Railroad Cancer

Railroads use millions of gallons diesel fuel to transport freight trains across long distances. This extremely toxic diesel exhaust is a source of carcinogens such as arsenic, benzene and dioxin.

You could be qualified for compensation under the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA) if you are a railroad worker who has been diagnosed as having cancer. Our Houston railroad cancer lawyers can assist you to get fair financial compensation to your suffering.

Benzene

Benzene, a solvent for industrial use is present in diesel fuel exhaust. Many railroad workers, like machinists, engineers, conductors and electricians are employed in areas in which they come in contact with diesel fumes.

A single exposure to benzene may cause cancer in certain people. Particularly, it is known to cause acute myeloid leukemia (AML). This cancer begins in the bone marrow, and then it spreads to blood. It is more common for men than women, and it can be fatal if it is not treated.

The immune system can be damaged by benzene, and that's why it is a threat. This can lead to illnesses and a diminished capability to fight off germs. Benzene may also cause bone weakness and increase the risk of arthritis.

Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is another serious adverse effect of benzene. This type of cancer begins in the bone marrow, and expands into the blood. It can affect the spleen and other body parts.

A study from 2015 found that even low levels of benzene may increase the risk of developing leukemia by one-third. Researchers looked into medical records of 25000 Norwegian oil rig workers who worked for 20 days or more.

Benzene is still used in many commercial and industrial operations despite the dangers of exposure to it. There are ways to limit exposure to and avoid poisoning from benzene.

One way is to wear proper clothing and protective eyewear. This will stop benzene from entering the nose and eyes. Also, you should wear a respirator whenever you can.

If you suspect you have been exposed to benzene you should contact your physician immediately. This will help you identify any symptoms you might have and lower the risk of dying from benzene poisoning.

Benzene can also cause brain damage, in addition to many other types of cancer. It can cause loss of memory and confusion. If you are affected by this condition it can cause a decline in your 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 present in many building materials, including floor tiles and pipe insulation.

As a result asbestos exposure is one of the greatest health risks to those who work in the railway industry. Railroad workers can be exposed to asbestos in a variety of ways. Here are a few of the most prevalent:

One exposure to asbestos can lead to mesothelioma, among other cancers that can be life-threatening. The cancers, which grow in the lungs or the membrane which covers the lungs, and abdominal cavity (the mesothelium) can be fatal.

Most people who have been exposed to asbestos fibers won't develop any health issues related to this substance. The majority of the fibers are expelled, or be released into a layer of mucus which protects the lungs. There are some asbestos fibers that could be stuck to your lungs for years , or even decades.

Although the health effects of this condition can vary between individuals, they can cause chest pain, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing tightness in the chest and chest pain. The symptoms could also include difficulty swallowing or weight loss.

Asbestos-exposed children are at greater chance of developing mesothelioma and other forms of cancer. They are more likely to breathe harmful fibers via the mouth and nose. Their lung's are still developing.

They breathe at a higher rate, and as their lungs have a greater surface area to volume ratio than adults', they can inhale more asbestos fibers.

Young children are more likely to inhale the harmful fibers than adults, and railroad Cancer are especially at risk if in close proximity to railway cars. If they have a parent with mesothelioma, they are at a greater risk of developing the disease.

Creosote

During the 19th Century Creosote was invented to keep wood from rot and insects, thus saving Railroad Workers Cancer Lawsuit companies money by cutting down on the cost of replacing wood. Creosote is currently used to treat wood products. It can also be used to protect log homes and marine pilings.

It is a toxic chemical and has been linked to a range of cancers. Some of these include esophageal and lung cancers, and larynx cancers.

People who work in the asphalt, wood preservation, and coke-production industries are at particular risk. People who work in physical labor like maintenance of rail tracks or construction work, such as chimney sweeps, could also be exposed.

Creosote exposure can cause irritation to the skin, eyelid spasms and convulsions as also chemical burns, chemical burns, convulsions and unconsciousness. It can also trigger lung problems and respiratory problems, similar to smoking cigarettes.

Creosote chemical is made from coal tar . It is able to be absorbed through the skin. It also can enter the body through food items that are contaminated and water.

One of the major sources of exposure to the toxic substance creosote to railroad employees is working near an area of hazardous waste. These sites usually contain huge quantities of creosote, which could contaminate water, soil and air.

Rail workers might also be exposed to creosote , if they work in the wood-treatment industry. Many wood products, including fences and timber, are treated with creosote.

Those who work in these industries are usually not protected with the proper equipment, which can expose them to creosote and other contaminants. This can lead to serious health problems like cancer and chronic fatigue syndrome.

Creosote, an oily fluid that has a bitter, burning taste, is an amber-black color. It is not buoyant in liquids and has specific gravity of 1.037 to 1.87. It is a mixture of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, phenolic compounds, as well as other chemicals. While coal is the most well-known form, other types of creosote can also be found.

Diesel Exhaust

Diesel exhaust is a byproduct from the combustion of fuel. It is released into the air when you operate vehicles with diesel engines. It is also released from diesel locomotives, farm and construction equipment generators, ships and other industrial equipment.

People who work with diesel exhaust are at greater chance of developing cancer. This is because they are more likely to be exposed to the same chemicals as those working in other industries.

A few studies suggest that exposure to diesel exhaust could cause lung cancer in lab animals like rats. In certain instances, diesel exhaust may alter the DNA in cells and increase their chances to grow and develop cancer.

Studies of diesel exhaust in humans have also demonstrated that exposure to diesel exhaust can trigger numerous health issues, including respiratory disorders like emphysema and chronic bronchitis and blood system diseases like cancers of the bladder and larynx (voice box), esophagus, stomach and the pancreas. Some cancers of the breast, prostate and stomach have been associated with diesel exhaust.

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).

Workers who are exposed to large machines and engines, such as truck drivers and toll booth operators, are at a higher chance of developing cancer due to exposure to exhaust fumes from diesel. They can also be at high risk for railroad cancer cancer if they spend a large amount of time in locations where heavy diesel traffic happens, such as highways and cities.

Railroad workers who build and maintain yards and tracks may be exposed to diesel fumes when they work near diesel engines or other machines. These fumes can be hazardous if they get into the cabins of locomotives or other machinery.

Long-term exposure to diesel exhaust has led to lung cancers and inflammation in laboratory rats. Some of these tumors were similar to a type of cancer called a lung adenocarcinoma. It occurs when the cells in the lungs become malignant and multiply rapidly.