Railroad Cancer
Railroads burn millions of gallons of diesel fuel in order to operate freight trains over long distances. The extremely toxic diesel exhaust is high in carcinogens, including arsenic as well as benzene.
If you're an ex- or current railroad worker who has been diagnosed with cancer, you may be entitled to compensation under the Federal Employers' Liability Act (FELA). Our Houston railroad cancer lawyers can help you get fair financial compensation to your suffering.
Benzene
Benzene is a solvent used in industrial processes and can be found in diesel fuel exhaust. Many railroad workers, such as machinists, engineers, conductors and electricians are employed in areas that come into contact with diesel fumes.
One exposure to benzene can cause cancer in certain people. It is known to cause acute meeloid leukemia (AML). The cancer develops in the bone marrow and then spreads to the blood. It is more prevalent for men than women, and it can be deadly if left untreated.
The immune system is susceptible to damage from benzene, which is the reason it is a risk. This can cause illnesses and a diminished ability to fight off germs. Benzene can cause bone weakness and increase the risk of arthritis.
Another serious issue resulting from exposure to benzene is chronic leukemia (CML). This kind of cancer begins in the bone marrow and then it spreads to blood. It may affect the spleen or other parts of the body.
A study in 2015 found that even low levels benzene can increase the risk of developing leukemia by a third. Researchers looked into medical documents of the medical records of 25,000 Norwegian oil crew members who worked for more than 20 days.
Despite the risk of being exposed to benzene in the workplace, it is still utilized in many industrial and commercial operations. There are, however, ways to limit exposure to benzene and prevent poisoning.
One option is to wear appropriate clothing and protective eyewear. This will help to keep benzene from getting into the eyes and nose. It is also recommended to wear an oxygen mask whenever you can.
When you suspect that you have been exposed to benzene you must contact your doctor right away. This will enable you to recognize any signs and minimize the risk of dying due to poisoning with benzene.
Alongside a myriad of different kinds of cancer, benzene can also impact the brain. It can lead to a loss of memory and confusion. If you are suffering from this condition it can cause a decline in your quality of life and make it difficult for you to function at home or in the workplace.
Asbestos
Asbestos is a toxic mineral, has been shown to cause lung cancer as well as mesothelioma. It is found in a variety materials used in construction, like pipe insulation and floor tiles.
As as a result asbestos exposure is considered to be one of the most serious health risks to those who work in the railway industry. Railroad workers can become exposed to the harmful substance in 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. The cancers that develop within the lungs or in the membrane which covers the lungs, and abdominal cavity (the mesothelium), are often fatal.
Fortunately, the majority of people who are exposed to asbestos fibers don't suffer from any of the dangerous health problems that are associated with asbestos. The majority of fibers are expelled through coughing or in the form of mucus. This helps protect the lungs. There are some asbestos fibers that could remain in your lungs for a long time, even decades.
The effects of this condition vary from person to person but can result in shortness of breath chest pain, trouble breathing, or a tight feeling in the chest. Other symptoms include difficulty swallowing and weight loss.
Children who have been exposed to asbestos are at a higher chance of developing mesothelioma or another type of cancer because they are more likely to breathe the dangerous fibers through their mouths and noses. Their lung's are still developing.
They breathe at a quicker rate, and as their lungs have a larger volume-to-surface ratio than adults', they have the ability to inhale more asbestos fibers.
Since they are more prone to inhaling dangerous fibers, young children are at a high risk of developing mesothelioma, especially when they have been in close contact with railroad cars. They are also at a higher risk of getting this disease in the event of an individual in their family with mesothelioma.
Creosote
In the 19th century the development of creosote helped preserve wood from rot and insect damage, saving railroad companies money by reducing the cost of replacing wood. Even today, creosote remains used to treat wood products. It is also used to protect log homes and marine pilings.
It is a toxic substance and has been linked to various cancers. These include esophageal, lung and larynx cancers.
The health risks associated with creosote exposure are especially present in those who work in the wood preservation, coke-production, and asphalt industries. Chimney sweeps as well as workers who perform physical labor like rail track maintenance and construction are also susceptible to creosote.
Exposure to creosote can cause irritation of the skin and eyes, chemical burns, eyelid spasms convulsions, mental confusion, unconsciousness, kidney issues, and even death. It can also affect the lungs and cause respiratory problems over time, just like smoking cigarettes.
Creosote chemical is made by coal tar and can be absorbed through the 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 near hazardous waste sites. These sites typically contain large quantities of creosote. This can infect water, soil, as well as air.
Rail workers might also be exposed to creosote if they work in the wood-treatment industry. A lot of wood products, like lumber and fences, are treated with creosote.
Those who work in these industries are often not equipped with safety equipment, which can expose them to creosote and toxic substances. This can lead to serious health problems, including chronic fatigue syndrome and cancer.
Creosote, an oily liquid that is amber to black in color and possesses an acidic, burning taste. It is not buoyant in liquids and has specific gravity of 1.037 to 1.87. It is a mixture polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and phenolic compounds, as well as other chemicals. While coal is the most commonly used form, various forms of creosote can also be found.
Diesel Exhaust
Diesel exhaust is a byproduct of fuel combustion and is released into the atmosphere when diesel engines are being used. Railroad Cancer Lawsuit can also be released from diesel locomotives, construction and farm equipment, generators, ships and other industrial equipment.
Workers who work near diesel exhaust are at a higher chance of developing cancer. This is due to the fact that they are exposed to more of this substance than people who work in other sectors.
Long-term exposure to diesel exhaust can cause lung carcinoma in laboratory animals like rats. Diesel exhaust can trigger DNA modifications in cells, making them more susceptible to cancerous growth.
Studies on diesel exhaust in humans have also revealed a variety of health issues, including respiratory disorders like emphysema, chronic bronchitis, as well as blood system diseases like bladder cancers, voice box, stomach, pancreas, stomach, and. Other studies have linked diesel exhaust to some cancers of the prostate and breast.
Diesel exhaust is classified as 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).
People who work with big machines and engines, such as truck drivers and toll booth attendants, could be at a high risk of developing cancer because of diesel exhaust exposure. They can also be at risk in the event that they spend a significant amount of time in areas where heavy diesel traffic occurs in such places as highways or cities.
Railroad workers who manage and construct yards and tracks may be exposed to diesel fumes when they work near diesel engines or other machinery. The fumes can be extremely dangerous when they are in the cabins of locomotives and other machinery.
Long-term exposure to diesel exhaust can cause lung cancers and inflammation in laboratory rats. Some of these tumors were like a kind of cancer called a lung adenocarcinoma. This happens when the cells within the lungs turn malignant and grow and divide rapidly.