Railroad Cancer Railroads use millions of gallons diesel fuel to transport freight trains over long distances. The extremely toxic diesel exhaust is a source of carcinogens like arsenic, dioxin and benzene. You could be eligible for compensation under Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA) in the event that you are an employee of a railroad who is diagnosed with cancer. Our skilled Houston railroad cancer lawyers can assist you to seek fair financial compensation for the pain you've endured. Benzene Benzene is a solvent used in industrial processes and can be found in the exhaust of diesel fuel. Many railroad workers, such as conductors, engineers and machinists and electricians are employed in places in which they come in contact with diesel fumes. Some people may develop cancer from a single exposure to benzene. It is believed to cause acute meeloid leukemia (AML). This cancer begins in the bone marrow, and develops into blood. It is more common for men than women, and it can be deadly if left untreated. The dangers of benzene stem from the fact that it can harm the immune system. This could lead to a range of health problems like infections and a lower capacity to fight off germs. Benzene can also cause bone weakness and increase the risk of arthritis. Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is a more serious side effect of benzene. This type of cancer starts in the bone marrow and then it spreads to blood. It may affect the spleen or other body parts. A study in 2015 showed that even low levels of benzene may increase the risk of leukemia by three-quarters. Researchers examined the medical records of more than 25,000 Norwegian oil-rig workers who been on the job for more than 20 days. Despite the danger of exposure to benzene, it is still used in many industrial and commercial operations. There are Railroad Workers to limit exposure and prevent poisoning from benzene. One option is to wear the right clothes and eyewear that is protected. This will help prevent benzene from getting in the eyes and nose. A respirator should be used whenever feasible. If you suspect you have been exposed, you should immediately contact your doctor. This will help you recognize any signs and minimize the risk of dying due to benzene poisoning. In addition to a variety of different kinds of cancer in addition, benzene may also affect the brain. It can lead to a loss of memory and confusion. If you are suffering from this condition it can cause a decrease in your quality of life and make it difficult for you to function at home and at work. Asbestos Asbestos, a noxious mineral, has been shown to cause lung cancer and mesothelioma. It is found in a variety materials employed in construction, such as pipe insulation and floor tiles. As the result, asbestos exposure is one of the health hazards that pose the greatest risk to people who work in the railway industry. Railroad workers can be exposed to the harmful substance in a number of ways, and some of the most common are: One exposure to asbestos can cause mesothelioma and various other life-threatening cancers. The cancers that develop in the lungs , or in the membrane that covers the lungs and abdominal cavity (the mesothelium) usually cause death. Fortunately, the majority of people who are exposed to asbestos fibers don't develop any of the negative health issues that are linked to asbestos. The majority of the fibers are removed from the body, or be released into the mucus layer which protects the lung. There are a few asbestos fibers that can be stuck to your lungs for years , or even decades. Although the health effects of this condition can differ from person to person, they can result in chest discomfort, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, tightness in the chest, and chest pain. The symptoms could also include difficulty swallowing or weight loss. Children who have been exposed to asbestos are at a greater chance of developing mesothelioma or another type of cancer since they are more likely to inhale asbestos-related fibers through their mouths and noses. Their lung's are still developing. They inhale 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 inhale the harmful fibers than adults and are especially at risk if they've been near railroad vehicles. If they have a relative who is suffering from mesothelioma are at a greater chance of developing the disease. Creosote Creosote was initially 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. Creosote is currently used to treat wood products. It can also be used for protection of log homes and marine pilings. It is a poisonous chemical and has been linked to a number of cancers. Some of these include esophageal and lung cancers, and larynx cancers. Workers in the asphalt, wood preservation, and coke-production industries are particularly at risk. Workers who work physically such as rail track maintenance or construction, such as chimney sweeps, could also be exposed. Exposure to creosote can cause irritation of the eyes and skin, chemical burns, eyelid spasms convulsions, mental confusion unconsciousness, kidney problems and death. It can also cause respiratory problems and lung problems, similar to smoking cigarettes. Creosote is a chemical derived from coal tar can be absorbed through the skin. It can also be taken in through food items that are contaminated or water. One of the main sources of exposure to creosote for railroad employees is when they work around the hazardous waste sites. These sites usually contain huge amounts of creosote which can cause contamination of water, soil and air. Rail workers may also be exposed to creosote if they work in the wood treatment industry. Many wood products such as fences and timber, are treated with creosote. These workers are typically not provided with protective gear and are therefore exposed to toxic creosote and other substances. This can lead to serious health problems like cancer and chronic fatigue syndrome. Creosote, an oily fluid with a burning, bitter taste, is an amber-black color. It is not a buoyant liquid and has a specific gravity range of 1.037 to 1.87. It is a mixture of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, phenolic compounds, and various other chemicals. While coal tar is the most common form, different forms of creosote are also offered. Diesel Exhaust Diesel exhaust is a byproduct of combustion of fuels and is released into the air when diesel engines are utilized. Diesel exhaust can also be released by diesel locomotives construction equipment, farm equipment generators, and other industrial equipment. People who work with diesel exhaust are at greater chance of developing cancer. This is because they are exposed to more of this substance than people who work in other industries. Exposure to diesel exhaust for a long time can cause lung cancer in laboratory animals like rats. In some instances, diesel exhaust could alter the DNA in cells which make them more likely to grow and become cancerous. Studies on diesel exhaust in humans have also shown a range of health issues, including respiratory disorders such as emphysema and chronic bronchitis and blood system diseases such as cancers of the bladder and the voice box, stomach pancreas, and stomach. Other studies have connected diesel exhaust to certain cancers of the breast and prostate. 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 large machines and engines, like truck drivers and toll booth attendants, could be at a high risk of developing cancer because of diesel exhaust exposure. They can also be at high risk if they spend a lot of time in areas that are prone to heavy diesel traffic in such places as highways or cities. In addition, railroad employees who maintain and build yards and tracks may be exposed to diesel fumes while they are working close to locomotives or other equipment that runs on diesel engines. The fumes can pose a risk in the cabins of locomotives or other machinery. A study conducted on laboratory animals found that exposure to diesel exhaust resulted in several lung tumors and inflammation. Some of these tumors were similar to lung Adenocarcinoma. It is a form of cancer that occurs when the lungs' cells grow rapidly and become malignant.
Railroad Workers
