Railroad Cancer
Railroads make use of millions of gallons of diesel fuel to transport freight trains over long distances. This extremely toxic diesel exhaust is a source of carcinogens, such as arsenic benzene and dioxin.
If you are a former 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 can help you receive fair financial compensation for your suffering.
Benzene
Benzene, an industrial solvent, can be found in the exhaust from diesel fuel. Many railroad workers, including conductors, engineers, machinists electricians, and conductors work in areas that are exposed to diesel fumes.
One exposure to benzene can cause cancer in a few people. Particularly, it is thought to cause acute myeloid leukemia (AML). This cancer starts in the bone marrow, and then spreads to the blood. It is more prevalent for men than women and can be fatal if not treated.
The immune system can be damaged by benzene, and that's why it's a risk. This can result in infections and a lower ability to fight germs. Benzene may cause bone weakness and increase the risk of arthritis.
Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is a 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 and other parts of your body.
A 2015 study found that even low levels of benzene can increase the risk of developing leukemia by one-third. Researchers looked into medical records of 25,000 Norwegian oil rig workers who worked for 20 days or more.
Despite the danger of exposure to benzene in the workplace, it is still used in many commercial and industrial processes. There are, however, ways to limit exposure and prevent benzene poisoning.
Wearing eyewear that is protective and wearing appropriate clothes is one way to protect your eyes. This will prevent benzene from getting into the eyes and nose. Also, you should wear a respirator when possible.
When you suspect that you have been exposed to benzene, it is recommended that you must immediately contact your doctor. This will allow you to recognize any symptoms that you may be suffering from and help reduce the chance of death from benzene poisoning.
In addition to a range of different types of cancer, benzene can also impact the brain. It can lead to a loss of memory and confusion. This can lead to an impairment in the quality of life, and make it difficult to function at work or at home.
Asbestos
Asbestos is an extremely toxic mineral that has been known to cause serious diseases like lung cancer and mesothelioma. It is found in a variety materials used in construction, like pipe insulation and floor tiles.
As consequently, asbestos exposure is one of the most serious health risks to those who work in the railroad industry. Railroad workers can be exposed to the harmful substance in various ways, and some of the most common are:
One exposure to asbestos can lead to mesothelioma or other life-threatening cancers. The cancers, which form within the lungs or in the membrane that covers the lungs as well as the abdominal cavity (the mesothelium) are usually fatal.
Fortunately, the majority of people who are exposed to asbestos fibers don't develop any of the negative health issues that are linked to this substance. The majority of the fibers are eliminated, or be removed in mucus which protects the lung. However there are a few kinds of asbestos fibers that will cling to your lungs and remain there for a long time or even decades.
The effects of this condition vary from person to person however, it can cause shortness in breath, chest pain, trouble breathing, or a tight feeling in the chest. Other symptoms include trouble swallowing or weight loss.
Children who have been exposed to asbestos are at a higher risk of developing mesothelioma or another type of cancer since they are more likely to inhale asbestos-related fibers through their noses and mouths. The reason is that their lung's development is still in its early stages.
They breathe at a faster rate, and as their lungs have a larger surface area to volume ratio than adults', they are able to inhale more asbestos fibers.
Young children are more likely to inhale the harmful fibers than adults and are at a higher risk if they've been in close proximity to railroad vehicles. If Cancer Lawsuits have a parent with mesothelioma, they are at a higher chance of developing the disease.
Creosote
During the 19th Century Creosote was invented to keep wood from rot and insects, thus saving railroad companies money by reducing the cost of replacing wood. Creosote is currently used to treat wood products. It is also used for protection of log homes and marine pilings.
It is a toxic chemical and has been linked with numerous cancers. Some of these include esophageal, lung and larynx cancers.
People who work in the asphalt, wood preservation and coke-production sectors are particularly at risk. Workers who work physically such as rail track maintenance or construction work, such as chimney sweeps, could also be exposed.
Creosote exposure can cause irritation to the skin, eyelid spasms and convulsions, as along with chemical burns convulsions, chemical burns, and even unconsciousness. It can also trigger respiratory problems and lung issues, similar to smoking.
Creosote, a chemical, is made from coal tar . It can be inhaled through the skin. It is also taken in through food items that are contaminated or water.
One of the main sources of exposure to creosote among railroad employees is working around the hazardous waste sites. These sites typically contain huge quantities of creosote, which can cause contamination of water, soil and air.
Rail workers can also be exposed to the poison if they work in the wood treatment sector. A lot of wood products, like lumber and fences, are treated with creosote.
These workers are typically not protected by protective equipment, which can expose them to toxic creosote and other substances. This could lead to serious health conditions like cancer and chronic fatigue syndrome.
Creosote is an oily liquid that is amber to black in color. It also has the taste of burning and caustic. It is not buoyant in liquids and has an SG of 1.037 to 1.87. It is a mixture polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and phenolic compounds as well other chemicals. The most common form of creosote is called coal tar, but other forms are also used.
Diesel Exhaust
Diesel exhaust is a byproduct from the combustion of fuel. It is released into the air when you operate vehicles with diesel engines. Diesel exhaust is also released by diesel locomotives farm equipment, construction equipment generators, as well as other industrial equipment.
People who work with diesel exhaust may be at a greater risk of developing cancer. This is because they are more susceptible to being exposed than those who work in other sectors.
Exposure to diesel exhaust for a long time 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 diesel exhaust in humans have revealed a wide range of health problems , including respiratory disorders like emphysema, chronic bronchitis and blood system diseases such as bladder cancers and voice box, stomach, stomach, and pancreas. Other studies have found a link between diesel exhaust and cancers of the breast and prostate.
The American Cancer Society considers diesel exhaust to be a carcinogen. It is classified as such by the International Agency for Research on Cancer that is part of the World Health Organization.
The exposure to diesel exhaust can be a serious risk for those who work with large engines and machines, like truck drivers or toll booth operators. They could also be at risk when they spend a lot of time in areas that are prone to heavy diesel traffic, such as highways and cities.
Railroad workers who maintain and build tracks and yards may be exposed to diesel fumes when they work near diesel engines or other machinery. These fumes can be hazardous if they get into the cabins of locomotives and other equipment.
A study of laboratory rats found that exposure for a long time to diesel exhaust can cause various lung tumors and the development of inflammatory changes. Some of these tumors appeared like a form of cancer called a lung adenocarcinoma, which occurs when the cells in the lungs develop malignancy and grow and divide rapidly.