Railroad Cancer
Railroads use millions of gallons diesel fuel to transport freight trains over long distances. The extremely toxic diesel exhaust is high in carcinogens including arsenic and benzene.
If you are a former or current railroad employee 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 obtain fair financial compensation for your suffering.
Benzene
Benzene, an industrial solvent is found in the exhaust of diesel fuel. Many railroad workers, such as machinists, engineers, conductors and electricians are employed in areas that come into contact with diesel fumes.
A single exposure to benzene may cause cancer in some people. It is believed to cause acute meeloid leukemia (AML). The cancer starts in the bone marrow and develops into blood. It is more common 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's a risk. This can lead to various health issues such as infections and a decreased ability to fight germs. Benzene can also cause bone weakness and increase the risk of arthritis.
Another serious issue associated with exposure to benzene can be chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). The cancer forms start in the bone marrow and expands into blood. Cancer Lawsuit Settlements can affect the spleen as well as other body parts.
A 2015 study found that even the smallest amount of benzene can increase the risk of developing leukemia by one-third. Researchers examined medical records of 25,000 Norwegian oil crew members who worked for 20 or more days.
Despite the dangers of exposure to benzene, it is still utilized in many industrial and commercial operations. There are, however, ways to reduce exposure to benzene and prevent poisoning.
Wearing protective eyewear and proper clothes is one way to protect your eyes. This will stop benzene from getting into the eyes and nose. You should also wear a respirator whenever possible.
If you suspect that you've been exposed, you should immediately call your doctor. This will help you determine any symptoms and reduce the chance of dying from benzene poisoning.
Benzene can also cause brain damage, in addition to other forms of cancer. It can cause confusion and loss of memory. If you suffer from this condition, it can lead to an impairment in your quality of life and make it difficult to function at home and in the workplace.
Asbestos
Asbestos, a poisonous mineral, has been proved to cause lung cancer as well as 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 most serious health risks to those who work in the railway 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 may lead to mesothelioma or other life-threatening cancers. These cancers can develop in the lungs, the mesothelium (the membrane that surrounds the lung) and in the abdominal cavity.
Fortunately, most people who are exposed to asbestos fibers won't develop any of the harmful health issues that are linked to asbestos. The majority of the fibers will be expelled, or be released into mucus which protects the lungs. However there are some types of asbestos fibers that will cling to your lung tissue and stay there for a long time or even decades.
While the health effects of this condition can vary from person-to-person, it can cause chest pain, breath shortness, difficulty breathing tightness in the chest and chest pain. The symptoms could also include difficulty swallowing or weight loss.
Children exposed to asbestos are more at chance of developing mesothelioma or other types of cancer. They are more likely to breathe harmful fibers through the mouth and nose. Their lung's are still developing.
They breathe at a faster rate, and as their lungs are larger in surface area to volume ratio than adults', they can inhale more asbestos fibers.
Young children are more likely to inhale the harmful fibers than adults, and are especially at risk if they have been near railroad cars. If they have a relative who has mesothelioma, they are at a higher risk of developing the disease.
Creosote
During the 19th Century creosote was created to keep wood from rot and insect damage, saving 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 and marine pilings.
It is a toxic chemical that has been linked to a number of cancers. These include lung, esophageal and larynx cancers.
Workers in the asphalt, wood preservation and coke production industries are particularly at risk. Workers who work physically such as rail track maintenance or construction, such as chimney sweeps, can also be exposed.
Creosote's exposure can cause irritation of the eyes and skin, chemical burns, eyelid spasms convulsions, mental agitation, unconsciousness, kidney problems, and even death. It can also affect the lungs and cause respiratory problems over time, similar to smoking.
Creosote, a substance derived from coal tar, can be absorbed through the skin. It is also absorption through food or water.
Railroad workers are exposed to creosote when they work close to hazardous waste sites. These sites typically contain huge quantities of creosote. This can infect water, soil, and even air.
Rail workers could also be exposed to creosote if they work in the wood treatment sector. A lot of wood products, such as lumber and fences are treated with creosote.
They are usually not protected by protective equipment and are therefore exposed to toxic substances. Railroad Cancer Lawsuit could lead to serious health issues like chronic fatigue syndrome and cancer.
Creosote, a liquid that is oily that has a bitter, burning taste, is an amber-black color. It is non-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 popular form, other types of creosote are also offered.
Diesel Exhaust
Diesel exhaust is a byproduct of fuel combustion and is released into the atmosphere when diesel engines are in use. 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 higher risk of developing cancer. This is because they are more susceptible to being exposed than those who work in other industries.
Long-term exposure to diesel exhaust can cause lung carcinoma in laboratory animals like rats. In some cases, the diesel exhaust could alter the DNA of cells and increase their chances to grow and become cancerous.
Studies on diesel exhaust in humans have revealed a wide range of health problems including respiratory diseases like emphysema, chronic bronchitis and blood system diseases like bladder cancers and voice box, stomach, pancreas, and stomach. Other studies have found a link between diesel exhaust and cancers of the prostate and breast.
The American Cancer Society considers diesel exhaust to be carcinogen. It is classified as such by the International Agency for Research on Cancer that is part of the World Health Organization.
People who work with big machines and engines, such as truck drivers and operators of toll booths, may be at the highest chance of developing cancer due to exposure to exhaust fumes from diesel. They may be at risk too in the event that they spend too much time in areas that see a lot of diesel traffic (e.g. highways or cities).
In addition, employees of railroads who construct and maintain yards and tracks may be exposed to diesel fumes while they are working close to locomotives or other equipment that utilizes diesel engines. These fumes can be dangerous when they enter the cabins of machinery such as locomotives and other machines.
Long-term diesel exhaust exposure caused lung cancers and inflammation in laboratory rats. Certain of these tumors were similar to lung Adenocarcinoma. This is a kind of cancer that develops when the lungs' cells increase rapidly and develop into malignant.