Railroad Cancer
Railroads employ millions of gallons of diesel fuel to transport freight trains across long distances. This extremely toxic diesel exhaust is a source of carcinogens such as arsenic, dioxin and benzene.
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 Houston railroad cancer lawyers can assist you to get fair financial compensation for your suffering.
Benzene
It is an industrial solvent and is present in the exhaust of diesel fuel. Many railroad workers, such as conductors, engineers, machinists electricians, and conductors, work in areas where they are exposed to diesel fumes.
Certain people can develop cancer as a result of a single exposure to benzene. Specifically, it is known to cause acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The cancer develops in the bone marrow and then it spreads to blood. It is more common in men than in women , and can be fatal if it is not treated.
The immune system is susceptible to damage from benzene. That's why it's a risk. This could lead to a range of health problems 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 side effect of benzene. This type of cancer starts in the bone marrow, and expands into the blood. It may affect the spleen or other organs.
A 2015 study showed that even low levels benzene increases the risk of developing leukemia by three-quarters. Researchers examined the medical documents of 25000 Norwegian oil-rig workers who had worked for more that 20 days.
Despite the dangers of exposure to benzene is still utilized in many industrial and commercial operations. There are, however, ways to reduce exposure and prevent poisoning with benzene.
One way to do this is to wear the right clothes and eyewear that is protected. This will prevent benzene from getting into the nose and eyes. A respirator should be used as often as feasible.
If you suspect you have been exposed to benzene, you must immediately consult your physician. This will allow you to recognize any symptoms you might be suffering from and help lower the risk of dying from benzene poisoning.
In addition to the occurrence of a variety of cancer types, benzene also has the ability to affect the brain. It can lead to a loss of memory and confusion. This can lead to a decline in the quality of life and make it difficult to function at work or at home.
Asbestos
Asbestos is an extremely toxic mineral that has been proven to be the cause of many serious illnesses including lung cancer as well as mesothelioma. It is found in a variety materials employed in construction, like pipe insulation and floor tiles.
As the result asbestos exposure is one of the greatest health risks for those working in the railroad industry. Railroad workers can become exposed to the toxic substance through many different ways. Some of the most frequent are:
A single exposure to asbestos can cause mesothelioma and other cancers that can be life-threatening. The cancers, which form within the lungs or in the membrane that covers the lungs and abdominal cavity (the mesothelium), are often fatal.
Fortunately, the majority of people who are exposed to asbestos fibers don't develop any of the dangerous diseases that can be linked to this substance. The majority of fibers are expelled through coughing or as mucus. This protects the lung. There are some asbestos fibers that may stay in your lungs for a long time, even decades.
The effects of this condition can vary from person to person however, it can cause shortness in breath and chest pain, as well as trouble breathing, or a tightness in the chest. Other symptoms include difficulty swallowing and weight loss.
Children who have been exposed to asbestos are at a higher risk of developing mesothelioma and another form of cancer, since they are more likely to breathe asbestos-related fibers through their mouths and noses. The reason for this is that their lung tissues are still developing.
They breathe at a higher rate, and because their lungs are larger in surface area to volume ratio than adults', they are able to inhale more asbestos fibers.
Young children are more likely to inhale the harmful fibers than adults, and are particularly at risk if they have been near railroad cars. If they have a relative who suffers from mesothelioma are at an increased chance of developing the disease.
Creosote
During the 19th Century the development of creosote helped help protect wood from rot as well as insects, thus saving railroad companies money by cutting down on the cost of replacing wood. Railroad Injury Settlement Amounts can still be used to treat wood products today. It is also used for protection of log homes and marine pilings.
It is a toxic substance and has been linked with a variety of cancers. These include esophageal and lung cancers, and larynx cancers.
Railroad Workers who work in the asphalt, wood preservation and coke-production industries are at particular risk. Chimney sweeps, and workers who do physical work, such as rail track maintenance and construction, could also be exposed to creosote.
Creosote exposure can cause skin irritation, eyelid convulsions and spasms, as well as chemical burns, convulsions, chemical burns, and even unconsciousness. It can also cause lung problems and respiratory issues, similar to smoking cigarettes.
Cancer Lawsuits is a chemical that is made from coal tar . It can be absorbed through the skin. It can also get into the body through food items that are contaminated and water.
Railroad workers are exposed to the toxins of creosote when they work close to hazardous waste sites. These sites usually contain large amounts of creosote. It can contaminate soil, water, and the 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.
Cancer Lawsuit who work in these fields are typically not provided with protective equipment, and this exposes them to creosote , as well as other toxins. This can lead to serious health conditions, like cancer and chronic fatigue syndrome.
Creosote can be described as an oily liquid that ranges from black to amber in color. It has the taste of burning and caustic. It is non-buoyant in liquids and has specific gravity of 1.037 to 1.87. It is a mixture of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons phenolic compounds, as well as other chemicals. While coal is the most commonly used form, various forms of creosote are also available.
Diesel Exhaust
Diesel exhaust is a byproduct from the combustion of fuel. It is released into the air when you operate vehicles that have diesel engines. It is also released from diesel locomotives, farm and construction equipment generators, ships, and other industrial equipment.
Diesel exhaust workers may be more at risk of developing cancer. This is due to the fact that they are frequently exposed to more of this substance than those who work in other sectors.
Long-term exposure to diesel exhaust can cause lung carcinoma in laboratory animals like rats. Diesel exhaust can cause DNA changes in cells that make them more susceptible to cancerous growth.
Studies of diesel exhaust in humans have also revealed that exposure to heavy amounts can lead to numerous health issues which include respiratory disorders like emphysema and chronic bronchitis and blood system diseases such as bladder cancers, larynx (voice box) and stomach, esophagus and the pancreas. Other studies have connected diesel exhaust to certain cancers of the breast and prostate.
Diesel exhaust is classified as carcinogens according to the American Cancer Society. It is classified as such in the International Agency for Research on Cancer (part of the World Health Organization).
People who work with big machines and engines, like truck drivers and toll booth operators, could be at the highest risk of developing cancer from exposure to exhaust fumes from diesel. They could also be at risk in the event that they spend too much time in areas where heavy diesel traffic is prevalent (e.g. cities or highways).
In addition, railroad employees who maintain and construct yards and tracks may be exposed to diesel fumes while they are working close to locomotives or other equipment that runs on diesel engines. These fumes can be dangerous if they get into the cabins of engines or other machinery.
Long-term diesel exhaust exposure caused lung cancers and inflammation in laboratory rats. Some of these tumors were like a kind of cancer known as a lung adenocarcinoma, which occurs when the cells within the lungs are malignant and begin to multiply and grow rapidly.