when they enter the cabins of machinery such as locomotives and other machines.
A study in laboratory rats showed that long-term exposure to diesel exhaust resulted in several lung tumors and inflammatory changes. Some of these tumors appeared like a form of cancer known as lung adenocarcinoma, which occurs when the cells in the lungs turn malignant and multiply rapidly.