17 Reasons Not To Be Ignoring Cancer Lawsuits
Railroad Cancer
Railroads burn millions of gallons of diesel fuel in order to operate freight trains across long distances. This extremely toxic diesel exhaust is high in carcinogens such as arsenic and benzene.
If you are a former or current railroad worker who has been diagnosed with cancer, you could be eligible for compensation under the Federal Employers' Liability Act (FELA). Our knowledgeable Houston railroad lawyers can help you get an equitable financial settlement to help you bear the burden.
Benzene
Benzene, a solvent used in industrial processes, can be found in diesel fuel exhaust. Many railroad workers, like conductors, engineers, machinists and electricians are employed in places that come into contact with diesel fumes.
A single exposure to benzene may cause cancer in a few people. Particularly, it is thought to cause acute myeloid leukemia (AML). This cancer starts in the bone marrow, and then spreads to blood. It is more common in men than in women and can be fatal if it is not treated.
The dangers of benzene arise due to the fact that it can cause harm to the immune system. This can cause infections and a decrease in the capability to fight off germs. Benzene may also cause bone weakness and increase the risk for arthritis.
Another serious issue that can be attributed to exposure to benzene can be chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). This type of cancer begins in the bone marrow and expands into blood. It can also affect the spleen or other organs in your body.
A study in 2015 found that even low levels of benzene can increase the risk of developing leukemia by three-quarters. Researchers examined the medical records of more than 25,000 Norwegian oil-rig workers who had worked for more that 20 days.
Benzene is still utilized in many industrial and commercial operations despite the dangers of being exposed to it. Fortunately, there are ways to reduce exposure to benzene and prevent poisoning.
Wearing protective eyewear and proper clothes is one way to safeguard your eyes. This will help to keep benzene out of the eyes and nose. You should also wear a respirator whenever possible.
If you suspect you have been exposed to benzene in any way, you should call your doctor immediately. This will help identify any symptoms that you may be suffering from and help lower the risk of dying from benzene poisoning.
Alongside a myriad of different types of cancer, benzene can also affect the brain. It can cause confusion and loss of memory. If you are suffering from this condition it can result in an impairment in your quality of life and make it difficult to function at home and at work.
Asbestos
Asbestos is a toxic mineral, has been shown to cause lung cancer as well as mesothelioma. It is found in a variety of materials used in construction, such as pipe insulation or floor tiles.
As consequently, asbestos exposure is one of the most serious health risks to people who work in the industry of railroads. Railroad workers are exposed to asbestos-containing substances in many different ways. Some of the most common are:
One exposure to asbestos can trigger mesothelioma, among other cancers that can be life-threatening. The cancers, which grow in the lungs or within the membrane that covers the lungs and abdominal cavity (the mesothelium) are usually fatal.
Fortunately, the majority of people who are exposed to asbestos fibers don't develop any of the dangerous health issues that are linked to this substance. Most fibers will be expelled through coughing or in the form of mucus. This helps protect the lungs. There are some asbestos fibers that can stick to your lungs for a long time, even for decades.
The consequences of this condition vary from person to person but it may cause shortness of breath or chest pain, difficulty breathing, or a tight feeling in the chest. Other symptoms include difficulty swallowing and weight loss.
Children exposed to asbestos are more at chance of developing mesothelioma and other types of cancer. They are more likely to inhale harmful fibers through the mouth and nose. The reason for this is because their lung tissues are still developing.
They breathe in more asbestos fibers as they breathe at a faster pace and have a greater volume to surface ratio than adults.
Since they are more prone to inhaling dangerous fibers, young children are at a high risk of developing mesothelioma, particularly if they have been in close proximity to railroad cars. If they have a family member with mesothelioma, they are at a greater risk of developing the disease.
Creosote
Creosote was initially developed in the 19th century to guard wood from damage caused by insects and rot. Railroad companies were able to save money by reducing the expense 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 substance and has been linked with a variety of cancers. Some of them 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, might also be exposed.
Creosote exposure can cause eyelid irritation, skin spasms and convulsions as also chemical burns, convulsions, chemical burns, and unconsciousness. It can also affect the lungs and cause respiratory problems over time, similar to smoking.
Creosote chemical, which is made from coal tar can be absorbed through the skin. It can also be absorbed through contaminated food or water.
Railroad workers are exposed to the toxins of creosote when they work near hazardous waste sites. railway cancer patient concession form contain large quantities of creosote, which can be harmful to water, soil, and even air.
Another source of creosote exposure for rail employees is working in the wood treatment industry. A variety of wood products, such as fences and lumber are treated with creosote.
These workers are typically not provided with protective gear and are therefore exposed to toxic substances. This could lead to serious health conditions like cancer and chronic fatigue syndrome.
Creosote, a liquid that is oily that has a bitter, burning taste, is amber-black in color. It is not a buoyant liquid and has a specific gravity range of 1.037 to 1.87. It is a mixture polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and phenolic compounds as well as other chemicals. While coal tar is the most common form, other forms of creosote are also available.
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. Diesel exhaust can also be released by diesel locomotives and farm equipment, construction equipment, generators and other industrial equipment.
Diesel exhaust workers could be more at risk of developing cancer. This is because they are more susceptible to exposure to radiation than those who work in other sectors.
Certain studies have shown that exposure to diesel exhaust can cause lung cancer in lab animals, such as rats. Diesel exhaust can trigger DNA modifications in cells, making them more susceptible to cancerous growth.
Studies on diesel exhaust in humans have also revealed a variety of health issues, including respiratory disorders such as emphysema and chronic bronchitis and blood system diseases like bladder cancers and voice box, stomach, pancreas, and stomach. Some cancers of prostate, breast and stomach have been connected to diesel exhaust.
Diesel exhaust is regarded as carcinogens by the American Cancer Society. It is classified as carcinogenic by the International Agency for Research on Cancer which is part of the World Health Organization.
Excessive exposure to diesel exhaust could 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 a lot of time in areas where heavy diesel traffic happens like highways and cities.
Railroad workers who construct and maintain yards and tracks can be exposed to diesel fumes if they work near diesel engines or other machinery. The fumes could be harmful when they enter the cabins of engines or other machinery.
A study of laboratory rats found that exposure for a long time to diesel exhaust resulted in various lung tumors and inflammatory changes. Some of these tumors were like a kind of cancer known as a lung adenocarcinoma. This happens when the cells of the lungs become malignant and grow and divide rapidly.