Railroad Cancer
Railroads burn millions of gallons diesel fuel to operate freight trains across long distances. The highly toxic diesel exhaust is rich in carcinogens like arsenic and benzene.
If you're a railroad worker who has been diagnosed with cancer, you could be entitled to compensation under the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA). Our experienced Houston railroad lawyers can help you seek fair financial compensation for your pain and suffering.
Benzene
Benzene is an industrial solvent and can be found in diesel fuel exhaust. Many railroad workers, such as machinists and engineers, conductors, electricians, work in areas that are exposed to diesel fumes.
One exposure to benzene could cause cancer in a few people. Specifically, it is known to cause acute myeloid leukemia (AML). This cancer begins in the bone marrow and then spreads into the blood. It is more common for men than women and is deadly if left untreated.
The dangers of benzene stem from the fact that it can cause harm to the immune system. This could lead to various health issues including infections and a reduced capability to fight off germs. Benzene may also weaken bones and increase the risk of arthritis.
Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is a more serious side effect of benzene. The cancer forms start in the bone marrow and expands into the blood. It may also affect the spleen and other organs in your body.
A study from 2015 showed that even low levels of benzene can increase the risk of developing leukemia by three-quarters. Researchers examined medical documents of 25000 Norwegian oil workers on rigs who worked for at least 20 days.
Benzene is still used in many commercial and industrial operations, despite the dangers of exposure to it. There are, however, ways to limit exposure and avoid benzene poisoning.
Wearing protective eyewear and clothes is one way to safeguard your eyes. This will prevent benzene from getting into the eyes and nose. A respirator should be used as often as it is possible.
If you suspect that you have been exposed to benzene in any way, you should call your doctor immediately. This will enable you to identify any symptoms and reduce the risk of dying from poisoning by benzene.
Alongside a myriad of different types of cancer in addition, benzene may also affect the brain. It can cause confusion and loss of memory. This can cause a decrease in quality of life, and make it difficult to perform at work or at home.
Asbestos
Asbestos, a poisonous mineral, has been shown to cause lung cancer and mesothelioma. It is present in a variety of construction materials, including flooring tiles and pipe insulation.
As a result , asbestos exposure poses one of the most serious health risks for railroad workers. Railroad workers are exposed to asbestos in a variety ways. Here are some of the most common:
One exposure to asbestos may cause mesothelioma as well as other cancers that are life-threatening. These cancers can develop in the lungs, the mesothelium (the membrane that covers the lung) and the abdominal cavity.
Fortunately, most people who are exposed to asbestos fibers do not develop any of the dangerous health problems that are associated with this substance. Most fibers will be expelled through coughing or in the form of mucus. This helps protect the lungs. There are some asbestos fibers that may stay in your lungs for years , or even for decades.
Although the health effects of this condition can vary from person to person, they can result in chest pain, breath shortness as well as breathing problems tightness in the chest and chest pain. Other symptoms 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, since they are more likely to inhale asbestos fibers that are harmful through their mouths and noses. The reason for this is because their lungs are still developing.
They breathe in more asbestos fibers due to the fact that they breathe at a faster pace and have a greater surface area to volume ratio than adults.
Young children are more likely to breathe in the harmful fibers than adults, and are particularly at risk if near railway cars. They also are at an increased risk of developing this disease when they have a family member with mesothelioma.
Creosote
In the 19th century, creosote was developed to protect wood from rot and insect damage. It also saved railroad companies money by cutting down on the cost of replacing wood. Creosote can still be used to treat wood products to this day. It can also be used for protection of log homes and marine pilings.
It is a toxic chemical and has been linked with a variety of cancers. These include esophageal, lung and larynx cancers.
The health risks of creosote are especially significant for those working in the wood preservation, coke-production and asphalt industries. Workers who do physical labor like maintenance of rail tracks or construction work, such as chimney sweeps, might also be exposed.
Creosote exposure can cause irritation of the skin and eyes, chemical burns, eyelid spasms, convulsions, mental agitation, unconsciousness, kidney issues, and even death. It can also trigger lung problems and respiratory issues, similar to smoking cigarettes.
Creosote is a substance that is made from coal tar . It can be inhaled through the skin. It is also absorbed through contaminated food or water.
Railroad workers are exposed to the toxins of creosote when they work close to hazardous waste sites. These sites typically contain large amounts of creosote and can be harmful to water, soil and air.
Another source of exposure to creosote for rail workers is working in the wood treatment industry. A variety of wood products, such as lumber and fences, are treated with creosote.
Those who work in these industries are often not provided with protective equipment, and this exposes them to creosote and toxic substances. This can lead to serious health problems, including chronic fatigue syndrome and cancer.
Creosote, an oily liquid with a burning, bitter taste, is amber-black in color. It is non-buoyant in water and has specific gravity ranging from 1.037 to 1.087. It is a mix of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and phenolic compounds in addition to other chemicals. While coal is the most popular form, different forms of creosote are also offered.
Diesel Exhaust
Diesel exhaust is a by-product of fuel combustion that is released into the air when you operate vehicles that have diesel engines. It can also be released from diesel locomotives, farm and construction equipment generators, ships, and other industrial equipment.
People who work around diesel exhaust are at a higher risk of developing cancer. This is because they are more susceptible to exposure to the same chemicals as those working in other sectors.
Exposure to diesel exhaust for a long time can cause lung carcinoma in laboratory animals such as rats. Diesel exhaust can trigger DNA modifications in cells, making them more prone to cancerous growth.
Studies on diesel exhaust in humans have also revealed a variety of health problems including respiratory disorders such as emphysema and chronic bronchitis, as well as blood system diseases such as bladder cancers and the voice box, stomach, pancreas, stomach, and. Other studies have connected diesel exhaust to certain 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.
Excessive exposure to diesel exhaust could pose a significant risk to employees who work with big engines and machines, such as truck drivers or operators of toll booths. They could be at risk too when they spend a lot of time in areas where heavy diesel traffic occurs (e.g. cities or highways).
In addition, railroad employees who maintain and build tracks and yards may be exposed to diesel fumes while they work near locomotives or other equipment that uses diesel engines. These fumes can be particularly hazardous when they get into the cabins of locomotives as well as other machinery.
A study of laboratory rats showed that long-term exposure to diesel exhaust caused numerous lung tumors and inflammatory changes. Certain of these tumors were similar to lung Adenocarcinoma. This is a kind of cancer that develops when cells in the lungs grow rapidly and become malignant.