Railroad Cancer
Railroads utilize millions of gallons of diesel fuel to transport freight trains over long distances. The extremely toxic diesel exhaust is a source of carcinogens like arsenic, benzene and dioxin.
If you are a 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 can assist you to obtain fair financial compensation for your suffering.
Benzene
Benzene, a solvent for industrial use is found in the exhaust of diesel fuel. Many railroad employees, including machinists and engineers, conductors electricians, and conductors, work in areas that are exposed to diesel fumes.
One exposure to benzene could cause cancer in some people. Particularly, it is known to cause acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The cancer develops in the bone marrow and then it spreads to blood. It is more prevalent in men than in women , and can be fatal if left untreated.
The immune system is susceptible to damage from the chemical benzene. This is why it poses a danger. This can lead to a range of health problems including infections and a diminished capability to fight off germs. Benzene may also weaken bones and increase the risk of developing arthritis.
Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is a different serious side effect of benzene. This kind of cancer begins in the bone marrow and then spreads to blood. It may also affect the spleen and other parts of your body.
A study in 2015 found that even low levels of benzene can increase the risk of developing leukemia by one-third. Researchers looked into medical documents of the medical records of 25,000 Norwegian oil rig workers who worked for 20 days or more.
Despite the dangers of exposure to benzene, it's still being used in a variety of commercial and industrial operations. There are ways to limit exposure and prevent poisoning by benzene.
One way to do this is to wear proper clothes and eyewear that is protected. This will prevent benzene from getting into the eyes and nose. A respirator should be used whenever it is possible.
If you suspect that have been exposed to benzene in any way, you must immediately contact your doctor. This will help you detect any signs and decrease the chance of dying from poisoning by benzene.
Benzene can also cause brain damage, as well as various other forms of cancer. It can cause loss of memory and confusion. If you are suffering from this condition it can result in an impairment in your quality of life and make it difficult to perform at home or in the workplace.
Asbestos
Asbestos, a toxic mineral, has been proved to cause lung cancer and mesothelioma. It is found in a variety of substances used in construction like pipe insulation and floor tiles.
As as a result asbestos exposure is considered to be one of the biggest health risks to those who work in the railroad industry. Railroad workers can be exposed to asbestos in a variety ways. Here are a few of the most common:
One exposure to asbestos can lead to mesothelioma or other life-threatening cancers. The cancers, which form in the lungs or within the membrane that surrounds the lungs and abdominal cavity (the mesothelium) usually cause death.
Most people who have been exposed to asbestos fibers aren't likely to develop any of the health issues associated with this chemical. Most fibers are released through coughing or as mucus. This helps protect the lung. However there are a few types of asbestos fibers that will stick to your lung and remain there for decades or years.
The health effects of this condition can vary from person to person but can result in shortness of breath or chest pain, difficulty breathing, or a tight feeling in the chest. Other signs include difficulty swallowing and weight loss.
Children who have been exposed to asbestos are at a greater chance of developing mesothelioma or another form of cancer, since they are more likely to breathe the dangerous fibers through their mouths and noses. The reason for this is because their lungs are still developing.
They breathe in more asbestos fibers because they breathe at a higher rate and have a higher volume to surface ratio than adults.
Since they are more prone to inhaling harmful fibers, children are at a particularly high risk of developing mesothelioma particularly if they have been in close proximity to railroad cars. If they have a family member with mesothelioma, they are at an increased chance of developing the disease.
Creosote
In the 19th century Creosote was invented to keep wood from rot and insect damage. It also saved railroad companies money by reducing the cost of replacing wood. Creosote can still be used for treating wood products today. It can also be used to protect log homes as well as marine pilings.
It is a poisonous chemical that has been linked to a variety of cancers. Some of them include esophageal, lung, and larynx cancers.
People who work in the wood preservation, asphalt, and coke-production industries are at particular risk. Chimney sweeps as well as workers who do physical work, such as rail track maintenance and construction are also susceptible to creosote.
Creosote exposure can cause skin irritation, eyelid spasms and convulsions, as well as chemical burns, convulsions, chemical burns, and even unconsciousness. It can also affect the lungs and cause respiratory problems in the long run, similar to smoking cigarettes.
Creosote, a substance derived from coal tar, can be absorbed through the skin. It can also enter 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 usually contain huge quantities of creosote, which can cause contamination of water, soil and air.
Rail workers could also be exposed to creosote if they work in the wood treatment field. Many wood products, such as lumber and fences are treated with creosote.
They are usually not provided with protective gear, which can expose them to toxic substances. This can lead to serious health conditions such as chronic fatigue syndrome and cancer.
Creosote, an oily fluid with a burning, bitter taste, is amber-black in color. It isn't a contaminant in liquids and has specific gravity of 1.037 to 1.87. It is a mixture of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, phenolic compounds, and other chemicals. While coal is the most well-known form, various forms of creosote are also offered.
Diesel Exhaust
Diesel exhaust is a by-product of combustion that is released into the air when you operate vehicles that have diesel engines. It can also be released from diesel locomotives, construction and farm equipment, generators, ships and other industrial equipment.
People who work with diesel exhaust are at a greater risk of developing cancer. This is because they are exposed to more of this substance than those who work in other industries.
Exposure to diesel exhaust for a long time can cause lung cancer in laboratory animals such as rats. In certain instances, diesel exhaust can alter the DNA of cells, making them more likely to develop and eventually become cancerous.
Studies on diesel exhaust in humans have also revealed a variety of health issues, including respiratory disorders such as emphysema and chronic bronchitis, as well as blood system diseases like bladder cancer and voice box, stomach, pancreas and stomach. Certain cancers of the prostate, breast, and stomach have been connected to diesel exhaust.
The American Cancer Society considers diesel exhaust to be a carcinogen. It is classified as such in the International Agency for Research on Cancer (part of the World Health Organization).
Diesel exhaust exposure may be a serious risk for those who work with large engines and machines, including truck drivers or toll booth operators. They can also be at risk for cancer if they spend a large amount of time in areas that see a lot of diesel traffic 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 machinery. These fumes can be hazardous when they enter the cabins of locomotives and other equipment.
A study on laboratory rats revealed that exposure to diesel exhaust caused several lung tumors and inflammation. Certain of these tumors were similar to lung adenocarcinoma. It is a form of cancer that develops when cells in the lungs increase rapidly and develop into malignant.