Railroad Cancer
Railroads burn millions of gallons diesel fuel in order to operate freight trains over long distances. The highly harmful diesel exhaust is high in carcinogens like arsenic and benzene.
If you are a railroad employee who has been diagnosed with cancer, you could be eligible for compensation under the Federal Employers' Liability Act (FELA). Our experienced Houston railroad cancer lawyers can help you find an equitable financial settlement for your pain and suffering.
Benzene
Benzene is a solvent used in industrial processes and is present in the exhaust of diesel engines. A lot of railroad workers, including conductors and engineers, machinists, electricians, are exposed to diesel fumes.
One exposure to benzene can cause cancer in some people. It is known to cause acute meeloid leukemia (AML). The cancer starts in the bone marrow, and develops into blood. It is more common in males than females and is fatal if not treated.
The dangers of benzene arise from the fact that it could damage the immune system. This can lead to various health issues including infections and a reduced ability to fight germs. Benzene may cause bone weakness and increase the risk for arthritis.
Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is another serious negative side effect of benzene. The cancer forms start in the bone marrow, and expands into blood. It can affect the spleen as well as other body parts.
A study from 2015 showed that even low levels benzene can increase leukemia risk by a third. Researchers examined medical documents of more than 25,000 Norwegian oil workers who were employed for 20 days or more.
Benzene is still utilized in a variety of industrial and commercial operations despite the dangers of exposure to it. Fortunately, there are ways to reduce exposure to benzene and prevent poisoning.
One option is to wear appropriate clothes and eyewear that is protected. This will prevent benzene from getting into the eyes and nose. A respirator should be used whenever feasible.
If Railroad Cancer Lawsuit suspect you have been exposed to benzene you should contact your physician immediately. Railroad Cancer Lawyer will allow you to recognize any symptoms you might be suffering from and help reduce the chance of death from benzene poisoning.
Alongside a myriad of different cancer types in addition, benzene may also affect the brain. It can cause loss of memory and confusion. If you are affected by this condition it can result in a decline in your quality of life and make it difficult to function at home or at work.
Asbestos
Asbestos, a poisonous mineral, has been found to be a cause of lung cancer and mesothelioma. It is found in a variety materials employed in construction, such as pipe insulation and floor tiles.
As consequently asbestos exposure is one of the greatest health risks to those who work in the railway industry. Railroad workers can be exposed to the toxic substance through numerous ways, and some of the most frequent are:
One exposure to asbestos can cause mesothelioma as well as other cancers that are life-threatening. The cancers can grow in the lungs, mesothelium (the membrane that covers the lungs) and the abdominal cavity.
The majority of people who are exposed to asbestos fibers aren't likely to suffer from any of the health issues related to this substance. Most fibers are released through coughing or in the form of mucus. This helps protect the lung. There are some asbestos fibers which can stick to your lungs for years or even for decades.
The health consequences of this condition vary from individual to individual but can cause shortness in breath and chest pain, as well as trouble breathing, or a tightness in the chest. The symptoms could also include difficulty swallowing or weight loss.
Children exposed to asbestos are at higher chance of developing mesothelioma or other forms of cancer. They are more likely to breathe harmful fibers through their mouth and nose. Their lung's are still developing.
They inhale more asbestos fibers as they breathe at a higher rate and have a greater volume to surface ratio than adults.
Young children are more likely to breathe in the harmful fibers than adults and are especially at risk if they have been in close proximity to railway cars. If they have a parent who is suffering from mesothelioma are at a higher risk of developing the disease.
Creosote
Creosote was developed in the 19th century in order to protect wood from rot and insect damage. Railroad companies were capable of saving money by reducing the expense of replacing wood. Even today, creosote remains used to treat wood products. It is also used to protect log homes as well as marine pilings.
It is a poisonous chemical and has been linked to a variety of cancers. This includes esophageal, lung and larynx cancers.
People who work in the wood preservation, asphalt and coke-production sectors are particularly at risk. Cancer Lawsuit Settlements who work in physical labor such as rail track maintenance or construction, such as chimney sweeps, can also be exposed.
Creosote exposure can cause eyelid irritation, skin spasms and convulsions, also chemical burns, convulsions, chemical burns and even unconsciousness. It can also affect the lungs and cause respiratory problems over time, similar to smoking.
Railroad Workers Cancer Lawsuit , a chemical, is made from coal tar . It can be taken in through the skin. It can also be taken in through food items that are contaminated or water.
One of the major sources of creosote exposure for railroad workers is when they work around the hazardous waste sites. These sites usually contain large quantities of creosote. This can infect water, soil, and even air.
Another way to expose yourself to creosote for employees of rail companies is when they work in the wood treatment industry. Many wood products, such as fences and lumber are treated with creosote.
The majority of these workers are not provided with protective gear that could expose them for creosote or other toxic substances. This could lead to serious health problems, including cancer and chronic fatigue syndrome.
Creosote, an oily liquid with a burning, bitter taste, is an amber-black color. It is not buoyant in water and has specific gravity ranging from 1.037 to 1.087. It is a mixture polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and phenolic compounds in addition to other chemicals. While coal tar is the most common form, other forms of creosote are also available.
Diesel Exhaust
Diesel exhaust is a byproduct of combustion that is released into the air when you operate vehicles with diesel engines. Diesel exhaust can also be released by diesel locomotives farm equipment, construction equipment generators, and other industrial equipment.
Diesel exhaust workers are more at risk of developing cancer. This is due to the fact that they are frequently exposed to more of this substance than people who work in other industries.
Certain studies have shown that exposure to diesel exhaust could cause lung cancer in lab animals like rats. Diesel exhaust can cause DNA modifications in cells, making them more prone to cancerous growth.
Studies on diesel exhaust in humans have also shown a range of health problems including respiratory disorders like emphysema, chronic bronchitis and blood system diseases such as bladder cancers, the voice box, stomach pancreas and stomach. 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 such in the International Agency for Research on Cancer (part of the World Health Organization).
Workers who are exposed to large machines and engines, such as truck drivers and operators of toll booths, may be at the highest risk of developing cancer as a result of diesel exhaust exposure. They may be at risk too when they spend a lot of time in areas where heavy diesel traffic occurs (e.g. cities or highways).
Additionally, railroad workers who maintain and build tracks and yards can be exposed to diesel fumes while they are working near locomotives or other equipment using diesel engines. These fumes can be hazardous in the cabins of locomotives or other machinery.
A study of laboratory rats found that exposure to diesel exhaust triggered several lung tumors and the development of inflammatory changes. Some of these tumors were similar to a type of cancer known as a lung adenocarcinoma, which occurs when the cells within the lungs become malignant and multiply rapidly.