Railroad Cancer
Railroads make use of millions of gallons of diesel fuel to transport freight trains over long distances. This highly toxic diesel exhaust contains carcinogens such arsenic dioxin and benzene.
You could be entitled to compensation under the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA) when you're railroad employee who has been diagnosed with cancer. Our Houston railroad cancer lawyers will help you obtain fair financial compensation for your suffering.
Benzene
Benzene, an industrial solvent, can be found in diesel fuel exhaust. Many railroad workers, including conductors, engineers, machinists electricians, and conductors, work in areas where they are exposed to diesel fumes.
Some people may develop cancer after an exposure to benzene for a short period of time. Specifically, it is known to cause acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The cancer starts in the bone marrow and it spreads to the blood. It is more common in men than in women , and can be fatal if untreated.
The danger of benzene comes from the fact that it can harm the immune system. Railroad Cancer Lawyer can lead to infections and a decreased ability to fight germs. Benzene can also weaken bones and increase the risk of arthritis.
Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is a different 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 2015 study showed that even low levels benzene increases the risk of developing leukemia by 33. Researchers looked into medical records of more than 25,000 Norwegian oil workers on rigs who worked for 20 days or more.
Despite the dangers of exposure to benzene in the workplace, it is still utilized in many industrial and commercial operations. Fortunately, there are ways to limit exposure and avoid benzene poisoning.
One way to do this is to wear the right clothing and protective eyewear. This will prevent benzene from getting in the eyes and nose. A respirator should be used whenever feasible.
If you suspect you've been exposed to benzene, you must immediately call your doctor. This will enable you to identify any symptoms and reduce the risk of dying due to poisoning by benzene.
Benzene can also cause brain damage, along with other types of cancer. It can cause confusion and memory loss. If you are affected by this condition it can cause an impairment in your quality of life and make it difficult to function at home and at work.
Asbestos
Asbestos is an extremely toxic mineral that has been known to be the cause of many serious illnesses, including lung cancer and mesothelioma. It is present in a variety of building materials, including floor tiles and pipe insulation.
As consequently asbestos exposure is one of the greatest health risks for those working in the railway industry. Railroad workers are exposed to asbestos in a variety of ways. Here are some of the most prevalent:
One exposure to asbestos may cause mesothelioma and other life-threatening cancers. These cancers can develop in the lungs, mesothelium (the membrane that covers the lungs) and the abdominal cavity.
Most people who have been exposed to asbestos fibers will not develop any health issues that can be associated with this substance. The majority of the fibers are removed from the body, or be removed in a layer of mucus which protects the lungs. There are asbestos fibers which can stick to your lungs for years , or even decades.
While the health effects of this condition are different from person-to-person, it can cause chest pain, breath shortness as well as breathing problems tightness in the chest, and chest pain. Other signs include difficulty swallowing and weight loss.
Children who have been exposed to asbestos are at a greater chance of developing mesothelioma or another form of cancer, since they are more likely to inhale asbestos-containing fibers through their mouths and noses. The reason for this is that their lung tissue is still developing.
They inhale more asbestos fibers since they breathe at a faster rate and have a greater volume to surface ratio than adults.
Young children are more likely to breathe in the harmful fibers than adults, and are more at risk if they've lived in close proximity to railroad vehicles. If they have a relative who has mesothelioma, they are at an increased risk of developing the disease.
Creosote
In the 19th century Creosote was invented to help protect wood from rot as well as insects, thus saving railroad companies money by cutting down on the cost of replacing wood. Creosote can still be used to treat wood products. It is also used to protect log homes and marine pilings.
It is a toxic chemical and has been linked to various cancers. Some of them include esophageal and lung cancers, and larynx cancers.
The health risks associated with creosote exposure are especially present in those who work in the wood preservation, coke-production and asphalt industries. Chimney sweeps, as well as those who work physically, such as rail track maintenance and construction, are also susceptible to creosote.
Creosote exposure can cause 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 problems over time, similar to smoking cigarettes.
Creosote is a chemical that is made from coal tar and can be inhaled through the skin. It can also be absorbed through contaminated food or water.
One of the major sources of creosote exposure for railroad employees is when they work near the hazardous waste sites. These sites often contain large amounts of creosote which can be harmful to water, soil and air.
Rail workers can also be exposed to creosote if they work in the wood treatment sector. A lot of wood products, such as fences and lumber are treated with creosote.
People who work in these industries are usually not equipped with safety equipment, which could expose workers to creosote as well as other toxins. This can result in serious health problems, including cancer and chronic fatigue syndrome.
Creosote is an oily liquid that ranges from black to amber in color. It has an acidic, burning taste. It is not a buoyant liquid and has a specific gravity range of 1.037 to 1.87. It is a mixture of aromatic polycyclic hydrocarbons, phenolic compounds, as well as other chemicals. While coal tar is the most common form, other types of creosote are also offered.
Diesel Exhaust
Diesel exhaust is a by-product of fuel combustion that is released into the air when you operate vehicles that have diesel engines. It can also be released from diesel locomotives, construction and farm equipment generators, ships, and other industrial equipment.
Workers who work near diesel exhaust may be at greater risk of developing cancer. This is because they are more susceptible to being exposed to radiation than workers 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 , which make them more prone to cancerous growth.
Studies of diesel exhaust in humans have also revealed that heavy exposure can cause various health issues, including respiratory disorders like chronic bronchitis and emphysema, as well as blood system disorders like bladder cancers and larynx (voice box), esophagus, stomach and the pancreas. Other studies have connected diesel exhaust to certain cancers of the breast and prostate.
Diesel exhaust is considered 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, such as truck drivers and operators of toll booths, may be at the highest risk of developing cancer because of diesel exhaust exposure. They can also be at risk when they spend a lot of time in areas where heavy diesel traffic happens, such as highways and cities.
In addition, employees of railroads who construct and maintain yards and tracks can be exposed to diesel fumes while they work near locomotives or other equipment that runs on diesel engines. These fumes can be hazardous if they get into the cabins of engines or other machinery.
A study of laboratory rats revealed that exposure to diesel exhaust can cause several lung tumors and the development of inflammatory changes. Certain of these tumors were similar to lung Adenocarcinoma. This is a form of cancer that develops when lungs' cells grow rapidly and become malignant.