Railroad Cancer
Railroads use millions of gallons diesel fuel to transport freight trains across long distances. This highly toxic diesel exhaust contains carcinogens such arsenic benzene and dioxin.
If you are a railroad worker who was diagnosed with cancer, you may be entitled to compensation under the Federal Employers' Liability Act (FELA). Our skilled Houston railroad cancer lawyers can assist you get an equitable financial settlement to help you bear the burden.
Benzene
Benzene, an industrial solvent, can be found in the exhaust of diesel engines. Many railroad employees, including machinists and engineers, conductors, electricians, are exposed to diesel fumes.
One exposure to benzene could cause cancer in some people. It is known to cause acute meeloid leukemia (AML). This cancer begins in the bone marrow and expands into blood. It is more common in men than it is in women and can be fatal if it is not treated.
The dangers of benzene stem from the fact that it can cause harm to the immune system. This can lead to various health issues including infections and a reduced ability to fight off germs. Benzene may also weaken bones and increase the risk of developing arthritis.
Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is a different serious negative side effect of benzene. This kind of cancer begins in the bone marrow and then it spreads to blood. It can also affect the spleen as well as other organs of your body.
A 2015 study showed that even low levels of benzene increases the risk of developing leukemia by 33. Researchers examined medical records of more than 25,000 Norwegian oil workers on rigs who worked for 20 or more days.
Despite the risk of being exposed to benzene in the workplace, it is still used in many commercial and industrial settings. There are ways to limit exposure to and avoid poisoning from benzene.
One way is to wear the right clothing and protective eyewear. This will prevent benzene from getting in the nose and eyes. It is also recommended to wear a respirator whenever you can.
If you suspect you have been exposed, you should immediately call your doctor. This will allow you to identify any symptoms and reduce the chance of dying from benzene poisoning.
In addition to a variety of different types of cancer, benzene can also impact the brain. Cancer Lawsuit can cause confusion and loss of memory. This condition can cause a decline in quality of life, making it difficult to perform at work or at home.
Asbestos
Asbestos is a toxic mineral, has been proven to be a cause of lung cancer and mesothelioma. It is found in a variety of materials used in construction, like pipe insulation and floor tiles.
As a consequence, asbestos exposure poses one of the most serious health risks for railroad workers. Railroad workers are exposed to the toxic substance through various ways. Some of the most prevalent are:
One exposure to asbestos may cause mesothelioma, among other cancers that can be life-threatening. The cancers that develop within the lungs or in the membrane that covers the lungs and abdominal cavity (the mesothelium) are usually fatal.
The majority of people who have been exposed to asbestos fibers will not develop any of the health issues that are caused by this substance. Most fibers will be expelled through coughing or in the form of mucus. This helps protect the lung. However there are certain kinds of asbestos fibers that will cling to your lung tissue and stay there for a long time or even decades.
Cancer Lawsuit of this condition vary from individual to individual but it can result in shortness of breath or chest pain, difficulty 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 type of cancer as they are more likely to inhale the dangerous fibers through their noses and mouths. Their lungs are still developing.
They breathe in more asbestos fibers because they breathe at a higher speed and have a larger surface area to volume ratio than adults.
Since they are more prone to inhaling harmful fibers, children are at a particularly high risk of developing mesothelioma particularly if they have been in close contact with railroad vehicles. They are also at an increased risk of developing mesothelioma in the event of relatives with mesothelioma.
Creosote
Creosote was first developed in the 19th century to protect wood from rot and insect damage. Railroad companies were able to save money by reducing the expense of replacing wood. Cancer Lawsuits can still be used to treat wood products today. It can also be used to protect log homes and marine pilings.
It is a toxic chemical and has been linked with various cancers. These include esophageal and lung cancers, and larynx cancers.
Workers in the asphalt, wood preservation and coke-production industries are particularly at risk. Chimney sweeps, and workers who do physical work, such as rail track maintenance and construction could also be exposed creosote.
Creosote exposure can cause irritation to the skin, eyelid spasms and convulsions as in addition to chemical burns, convulsions, chemical burns, and even unconsciousness. It can also cause respiratory problems and lung problems, similar to smoking.
Creosote chemical is made from coal tar and can be taken up through the skin. It is also consumed through food that is contaminated or water.
One of the primary sources of creosote exposure for railroad workers is when they work near an area of hazardous waste. These sites typically contain large amounts of creosote that can be harmful to water, soil and 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 like fences and lumber are treated with creosote.
The people who work in these industries are often not protected with the proper equipment, which can expose workers to creosote as well as other toxins. This can cause serious health problems, including cancer and chronic fatigue syndrome.
Creosote is an oily liquid that has a bitter, burning taste, is amber-black in color. It is non-buoyant in water and has a specific gravity of 1.037 to 1.087. It is a mixture of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, phenolic compounds and other chemicals. The most popular form of creosote is coal tar, however different forms are also utilized.
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 and construction equipment, farm equipment generators, and other industrial equipment.
Workers who work near diesel exhaust could be at greater chance of developing cancer. This is because they are more susceptible to exposure to the same chemicals as those working in other industries.
Long-term exposure to diesel exhaust can cause lung carcinoma in laboratory animals such as rats. Diesel exhaust can cause DNA changes in cells , which make them more prone to cancerous growth.
Studies on the effects of diesel exhaust on humans have also proven that exposure to diesel exhaust can trigger numerous health issues that include respiratory disorders such as chronic bronchitis or emphysema as well as blood system diseases such as cancers of the bladder and larynx (voice box), esophagus, stomach and pancreas. Certain cancers of the prostate, stomach, and breast have been connected to diesel exhaust.
Diesel exhaust is regarded as a carcinogen by the American Cancer Society. It is classified as such by the International Agency for Research on Cancer, part of the World Health Organization.
Workers who are exposed to large machines and engines, like truck drivers and toll booth operators are at a higher risk of developing cancer from exposure to diesel exhaust. They may be at risk too for cancer if they spend a significant amount of time in areas where heavy diesel traffic happens (e.g. cities or highways).
Railroad workers who build and maintain tracks and yards can also be exposed to diesel fumes when they work near diesel engines or other machines. The fumes can pose a risk if they get into the cabins of engines or other machinery.
A study on laboratory rats found that exposure to diesel exhaust can cause various lung tumors and inflammation changes. Certain of these tumors were similar to lung Adenocarcinoma. This is a kind of cancer that develops when the lung's cells develop rapidly and turn malignant.