Railroad Cancer
Railroads burn millions of gallons of diesel fuel to operate freight trains over long distances. The highly toxic diesel exhaust is high in carcinogens including arsenic and benzene.
You may be eligible for compensation under Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA) If you're an employee of a railroad who is diagnosed with cancer. Our skilled Houston railroad cancer lawyers can help you find fair financial compensation to help you bear the burden.
Benzene
Benzene is a solvent used in industry, can be found in the exhaust of diesel fuel. Many railroad workers, including machinists and engineers, conductors electricians, and conductors work in areas that are exposed to diesel fumes.
One exposure to benzene could cause cancer in some people. Particularly, it is thought to cause acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The cancer starts in the bone marrow and develops into blood. It is more common in men than it is in women and is fatal if it is not treated.
The dangers of benzene arise from the fact that it can harm the immune system. This could lead to infections and a decreased ability to fight off germs. Benzene may also weaken bones and increase the risk of arthritis.
Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is another serious negative side effect of benzene. This type of cancer starts in the bone marrow and expands into the blood. It may also affect the spleen and other parts of your body.
A study from 2015 revealed that even low levels benzene can increase the risk of developing leukemia by three-quarters. Researchers examined medical records of more than 25,000 Norwegian oil workers who were employed for 20 days or more.
Despite the risk of being exposed to benzene, it's still utilized in many commercial and industrial processes. There are ways to lessen exposure and prevent poisoning by benzene.
Wearing protective eyewear and clothing is one way to protect your eyes. This will help prevent benzene from getting into the eyes and nose. Also, you should wear a respirator whenever possible.
If you suspect that have been exposed to benzene you should contact your physician immediately. This will help to identify any symptoms you might have and will help to reduce the risk of death from benzene poisoning.
In addition to a variety of cancer types, benzene can also impact the brain. It can cause confusion and memory loss. If you are affected by this condition, it can lead to an impairment in your quality of life and make it difficult to perform your duties at home or in the workplace.
Asbestos
Asbestos is a poisonous mineral that has been proven to cause a variety of serious diseases like lung cancer and mesothelioma. Railroad Workers is found in a variety of building materials, including pipe insulation and floor tiles.
As consequently asbestos exposure is one of the most serious health risks for those working in the railroad industry. Railroad workers can be exposed to asbestos in a variety ways. Here are some of the most commonly used:
One exposure to asbestos can lead to mesothelioma or any other cancers that could be life-threatening. The cancers, which form in the lungs , or in the membrane that covers the lungs and abdominal cavity (the mesothelium) can be fatal.
Fortunately, Railroad Injury Settlement Amounts of people who are exposed to asbestos fibers don't develop any of the harmful diseases that can be linked to this substance. The majority of the fibers will be eliminated, or be released into mucus which protects the lungs. However there are certain kinds of asbestos fibers which will stick to your lungs and lodge in them for years or even decades.
The health effects of this condition vary from individual to individual, but it may cause shortness of breath chest pain, 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 greater chance of developing mesothelioma, or another form of cancer, because they are more likely to inhale asbestos-containing fibers through their noses and mouths. The reason is that their lung tissues are still developing.
They inhale more asbestos fibers as they breathe at a faster speed and have a larger surface area to volume ratio than adults.
Due to their vulnerability to inhaling dangerous fibers, children are at a high risk of developing mesothelioma particularly when they've been in close proximity to railroad vehicles. They also are at the risk of developing mesothelioma when they have an individual in their family with mesothelioma.
Creosote
Creosote was initially developed in the 19th century to guard wood from insect and rot damage. Railroad companies were able to save 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 substance and has been linked with a variety of cancers. Some of these include lung, esophageal, and larynx cancers.
Workers in the asphalt, wood preservation and coke-production sectors are particularly at risk. Workers who perform physical work such as maintenance of rail tracks or construction, like chimney sweeps, can also be exposed.
Creosote exposure can cause skin irritation, eyelid spasms and convulsions, in addition to chemical burns, chemical burns, convulsions and even unconsciousness. It can also cause lung problems and respiratory issues, similar to smoking.
Creosote is a chemical derived by coal tar, can be absorbed through skin. It is also absorbed through contaminated food or water.
Railroad workers are exposed to creosote if they work close to hazardous waste sites. These sites typically contain large amounts of creosote that can be harmful to water, soil as well as air.
Rail workers can also be exposed to creosote , if they work in the wood-treatment industry. Many wood products, including fences and lumber, are treated with creosote.
They are usually not provided with protective gear, which can expose them for creosote or other toxic substances. This can lead to serious health conditions like cancer and chronic fatigue syndrome.
Creosote can be described as an oily liquid which ranges from amber to black in color and possesses a burning, caustic taste. It is not buoyant in liquids and has specific gravity of 1.037 to 1.87. It is a mix of aromatic polycyclic hydrocarbons, phenolic compounds, as well as other chemicals. While coal is the most well-known form, various forms of creosote are also available.
Diesel Exhaust
Diesel exhaust is a byproduct from combustion of fuels and is released into the air when diesel engines are used. It is also released from diesel locomotives, construction and farm equipment generators, ships and other industrial equipment.
People who work with diesel exhaust may be at a higher chance of developing cancer. This is because 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 cancer in laboratory animals, such as rats. In certain instances, diesel exhaust could alter the DNA of cells which makes them more likely to grow and develop cancer.
Studies on diesel exhaust in humans have revealed a variety of health concerns, including respiratory disorders like emphysema, chronic bronchitis, as well as blood system diseases like bladder cancers, the voice box, stomach, pancreas, stomach, and. Other studies have identified diesel exhaust as a cause of cancers of the prostate and breast.
Diesel exhaust is regarded as carcinogens by the American Cancer Society. It is classified as such by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (part of the World Health Organization).
The exposure to diesel exhaust can be a serious risk for people who work with huge engines and machines, including truck drivers or operators of toll booths. They may also be at risk if they spend too much time in areas where heavy diesel traffic occurs (e.g. cities or highways).
Railroad workers who manage and construct yards and tracks may be exposed to diesel fumes when they work near diesel engines or other machines. These fumes pose a particular risk when they are in the cabins of locomotives and other machinery.
Long-term diesel exhaust exposure caused lung cancers and inflammation in laboratory rats. Some of these tumors were comparable to lung adenocarcinoma. This is a form of cancer that develops when the lungs' cells grow rapidly and become malignant.