5 People You Should Meet In The Cancer Lawsuits Industry
Railroad Cancer
Railroads use millions of gallons diesel fuel to transport freight trains over long distances. The highly toxic diesel exhaust contains carcinogens like arsenic, dioxin and benzene.
If you're a former or current railroad worker who was diagnosed with cancer, you could be entitled to compensation under the Federal Employers' Liability Act (FELA). Our Houston railroad cancer lawyers can assist you to receive fair financial compensation for your suffering.
Benzene
Benzene, an industrial solvent is found in the exhaust of diesel fuel. A lot of railroad workers, including machinists and engineers, conductors, electricians, work in areas that are exposed to diesel fumes.
Some people may develop cancer as a result of one exposure to benzene. Particularly, it is known to cause acute myeloid leukemia (AML). This cancer begins in the bone marrow, and spreads into the blood. It is more common among men than women and is deadly if left untreated.
The immune system is susceptible to damage from benzene. That's why it's a risk. This can cause a range of health problems including infections and a reduced capacity to fight off germs. Benzene can also weaken bones and increase the risk for arthritis.
Another serious issue associated with exposure to benzene is chronic leukemia (CML). The type of cancer develops in the bone marrow and then spreads to blood. It may also affect the spleen or other parts of your body.
A 2015 study found that even the smallest amount of benzene can raise the risk of developing leukemia by one-third. Researchers examined medical records of 25000 Norwegian oil rig workers who worked for more than 20 days.
Despite the danger of exposure to benzene is still used in many commercial and industrial processes. Fortunately, there are ways to limit exposure and prevent benzene poisoning.
One way is to wear proper clothing and protective eyewear. This will help prevent benzene out of the nose and eyes. You should also use an oxygen mask whenever you can.
If you suspect that you've been exposed to benzene, you must immediately call your doctor. This will allow you to determine any symptoms and reduce the risk of dying due to poisoning by benzene.
In addition to a variety of different kinds of cancer, benzene also has the ability to affect the brain. It can cause confusion and memory loss. If you suffer from this disorder it could cause an impairment in your quality of life and make it difficult to perform at home or at work.
Asbestos
Asbestos is a toxic mineral, has been shown to be a cause of lung cancer and mesothelioma. It is found in a variety of materials employed in construction, such as pipe insulation and floor tiles.
As the result asbestos exposure is among of the health hazards that pose the greatest risk to those who work in the railroad industry. Railroad workers can become exposed to the toxic substance through many different ways. Some of the most frequent are:
One exposure to asbestos can result in mesothelioma and other cancers that can be life-threatening. These cancers may develop in the lungs, the mesothelium (the membrane that surrounds the lungs) and the abdominal cavity.
The majority of people who are exposed to asbestos fibers don't be affected by any of the health issues that are associated with this chemical. Most fibers are released through coughing or in the form of mucus. This protects the lungs. However, there are a few kinds of asbestos fibers that will stick to your lungs and lodge in them for decades or years.
The effects of this condition differ from person to person but it can cause shortness of breath, chest pain, trouble breathing, or a tight feeling in the chest. Symptoms may also include trouble swallowing or 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 breathe asbestos-related fibers through their mouths and noses. The reason for this is because their lung tissue is still developing.
They breathe in more asbestos fibers due to the fact that they breathe at a higher speed and have a larger 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 have been near railroad cars. If they have a relative who is suffering from mesothelioma are at a greater risk of developing the disease.
Creosote
In the 19th century Creosote was invented to protect wood from rot and insect damage. It also saved railroad companies money by cutting down on the cost of replacing wood. Creosote can still be used to treat wood products. It can also be used for protection of log homes and marine pilings.
It is a poisonous substance and has been linked to various cancers. This includes esophageal, lung and larynx cancers.
People who work in the wood preservation, asphalt and coke-production sectors are particularly vulnerable. Chimney sweeps, as well as those who do physical work, such as rail track maintenance and construction, are also susceptible to creosote.
Creosote exposure can cause eyelid irritation, skin convulsions and spasms, as also chemical burns, convulsions, chemical burns and unconsciousness. It can also cause respiratory problems and lung problems, much like smoking cigarettes.
Creosote, a chemical made from coal tar, can be absorbed through the skin. It also can enter the body through food and water.
Railroad workers are exposed to creosote whenever they work near hazardous waste sites. These sites usually contain huge amounts of creosote that can be harmful to water, soil and air.
Another reason for exposure to creosote for rail employees is when they work in the wood treatment industry. Many wood products such as fences and timber, are treated with creosote.
The people who work in these industries are often not equipped with safety equipment, which could expose them to creosote , as well as other contaminants. This can cause serious health conditions like cancer and chronic fatigue syndrome.
Creosote is an oily liquid that ranges from amber to black in color and possesses an acidic, burning taste. It is non-buoyant in liquids and has a specific gravity range of 1.037 to 1.87. It is a mixture of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, phenolic compounds, and various other chemicals. The most well-known form of creosote used is coal tar, however other forms are also used.
Diesel Exhaust
Diesel exhaust is a byproduct from fuel combustion and is released into the atmosphere when diesel engines are being used. Diesel exhaust can also be released by diesel locomotives as well as farm equipment, construction equipment generators, as well as other industrial equipment.
People who work with diesel exhaust are at a higher risk of developing cancer. This is because they are more likely to be exposed to radiation than those who work in other sectors.
Railroad Workers to diesel exhaust for a long time can cause lung carcinoma in laboratory animals such as rats. Diesel exhaust can trigger DNA modifications in cells, making them more prone to cancerous growth.
Studies of diesel exhaust in humans have also revealed that prolonged exposure to diesel exhaust can cause many health problems that include respiratory disorders such as emphysema and chronic bronchitis and blood system diseases , such as bladder cancer, larynx (voice box) and stomach, esophagus and pancreas. Other studies have identified diesel exhaust as a cause of cancers of the prostate and breast.
Diesel exhaust is classified as carcinogens according to 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 pose a serious threat to those who work with large engines and machines, including truck drivers or toll booth operators. They could be at risk too for cancer if they spend a significant amount of time in areas that see a lot of diesel traffic (e.g. highways or cities).
Railroad workers who maintain and build tracks and yards can also be exposed to diesel fumes when they work near diesel engines or other machinery. The fumes could be harmful when they enter the cabins of locomotives or other machinery.
Long-term exposure to diesel exhaust has led to lung inflammation and cancer in laboratory rats. Some of these tumors looked like a particular type of cancer known as lung adenocarcinoma. This happens when the cells within the lungs develop malignancy and begin to multiply and grow rapidly.