Railroad Cancer
Railroads burn millions of gallons diesel fuel in order to operate freight trains over long distances. The extremely harmful diesel exhaust is high in carcinogens like arsenic and benzene.
If you are 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 skilled Houston railroad cancer lawyers can assist you to get fair financial compensation for the pain you've endured.
Benzene
It is an industrial solvent and can be found in the exhaust of diesel fuel. Many railroad workers, like conductors, engineers, machinists and electricians, work in areas that come into contact with diesel fumes.
One exposure to benzene could cause cancer in some people. Particularly, it is known to cause acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The cancer starts in the bone marrow and expands into blood. It is more common in men than it is for women and could be fatal if left untreated.
The immune system can be damaged by the chemical benzene. This is why it's a risk. This can result in a range of health problems such as infections and a decreased ability to fight germs. Benzene may also weaken bones and increase the risk of developing arthritis.
Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is a more serious negative side effect of benzene. This kind of cancer begins in the bone marrow and then spreads to blood. It can affect the spleen , as well as other organs of the body.
A study conducted in 2015 revealed that even low levels of benzene could increase the risk of leukemia by three-quarters. Researchers looked into the medical records of 25,000 Norwegian oil-rig workers who worked for more that 20 days.
Benzene is still used in many industrial and commercial operations, despite the dangers of being exposed to it. There are, however, ways to reduce exposure and prevent benzene poisoning.
One way to do this is to wear the right clothing and protective eyewear. This will prevent benzene getting in the eyes and nose. A respirator should be used whenever possible.
When you suspect that you have been exposed to benzene in any way, you should call your doctor immediately. This will allow you to recognize any symptoms that you may have and lower the risk of dying from benzene poisoning.
Benzene is also known to cause brain damage, as well as various other forms of cancer. It can cause confusion and loss of memory. If you are affected by this condition it can result in an impairment in your quality of life and make it difficult for you to function at home and in the workplace.
Asbestos
Asbestos, a poisonous mineral, has been shown to be a cause of lung cancer and mesothelioma. It is found in a variety of substances employed in construction, such as pipe insulation and floor tiles.
As consequently asbestos exposure is one of the health hazards that pose the greatest risk to people who work in the railroad industry. Railroad workers can be exposed to asbestos in a variety of ways. Here are a few of the most commonly used:
One exposure to asbestos can cause mesothelioma as well as other cancers that are life-threatening. The cancers, which grow within the lungs or in the membrane that covers the lungs and abdominal cavity (the mesothelium) can be fatal.
Fortunately, most people who are exposed to asbestos fibers do not develop 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. However there are a few types of asbestos fibers that can adhere to the lung tissue and stay there for a long time or even decades.
While Railroad Injury Settlement Amounts of this condition can differ from person-to-person, it can cause chest discomfort, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing tightness in the chest, and chest pain. Other symptoms include trouble swallowing or weight loss.
Asbestos-exposed children are at greater risk of developing mesothelioma and other types of cancer. They are more likely to inhale harmful fibers through their nose and mouth. Their lung's are still developing.
They breathe in more asbestos fibers due to the fact that they breathe at a faster pace and have a greater volume to surface ratio than adults.
Since they are more prone to inhaling harmful fibers, children are at a particularly high chance of developing mesothelioma particularly if they have been in close contact with railroad vehicles. If they have a parent with mesothelioma, they are at a higher chance of developing the disease.
Creosote
During the 19th Century, creosote was developed to protect wood from rot and insect damage. It also saved railroad companies money by reducing the cost of replacing wood. Creosote can still be used to treat wood products. It is also used to protect log homes and marine pilings.
It is a poisonous chemical that has been linked to a variety of cancers. These include esophageal and lung cancers, and larynx cancers.
The health risks associated with creosote are especially high among those who work in the wood preservation, coke production and asphalt industries. Workers who perform physical work such as rail track maintenance or construction, for instance chimney sweeps, can also be exposed.
Exposure to creosote can cause irritation of the skin and eyes chemical burns, eyelid spasms convulsions, mental confusion, unconsciousness, kidney issues, and death. It can also cause lung problems and respiratory problems, similar to smoking cigarettes.
Creosote chemical, which is made from coal tar can be absorbed through skin. It also can enter the body through food items that are contaminated and water.
Railroad workers are exposed to the toxins of creosote when they work near hazardous waste sites. These sites often contain large amounts of creosote which can cause contamination of water, soil and air.
Another way to expose yourself to creosote for rail employees is working in the wood treatment industry. Many wood products, including fences and timber, are treated with creosote.
These workers are typically not provided with protective gear that could expose them to toxic creosote and other substances. This can lead to serious health issues like chronic fatigue syndrome and cancer.
Creosote can be described as an oily liquid that ranges from amber to black in color and possesses a burning, caustic taste. It is non-buoyant in water and has a specific gravity of 1.037 to 1.087. It is a mix of aromatic polycyclic hydrocarbons, phenolic compounds and other chemicals. The most well-known form of creosote is coal tar, however different forms are also utilized.
Diesel Exhaust
Diesel exhaust is a byproduct of burning fuel and released into the air when diesel engines are being used. Diesel exhaust is also released by diesel locomotives and farm equipment, construction equipment generators, as well as other industrial equipment.
Workers who work near diesel exhaust are at a greater chance of developing cancer. This is because 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 such as rats. Diesel exhaust can trigger DNA changes in cells that make them more susceptible to cancerous growth.
Studies on diesel exhaust in humans have identified a variety of health concerns, including respiratory disorders such as emphysema and chronic bronchitis, and blood system diseases like bladder cancers and the voice box, stomach stomach, and pancreas. Certain cancers of the prostate, stomach, and breast have been associated with diesel exhaust.
The American Cancer Society considers diesel exhaust to be carcinogen. It is classified as carcinogenic by the International Agency for Research on Cancer which is part of the World Health Organization.
Workers who are exposed to large machines and engines, such as truck drivers and toll booth operators, may be at the highest risk of developing cancer as a result of exposure to diesel exhaust. They may also be at risk if they spend a lot of time in places that are prone to heavy diesel traffic like highways and cities.
Railroad workers who build and maintain tracks and yards can also be exposed to diesel fumes when they work near diesel engines or other machines. The fumes can be extremely dangerous when they get into the cabins of locomotives or other machinery.
A study on laboratory rats showed that long-term exposure to diesel exhaust can cause a variety of lung tumors and inflammatory changes. Some of these tumors appeared like a particular type of cancer known as a lung adenocarcinoma. This happens when the cells within the lungs are malignant and multiply rapidly.