5 Cancer Lawsuits Myths You Should Avoid
Railroad Cancer
Railroads burn millions of gallons diesel fuel to operate freight trains over long distances. The extremely harmful diesel exhaust is high in carcinogens, including arsenic as well as benzene.
If you are a former or current railroad worker who has been diagnosed with cancer, you may be entitled to compensation under the Federal Employers' Liability Act (FELA). Our knowledgeable Houston railroad cancer lawyers can help you seek fair financial compensation to help you bear the burden.
Benzene
The industrial solvent Benzene can be found and is found in the exhaust from diesel engines. Many railroad workers, such as conductors, engineers, machinists and electricians, work in areas where they are in contact with diesel fumes.
One exposure to benzene could cause cancer in a few people. Particularly, it is thought to cause acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The cancer starts in the bone marrow and expands into blood. It is more common in males than females and is fatal if not treated.
The dangers of benzene arise due to the fact that it could harm the immune system. This can lead to infections and a decrease in the capacity to fight 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 cancer forms start in the bone marrow, and expands into the blood. It can affect the spleen , as well as other organs.
A 2015 study showed that even low levels benzene can increase the risk of developing leukemia by three-quarters. Researchers examined the medical documents of more than 25,000 Norwegian oil-rig workers who had worked for more than 20 days.
Benzene is still utilized in a wide variety of industrial and commercial operations despite the dangers of being exposed to it. There are ways to reduce exposure and avoid poisoning from benzene.
One way to do this is to wear appropriate clothes and eyewear that is protected. This will help prevent benzene from getting into the eyes and nose. A respirator is recommended whenever possible.
If colon cancer caused by railroad how to get a settlement suspect that have been exposed to benzene, you should call your doctor immediately. This will help you identify any symptoms and reduce the risk of dying due to poisoning with benzene.
Benzene is also known to cause brain damage, along with various other forms of cancer. It can cause confusion and memory loss. This can cause a decline in quality of life and make it difficult to perform at work or at home.
Asbestos
Asbestos, a noxious mineral, has been proved to cause lung cancer as well as mesothelioma. It is present in many building materials, including pipes and floor tiles.
As the result asbestos exposure is one of the most serious health risks to those who work in the industry of railroads. Railroad workers may be exposed to asbestos in a number of ways. Some of the most common include:
One exposure to asbestos can cause mesothelioma and various other life-threatening cancers. The cancers, which grow in the lungs or within the membrane that surrounds the lungs and abdominal cavity (the mesothelium) are usually fatal.
The majority of people who are exposed to asbestos fibers aren't likely to develop any of the health problems that are caused by this substance. Most fibers are released through coughing or in the form of mucus. This protects the lung. There are a few asbestos fibers that can be stuck to your lungs for years or even for decades.
Although the effects on health of this condition are different from person to person, they can result in chest pain, breath shortness trouble breathing tightness in the chest, and chest pain. Symptoms may also include trouble swallowing or weight loss.
Children exposed to asbestos are at higher chance of developing mesothelioma or other forms of cancer. They are more likely to inhale harmful fibers through the nose and mouth. Their lung's development is still in its early stages.
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, children are at a particularly high risk of developing mesothelioma especially when they have been in close contact with railroad cars. If they have a family member who is suffering from mesothelioma are at a higher risk of developing the disease.
Creosote
Creosote was developed in the 19th century to guard wood from damage caused by insects and rot. Railroad companies were in a position to save money by reducing the cost of replacing wood. Creosote can still be used to treat wood products today. It is also used to protect log homes as well as marine pilings.
It is a toxic chemical and has been linked with many types of cancer. These include esophageal and lung cancers, and larynx cancers.
The health risks of creosote exposure are especially present in those who work in the wood preservation, coke production, and asphalt industries. Chimney sweeps as well as workers who are physically laborers like rail track maintenance and construction, could also be exposed creosote.
Creosote exposure can cause irritation of the skin and eyes, chemical burns, eyelid spasms, convulsions and mental confusion, unconsciousness, kidney problems and even death. It can also trigger respiratory problems and lung problems, much like smoking.
Creosote is a chemical that is made from coal tar . It is able to be taken in through the skin. It also can enter the body through food and water.
One of the major sources of exposure to the toxic substance creosote to railroad workers is working near a hazardous waste site. These sites usually contain huge amounts of creosote and could contaminate water, soil and air.
Rail workers might also be exposed to creosote when they work in the wood-treatment industry. A lot of wood products, such as lumber and fences are treated with creosote.
They are usually not provided with protective gear that could expose them to toxic creosote and other substances. This can cause serious health conditions like chronic fatigue syndrome and cancer.
Creosote, an oily liquid that ranges from black to amber in color. It has the taste of burning and caustic. It is not a buoyant substance in water and has a specific gravity of 1.037 to 1.087. It is a mixture of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and phenolic compounds in addition to other chemicals. The most common form of creosote is coal tar, however other forms are also used.
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. It is also released from diesel locomotives, construction and farm equipment generators, ships and other industrial equipment.
Diesel exhaust workers are at greater risk of developing cancer. This is due to the fact that they are more susceptible to exposure to radiation than those who work in other industries.
Exposure to diesel exhaust for a long time can cause lung carcinoma in laboratory animals, such as rats. In some instances, the diesel exhaust could alter the DNA in cells which makes them more likely to develop cancerous cells and grow.
Studies on the effects of diesel exhaust on humans have also proven that heavy exposure can cause a variety of health problems that include respiratory disorders such as chronic bronchitis and emphysema, as well as blood system diseases such as bladder cancers and larynx (voice box) as well as stomach, esophagus and pancreas. Some cancers of the breast, prostate and stomach have been connected to diesel exhaust.
Diesel exhaust is considered carcinogens by the American Cancer Society. It is classified as such by the International Agency for Research on Cancer that is part of the World Health Organization.
Diesel exhaust exposure may be a serious risk for employees who work with big engines and machines, such as truck drivers or operators of toll booths. They can also be at risk if they spend a lot of time in locations that see a lot of diesel traffic in such places as highways or cities.
In addition, railroad employees who maintain and build tracks and yards may be exposed to diesel fumes when they work near engines or other equipment that utilizes diesel engines. The fumes can be extremely dangerous when they are in the cabins of locomotives or other machinery.
A study on laboratory rats showed that long-term exposure to diesel exhaust resulted in a variety of lung tumors and inflammation. Certain of these tumors were similar to lung Adenocarcinoma. This is a kind of cancer that occurs when the lung's cells develop rapidly and turn malignant.