Railroad Cancer
Railroads burn millions of gallons of diesel fuel to operate freight trains over long distances. This highly toxic diesel exhaust contains carcinogens like arsenic, dioxin and benzene.
If you're a railroad employee who has been diagnosed with cancer, you could be eligible for compensation under the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA). Our knowledgeable Houston railroad cancer lawyers can assist you to seek fair financial compensation for your pain and suffering.
Benzene
Benzene is an industrial solvent and is present in the exhaust of diesel fuel. Many railroad employees, including machinists and engineers, conductors, electricians, are exposed to diesel fumes.
Some people may develop cancer following a single exposure to benzene. Particularly, it is thought to cause acute myeloid leukemia (AML). This cancer begins in the bone marrow, and expands into blood. It is more common among men than women and is deadly if left untreated.
The dangers of benzene arise from the fact that it can damage the immune system. This can result in various health issues including infections and a reduced capacity to fight off germs. Benzene can also weaken bones and increase the risk of arthritis.
Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is another serious negative side effect of benzene. The type of cancer develops in the bone marrow and then spreads into the blood. It can also affect the spleen or other organs of your body.
A 2015 study found that even low levels of benzene can raise the risk of developing leukemia by 33. Researchers looked into medical documents of more than 25,000 Norwegian oil crew members who worked for 20 or more days.
Benzene is still used in many commercial and industrial operations, despite the dangers of exposure to it. Fortunately, there are ways to limit exposure to benzene and prevent poisoning.
Wearing protective eyewear and clothing is a way to protect your eyes. This will help to keep benzene from getting in the eyes and nose. Cancer Lawsuit Settlements is recommended whenever feasible.
If you suspect you've been exposed to benzene, you must immediately contact your doctor. This will help you identify any symptoms that you may be suffering from and help reduce the risk of death from benzene poisoning.
Benzene is also known to cause brain damage, as well as various other forms of cancer. It can cause confusion and loss of memory. This condition can cause a decrease in quality of life, making it difficult to perform at work or at home.
Asbestos
Asbestos is a toxic mineral that has been proven to cause serious diseases such as lung cancer and mesothelioma. It is present in many building materials, including flooring tiles and pipe insulation.
As the result, asbestos exposure is one of the most serious health risks to people who work in the industry of railroads. Railroad workers may be exposed to the toxic substance through numerous ways, and some of the most prevalent are:
One exposure to asbestos can lead to mesothelioma and other life-threatening cancers. These cancers can manifest in the lungs, mesothelium (the membrane that surrounds the lung) and the abdominal cavity.
The majority of people who are exposed to asbestos fibers aren't likely to develop any health issues that are associated with this chemical. The majority of the fibers will be eliminated, or be transported away in the mucus layer that protects the lungs. However there are a few types of asbestos fibers that will stick to your lung tissue and stay there for decades or years.
The consequences of this condition vary from individual to individual but it can cause shortness of breath, chest pain, trouble breathing or a tight feeling in the chest. The symptoms could also include difficulty swallowing or weight loss.
Children who have been exposed to asbestos are at a higher risk of developing mesothelioma and another form of cancer, because they are more likely to breathe the dangerous fibers through their noses and mouths. Their lungs are still developing.
They inhale more asbestos fibers as they breathe at a higher 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 at a higher risk if they've lived in close proximity to railroad vehicles. They also have a higher risk of getting mesothelioma in the event of relatives with mesothelioma.
Creosote
Creosote first came into use in the 19th century to guard wood from insect and rot damage. Railroad companies were in a position to save money by reducing the expense of replacing wood. Creosote can still be used to treat wood products. It is also used for protection of log homes and marine pilings.
It is a poisonous chemical that has been linked to a number of cancers. This includes esophageal, lung and larynx cancers.
The health risks associated with creosote are especially significant for those working in the wood preservation, coke-production and asphalt industries. Chimney sweeps and those who work physically, such as rail track maintenance and construction, could also be exposed creosote.
Creosote exposure can cause eyelid irritation, skin spasms and convulsions, also chemical burns, chemical burns, convulsions and unconsciousness. It can also affect the lungs and cause respiratory problems as time passes, much like smoking cigarettes.
Creosote, a chemical, is made by coal tar and can be absorbed through the skin. It also can enter the body through contaminated food and water.
Railroad Cancer Lawsuit are exposed to the toxins of creosote when they work near hazardous waste sites. These sites typically contain huge quantities of creosote. This can infect water, soil, and air.
Another source of exposure to creosote for employees of rail companies is working in the wood treatment industry. Many wood products, such as lumber and fences are treated with creosote.
Those who work in these industries are often not provided with protective equipment, and this exposes workers to creosote as well as other toxins. This can lead to serious health conditions such as chronic fatigue syndrome and cancer.
Creosote is a liquid that is oily that ranges from black to amber in color. It has burnt, caustic flavor. It is not a buoyant liquid and has a specific gravity range of 1.037 to 1.87. It is a mix of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons phenolic compounds, and various other chemicals. While Railroad Workers Cancer Lawsuit is the most popular form, various forms of creosote are also available.
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 farm equipment, construction equipment generators, and other industrial equipment.
People who work around diesel exhaust may be more at risk of developing cancer. This is due to the fact that they are more susceptible to being exposed to radiation than those who work in other sectors.
Long-term exposure to diesel exhaust can cause lung cancer in laboratory animals like rats. In some cases, the diesel exhaust can even change the DNA of cells which make them more likely to grow and develop cancer.
Studies on the effects of diesel exhaust on humans have also proven that heavy exposure can cause numerous health issues, including respiratory disorders like chronic bronchitis, emphysema and blood system disorders like bladder cancer and larynx (voice box) as well as stomach, esophagus and pancreas. Other studies have linked diesel exhaust to some cancers of the breast and prostate.
Diesel exhaust is regarded as a carcinogen by 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 large machines and engines, like truck drivers and operators of toll booths, could be at a high risk of developing cancer from exposure to diesel exhaust. They could also be at risk in the event that they spend too much time in areas where heavy diesel traffic occurs (e.g. highways or cities).
In addition, railroad employees who maintain and build tracks and yards can be exposed to diesel fumes while they are working close to locomotives or other equipment that runs on diesel engines. These fumes can be particularly hazardous when they get into the cabins of locomotives and other machinery.
Long-term exposure to diesel exhaust has led to lung inflammation and cancer in laboratory rats. Certain of these tumors appeared like a particular type of cancer called a lung adenocarcinoma, which occurs when the cells of the lungs are malignant and grow and divide rapidly.
