Railroad Cancer
Railroads burn millions of gallons of diesel fuel to operate freight trains across long distances. The highly toxic diesel exhaust contains carcinogens such as arsenic, dioxin and benzene.
If you are a railroad worker who was diagnosed with cancer, you could be eligible for compensation under the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA). Our skilled Houston railroad cancer lawyers can assist you to get an equitable financial settlement for your suffering.
Benzene
The industrial solvent Benzene can be found and can be found in the exhaust from diesel engines. Many railroad workers, like conductors, engineers and machinists and electricians, work in areas where they are in contact with diesel fumes.
One exposure to benzene can cause cancer in certain people. In particular, it is believed to cause acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The cancer starts in the bone marrow and develops into blood. It is more prevalent in males than females and can be deadly if left untreated.
The danger of benzene comes from the fact that it could cause harm to the immune system. This can result in various health issues including infections and a diminished ability to fight germs. Benzene may also weaken bones and increase the risk of arthritis.
Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is a different serious negative side effect of benzene. This form of cancer begins in the bone marrow and expands into blood. It may affect the spleen or other organs of the body.
A study in 2015 found that even low levels benzene can increase leukemia risk by 33. Researchers looked into medical records of 25,000 Norwegian oil crew members who worked for at least 20 days.
Despite the risk of being exposed to benzene, it's still being used in a variety of commercial and industrial processes. Fortunately, there are ways to reduce exposure to benzene and prevent poisoning.
One way is to wear proper clothes and eyewear that is protected. This will stop benzene from getting in the nose and eyes. A respirator should be utilized whenever possible.
If you suspect that you've been exposed, immediately call your doctor. This will allow you to recognize any signs and minimize the risk of dying due to poisoning caused by benzene.
Benzene is also known to cause brain damage, in addition to many other types of cancer. It can cause confusion and loss of memory. If you suffer from this condition it could cause a decline in your quality of life and make it difficult for you to perform at home or at work.
Asbestos
Asbestos is an extremely toxic mineral that has been found to be the cause of many serious illnesses, including lung cancer and mesothelioma. It is found in a variety of substances used in construction such as pipe insulation and floor tiles.
As a result asbestos exposure poses one of the most serious health risks for railroad workers. Railroad workers are exposed to the harmful substance in numerous ways. Some of the most frequent are:
A single exposure to asbestos can lead to mesothelioma, or other life-threatening cancers. The cancers that develop in the lungs or within the membrane that covers the lungs and abdominal cavity (the mesothelium) are usually fatal.
Fortunately, most people who are exposed to asbestos fibers won't develop any of the harmful health problems that are associated with this substance. The majority of asbestos fibers are eliminated through coughing or as mucus. Railroad Workers Cancer Lawsuit protects the lung. There are some asbestos fibers that could stay in your lungs for years , or even for decades.
The consequences of this condition vary from individual to individual, but it can cause shortness in breath, chest pain, trouble 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 higher chance of developing mesothelioma, or another form of cancer as they are more likely to breathe asbestos-related fibers through their noses and mouths. The reason is that their lung tissue is still developing.
They inhale more asbestos fibers due to the fact that they breathe at a faster rate and have a higher volume to surface ratio than adults.
Young children are more likely to breathe in the harmful fibers than adults, and are at a higher risk if near railroad vehicles. If they have a parent who has mesothelioma, they are at a higher chance of developing the disease.
Creosote
Creosote was developed in the 19th century to shield wood from rot and insect damage. Railroad companies were successful in saving money by reducing the cost of replacing wood. Creosote is currently used to treat wood products. It is also used to protect log homes and marine pilings.
It is a toxic chemical that has been linked to a range of cancers. Some of them include esophageal, lung and larynx cancers.
The health risks of creosote exposure are especially high for those working in the wood preservation, coke production and asphalt industries. Chimney sweeps, as well as those who do physical work like rail track maintenance and construction are also susceptible to creosote.
Creosote exposure can cause irritation to the skin, eyelid spasms and convulsions, as well as chemical burns, convulsions, chemical burns and unconsciousness. It can also cause respiratory problems and lung problems, much like smoking.
Creosote chemical, which is made by coal tar, can be absorbed 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 near a hazardous waste site. Railroad Workers Cancer Lawsuit contain huge amounts of creosote. It can cause contamination of water, soil, as well as air.
Another source of creosote exposure for rail workers is working in the wood treatment industry. A lot of wood products, such as fences and timber, are treated with creosote.
Those who work in these industries are often not protected by protective equipment, which can expose them to creosote , as well as other toxins. This can lead to serious health problems like chronic fatigue syndrome and cancer.
Creosote is a liquid that is oily which ranges from amber to black in color. It also has burnt, caustic flavor. It is non-buoyant in liquids and has a specific gravity range of 1.037 to 1.87. It is a mix of aromatic polycyclic hydrocarbons, phenolic compounds and other chemicals. The most commonly used creosote type is coal tar, but other forms are also available.
Diesel Exhaust
Diesel exhaust is a byproduct of combustion of fuels and is released into the air when diesel engines are utilized. Diesel exhaust can also be released by diesel locomotives construction equipment, farm equipment generators, and other industrial equipment.
Diesel exhaust workers could be at a higher risk of developing cancer. This is because they are more susceptible to being exposed to the same chemicals as those working in other industries.
Some research shows that long-term exposure to diesel exhaust could cause lung cancer in lab animals, such as rats. In some cases, the diesel exhaust may alter the DNA in cells and increase their chances to grow and become cancerous.
Studies on the effects of diesel exhaust on humans have also revealed that prolonged exposure to diesel exhaust can cause various health issues that include respiratory disorders such as chronic bronchitis and emphysema, as well as blood system diseases such as bladder cancer, larynx (voice box) and stomach, esophagus and the pancreas. Other studies have identified diesel exhaust as a cause of cancers of the breast and prostate.
Diesel exhaust is regarded as a carcinogen by the American Cancer Society. It is classified as carcinogenic by the International Agency for Research on Cancer that is part of the World Health Organization.
Workers who work with large machines and engines, such as truck drivers and toll booth operators may be at the highest chance of developing cancer due to diesel exhaust exposure. Railroad Cancer Lawyer may be at risk too in the event that they spend too much time in areas where heavy diesel traffic happens (e.g. highways or cities).
Railroad workers who maintain and build yards and tracks can be exposed to diesel fumes if they work near diesel engines or other machinery. The fumes can be extremely dangerous when they enter the cabins of locomotives and other machinery.
Long-term exposure to diesel exhaust caused lung cancers and inflammation in laboratory rats. Some of these tumors were like a particular type of cancer known as lung adenocarcinoma. The condition occurs when the cells in the lungs develop malignancy and begin to multiply and grow rapidly.