Railroad Cancer
Railroads make use of millions of gallons of diesel fuel to transport freight trains across long distances. The highly polluting diesel exhaust is high in carcinogens including arsenic and benzene.
If you are a railroad worker who has been diagnosed with cancer, you could be eligible for compensation under the Federal Employers' Liability Act (FELA). Our experienced Houston railroad cancer lawyers can assist you seek fair financial compensation for your suffering.
Benzene
Benzene is an industrial solvent and is present in the exhaust of diesel engines. Many railroad employees, including conductors and engineers, machinists electricians, and conductors are exposed to diesel fumes.
A single exposure to benzene may cause cancer in a few people. It is believed to cause acute meeloid leukemia (AML). The cancer starts in the bone marrow, and it spreads to the blood. It is more prevalent in men than it is in women , and can be fatal if left untreated.
The dangers of benzene stem due to the fact that it could cause harm to the immune system. This could lead to various health issues like infections and a lower capacity to fight off germs. Benzene can cause bone weakness and increase the risk for arthritis.
Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is a different serious adverse effect of benzene. This form of cancer begins in the bone marrow, and grows into blood. It may be a threat to the spleen, or other organs of your body.
Railroad Cancer Lawyer showed that even low levels benzene can increase the risk of leukemia by a third. Researchers examined medical records of more than 25,000 Norwegian oil workers on rigs who worked for more than 20 days.
Despite the dangers of exposure to benzene in the workplace, it is still used in numerous commercial and industrial processes. Fortunately, there are ways to limit exposure and avoid benzene poisoning.
One option is to wear the right clothing and protective eyewear. This will stop benzene from getting in the eyes and nose. A respirator is recommended whenever possible.
If you suspect that you've been exposed, immediately contact your doctor. This will allow you to recognize any symptoms that you may be suffering from and help reduce your chances of death from benzene poisoning.
Benzene may also cause brain damage, as well as other forms of cancer. It can cause loss of memory and confusion. If you suffer from this disorder, it can lead to a decrease in your quality of life and make it difficult to function at home or at work.
Asbestos
Asbestos is a toxic mineral that has been shown to be the cause of many serious illnesses such as lung cancer and mesothelioma. It can be found in many construction materials, including pipe insulation and floor tiles.
As Cancer Lawsuit Settlements , asbestos exposure poses one of the health hazards that is most severe to railroad workers. Railroad workers can be exposed to asbestos in a variety ways. Here are a few of the most frequent:
A single exposure to asbestos can lead to mesothelioma or any other cancers that could be life-threatening. These cancers can develop in the lungs, the mesothelium (the membrane that covers the lung) and in the abdominal cavity.
Most people who have been exposed to asbestos fibers won't develop any of the health issues that can be associated with this chemical. The majority of the fibers will be coughed up, or will be transported away in the mucus layer that protects the lung. However, there are a few types of asbestos fibers that can stick to your lungs and remain there for a long time or even decades.
Although the health effects of this condition are different from person-to-person, it can cause chest discomfort, shortness of breath and breathing difficulties tightness in the chest and chest pain. Other symptoms include difficulty swallowing and weight loss.
Asbestos-exposed children are at greater chance of developing mesothelioma and other forms of cancer. They are more likely to inhale harmful fibers through their mouth and nose. The reason for this is that their lung tissue is still developing.
They breathe in more asbestos fibers because they breathe at a higher speed and have a larger surface area to volume 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 cars. They also stand an increased risk of developing mesothelioma when they have an ancestor who has mesothelioma.
Creosote
Creosote was initially developed in the 19th century to shield wood from insect and rot damage. Railroad companies were successful in saving 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 chemical and has been linked with a variety of cancers. Some of these include esophageal, lung, and larynx cancers.
Cancer Lawsuit Settlements of creosote are especially high among those who work in the wood preservation, coke production, and asphalt industries. Chimney sweeps, and workers who do physical work, such as rail track maintenance and construction are also susceptible to creosote.
Exposure to creosote can cause irritation of the eyes and skin chemical burns, eyelid spasms convulsions, mental confusion, unconsciousness, kidney issues, and even death. It can also trigger respiratory problems and lung issues, similar to smoking cigarettes.
Creosote chemical, which is made by coal tar, can be absorbed through the skin. It can also be consumed through food that is contaminated or water.
Railroad workers are exposed to creosote whenever they work near hazardous waste sites. These sites typically contain large amounts of creosote that can be harmful to water, soil, as well as air.
Another source of exposure to creosote for employees of rail companies is working in the wood treatment industry. Many wood products such as lumber and fences are treated with creosote.
Those who work in these industries are usually not equipped with safety equipment, which could expose them to creosote and toxic substances. This can lead to serious health conditions like chronic fatigue syndrome and cancer.
Creosote, an oily liquid with a burning, bitter taste, is amber-black in color. It is not buoyant in water and has a specific gravity 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 other forms are also used.
Diesel Exhaust
Diesel exhaust is a byproduct from combustion of fuels and is released into the air when diesel engines are in use. Diesel exhaust is also released by diesel locomotives farm equipment, construction equipment generators, as well as other industrial equipment.
Diesel exhaust workers could be at a higher risk of developing cancer. This is due to the fact that they are exposed to more of this substance than people who work in other industries.
Long-term exposure to diesel exhaust can cause lung cancer in laboratory animals such as rats. In some instances, diesel exhaust can alter the DNA in cells, making them more likely to develop and eventually become cancerous.
Studies on diesel exhaust in humans have also revealed a variety of health problems including respiratory disorders like emphysema, chronic bronchitis, and blood system diseases like bladder cancers and the voice box, stomach, pancreas and stomach. Some cancers of prostate, breast and stomach have been caused by diesel exhaust.
Diesel exhaust is classified as carcinogens according to the American Cancer Society. It is classified as such by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (part of the World Health Organization).
Excessive exposure to diesel exhaust could pose a significant risk to employees who work with big engines and machines, like truck drivers or operators of toll booths. They may also be at risk when they spend a lot of time in areas where heavy diesel traffic happens, such as highways and cities.
Railroad workers who construct and maintain tracks and yards may be exposed to diesel fumes if they work near diesel engines or other machines. These fumes can be particularly hazardous when they are in the cabins of locomotives as well as other machinery.
A study of laboratory rats found that exposure for a long time to diesel exhaust caused various lung tumors and inflammation. Some of these tumors looked like a form of cancer known as lung adenocarcinoma. This happens when the cells in the lungs develop malignancy and grow and divide rapidly.