Railroad Cancer
Railroads burn millions of gallons diesel fuel to operate freight trains across long distances. This extremely polluting diesel exhaust is high in carcinogens like arsenic and benzene.
If you are an ex- or current railroad employee who has been 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 seek fair financial compensation for the pain you've endured.
Benzene
Benzene is a solvent used in industry, can be found in the exhaust of diesel engines. Many railroad workers, such as machinists, engineers, conductors and electricians, work in areas where they come into contact with diesel fumes.
A single exposure to benzene may cause cancer in certain people. It is believed to cause acute meeloid leukemia (AML). This cancer starts in the bone marrow, and then it spreads to blood. It is more prevalent in men than it is for women and could be fatal if left untreated.
The dangers of benzene stem from the fact that it can damage the immune system. This could lead to illnesses and a diminished capability to fight off germs. Benzene may also weaken bones and increase the risk of arthritis.
Another serious problem from exposure to benzene is chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). This type of cancer starts in the bone marrow, and then spreads to blood. It may affect the spleen or other organs.
A 2015 study found that even low levels of benzene could increase the risk of leukemia by three-quarters. Researchers examined medical records of the medical records of 25,000 Norwegian oil workers on rigs who worked for at least 20 days.
Despite the dangers of exposure to benzene is still used in many commercial and industrial operations. There are methods to minimize exposure and prevent poisoning from benzene.
Cancer Lawsuit Settlements is to wear proper clothes and eyewear that is protected. This will help prevent benzene out of the nose and eyes. A respirator should be used as often as possible.
If you suspect you have been exposed to benzene, you must contact your doctor right away. This will help you identify any symptoms and reduce the risk of dying from poisoning with benzene.
In addition to a range of different cancer types in addition, benzene may also affect the brain. It can lead to a loss of memory and confusion. This can cause a decrease in quality of life, and make it difficult to function at work or at home.
Asbestos
Asbestos is a noxious mineral that has been shown to be the cause of many serious illnesses, including lung cancer and mesothelioma. It is found in many building materials, such as pipes and floor tiles.
As consequently Cancer Lawsuit Settlements is among of the health hazards that pose the greatest risk for those working in the railway industry. Railroad workers can be exposed to asbestos in a variety ways. Here are a few of the most prevalent:
One exposure to asbestos may cause mesothelioma as well as other cancers that are life-threatening. These cancers may develop in the lungs, the mesothelium (the membrane that covers the lung) and the abdominal cavity.
The majority of people who have been exposed to asbestos fibers don't develop any of the health issues that can be associated with this substance. The majority of the fibers are eliminated, or be carried away in the mucus layer which protects the lung. However there are some kinds of asbestos fibers that can stick to your lungs and lodge in them for years or even decades.
Although the health effects of this condition may differ from person to person, they can result in chest pain, shortness of breath as well as breathing problems tightness in the chest, and chest pain. It can also cause problems with swallowing or weight loss.
Asbestos-exposed children are at greater chance of developing mesothelioma or other types of cancer. They are more likely to breathe harmful fibers via the mouth and nose. The reason is that their lung tissue is still developing.
They inhale more asbestos fibers since they breathe at a higher rate and have a higher surface area to volume ratio than adults.
Because they are more susceptible to inhaling harmful fibers, children are at a particularly high risk of developing mesothelioma especially if they've been in close contact with railroad vehicles. If they have a family member who has mesothelioma, they are at greater risk of developing the disease.
Creosote
Creosote was initially developed in the 19th century to protect wood from rot and insect damage. Railroad companies were successful in saving money by reducing the cost of replacing wood. Today, creosote is still used to treat wood products. It can also be used to protect log homes and marine pilings.
It is a toxic chemical and has been linked with a variety of cancers. Some of these include lung, esophageal, and larynx cancers.
People who work in the wood preservation, asphalt and coke-production sectors are at particular risk. Workers who work physically such as rail track maintenance or construction, like chimney sweeps, might also be exposed.
Creosote exposure can cause eyelid irritation, skin spasms and convulsions, well as chemical burns, convulsions, chemical burns and even unconsciousness. It can also cause respiratory problems and lung problems, similar to smoking.
Creosote is a chemical derived from coal tar can be absorbed through skin. It can also get into the body through food items that are contaminated and water.
Railroad workers are exposed to creosote whenever they work near hazardous waste sites. These sites typically contain huge quantities of creosote. This can infect water, soil, and air.
Another reason for exposure to creosote for rail employees is when they work in the wood treatment industry. Many wood products such as lumber and fences are treated with creosote.
Workers in these fields are typically not protected by protective equipment, which exposes them to creosote , as well as other contaminants. This can lead to serious health problems like chronic fatigue syndrome and cancer.
Creosote, an oily liquid that has a bitter, burning taste, is amber-black in color. It isn't buoyant in water and has a specific gravity of 1.037 to 1.087. It is a mixture polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and phenolic compounds as well as other chemicals. While coal is the most well-known form, other types of creosote are also offered.
Diesel Exhaust
Diesel exhaust is a by-product of combustion of fuel that is released into the air when you operate vehicles equipped with diesel engines. Diesel exhaust is also released by diesel locomotives as well as construction equipment, farm equipment generators, as well as other industrial equipment.
People who work around diesel exhaust are more at chance of developing cancer. This is due to the fact that they are typically exposed to more of this substance than people who work in other industries.
A few studies suggest that long-term exposure to diesel exhaust could cause lung cancer in laboratory animals, such as rats. In some instances, the diesel exhaust can alter the DNA in cells which makes them more likely to develop cancerous cells and grow.
Studies of diesel exhaust in humans have also demonstrated that heavy exposure can cause various health issues which include respiratory disorders like emphysema and chronic bronchitis and blood system diseases such as bladder cancers, larynx (voice box) as well as stomach, esophagus and the pancreas. Some cancers of prostate, stomach, and breast have been linked to diesel exhaust.
The American Cancer Society considers diesel exhaust to be a carcinogen. It is classified as such by the International Agency for Research on Cancer, part of the World Health Organization.
People who work with big machines and engines, such as truck drivers and toll booth attendants, could be at a high risk of developing cancer as a result of diesel exhaust exposure. They may also be at risk when they spend a lot of time in locations that see a lot of diesel traffic like highways and cities.
In addition, employees of railroads who maintain and construct yards and tracks may be exposed to diesel fumes when they work near locomotives or other equipment that utilizes diesel engines. These fumes can be particularly hazardous when they get into the cabins of locomotives and other machinery.
A study conducted on laboratory animals showed that long-term exposure to diesel exhaust resulted in a variety of lung tumors and inflammatory changes. Some of these tumors appeared like a form of cancer called a lung adenocarcinoma. It occurs when the cells of the lungs are malignant and begin to multiply and grow rapidly.