Railroad Cancer
Railroads make use of millions of gallons of diesel fuel to transport freight trains across long distances. The highly toxic diesel exhaust is rich in carcinogens, including arsenic as well as benzene.
Railroad Cancer Lawsuit could be eligible for compensation under Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA) when you're railroad worker who has been diagnosed as having cancer. Our Houston railroad cancer lawyers will assist you get fair financial compensation for your suffering.
Benzene
Benzene is a solvent used in industrial processes and is found in the exhaust of diesel engines. Many railroad workers, including conductors, engineers, machinists and electricians work in areas where they are in contact with diesel fumes.
A single exposure to benzene may cause cancer in a few people. It is known to cause acute meeloid leukemia (AML). This cancer begins in the bone marrow and then spreads into the blood. It is more prevalent for men than women and is fatal if not treated.
The danger of benzene comes from the fact that it can harm the immune system. This can result in various health issues like infections and a lower capacity to fight off germs. Benzene may also weaken bones and increase the risk for arthritis.
Another serious issue associated with exposure to benzene can be chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). This form of cancer begins in the bone marrow and expands into the blood. It may also affect the spleen or other organs in your body.
A study from 2015 revealed that even low levels of benzene can increase the risk of developing leukemia by 33. Researchers looked into medical documents of 25000 Norwegian oil workers who were employed for 20 days or more.
Despite the danger of exposure to benzene in the workplace, it is still utilized in many industrial and commercial operations. There are ways to reduce exposure to and avoid poisoning from benzene.
One option is to wear the right clothing and protective eyewear. This will stop benzene from getting into the eyes and nose. A respirator is recommended whenever it is possible.
If you suspect you've been exposed to benzene, you must immediately consult your physician. This will allow you to recognize any symptoms that you may have and will help to reduce the risk of death from benzene poisoning.
In addition to a range of different types of cancer, benzene can also affect the brain. It can cause confusion and memory loss. If you suffer from this disorder it could cause the quality of life and make it difficult to perform your duties at home or in the workplace.
Asbestos
Asbestos is a toxic mineral, has been proven to cause lung cancer as well as mesothelioma. It is found in a variety of construction materials, including floor tiles and pipe insulation.
As the result asbestos exposure is among of the most serious health risks to people who work in the railroad industry. Railroad workers can be exposed to asbestos in a variety ways. Here are some of the most common:
A single exposure to asbestos can lead to mesothelioma, or other life-threatening cancers. These cancers may develop in the lungs, the mesothelium (the membrane that surrounds the lung) and the abdominal cavity.
The majority of people who are exposed to asbestos fibers don't be affected by any of the health issues that are associated with this substance. The majority of the fibers are coughed up, or will be removed in a layer of mucus that protects the lung. There are asbestos fibers that can stick to your lungs for years or even for decades.
The health effects of this condition vary from individual to individual but it can result in shortness of breath, chest pain, trouble breathing or a tight feeling in the chest. It can also cause problems with swallowing or weight loss.
Children exposed to asbestos are at higher risk of developing mesothelioma as well as other forms of cancer. They are more likely to breathe harmful fibers via the mouth and nose. The reason for this is that their lungs are still developing.
They breathe at a faster rate, and since their lungs have a larger volume-to-surface ratio than adults', they are able to inhale more asbestos fibers.
Since they are more prone to inhaling harmful fibers, children are at a high risk of developing mesothelioma particularly if they have been in close contact with railroad cars. They also have an increased risk of developing mesothelioma if they have relatives with mesothelioma.
Creosote
In the 19th century the development of creosote helped help protect wood from rot as well as insects, thus saving railroad companies money by reducing the cost of replacing wood. Today, creosote is still used to treat wood products. It is also used to protect log homes as well as marine pilings.
It is a toxic substance and has been linked with many types of cancer. Some of them include esophageal, lung, and larynx cancers.
Workers in the asphalt, wood preservation and coke-production industries are particularly at risk. Chimney sweeps and those who work physically, such as rail track maintenance and construction are also susceptible to creosote.
Creosote exposure can lead to irritation of the skin and eyes chemical burns, eyelid spasms, convulsions, mental confusion, unconsciousness, kidney issues, and death. It can also affect the lung and cause respiratory issues over time, just like smoking.
Creosote, a chemical made from coal tar, may be absorbed through skin. It also can enter the body through food and water.
Railroad workers are exposed to creosote if they work close to hazardous waste sites. These sites usually contain large quantities of creosote. This can contaminate soil, water, as well as air.
Another reason for exposure to creosote for employees of rail companies is working in the wood treatment industry. A variety of wood products, such as fences and lumber are treated with creosote.
The people who work in these industries are usually not protected with the proper equipment, and this exposes them to creosote , as well as other contaminants. This could lead to serious health problems like chronic fatigue syndrome and cancer.
Creosote can be described as an oily liquid that ranges from amber to black in color. It also has the taste of burning and caustic. It is not buoyant in water and has specific gravity of 1.037 to 1.087. It is a mixture of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and phenolic compounds, as well as other chemicals. While coal tar is the most common form, other types of creosote can also be found.
Diesel Exhaust
Diesel exhaust is a byproduct of fuel combustion that is released into the air when you operate vehicles equipped with diesel engines. Diesel exhaust is also released by diesel locomotives, construction equipment, farm equipment, generators and other industrial equipment.
Workers who work near diesel exhaust are at greater chance of developing cancer. This is because they are typically exposed to more of this substance than people who work in other sectors.
Exposure to diesel exhaust for a long time can cause lung cancer in laboratory animals such as rats. Diesel exhaust can trigger DNA changes in cells that make them more susceptible to cancerous growth.
Studies on the effects of diesel exhaust in humans have shown a range of health issues, including respiratory disorders such as emphysema and chronic bronchitis, as well as blood system diseases like cancers of the bladder and the voice box, stomach, stomach, and pancreas. Other studies have linked diesel exhaust to some cancers of the breast and prostate.
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).
Exposure to diesel exhaust may be a serious risk for employees who work with big engines and machines, like truck drivers or toll booth operators. They can also be at risk in the event that they spend a significant amount of time in areas where heavy diesel traffic occurs, such as highways and cities.
Railroad workers who manage and construct yards and tracks can be exposed to diesel fumes when they work near diesel engines or other machinery. These fumes can be hazardous when they enter the cabins of locomotives and other equipment.
A study of laboratory rats revealed that exposure to diesel exhaust can cause a variety of lung tumors and the development of inflammatory changes. Some of these tumors were like a form of cancer called a lung adenocarcinoma, which occurs when the cells in the lungs develop malignancy and expand and divide quickly.