Be On The Lookout For: How Cancer Lawsuits Is Gaining Ground, And What You Can Do About It
Railroad Cancer
Railroads make use of millions of gallons of diesel fuel to transport freight trains across long distances. This highly toxic diesel exhaust contains carcinogens such arsenic dioxin and benzene.
If you're an ex- or current railroad worker who was diagnosed with cancer, you could be eligible for 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, a solvent for industrial use is found in the exhaust of diesel engines. Many railroad workers, such as conductors, engineers, machinists and electricians work in areas in which they come in contact with diesel fumes.
One exposure to benzene could lead to cancer in some people. Particularly, it is thought to cause acute myeloid leukemia (AML). This cancer starts in the bone marrow and then it spreads to blood. It is more prevalent in males than females and is deadly if left untreated.
The danger of benzene comes from the fact that it could affect the immune system. This could lead to infections and a decreased ability to fight germs. Benzene may also weaken bones and increase the risk of arthritis.
Another serious problem from exposure to benzene is chronic leukemia (CML). This type of cancer starts in the bone marrow and expands into the blood. It can affect the spleen and other body parts.
A study conducted in 2015 revealed that even the smallest amount of benzene can raise the risk of developing leukemia by a third. Researchers examined the medical documents of more than 25,000 Norwegian oil-rig workers who had been working for more than 20 days.
Despite the risk of being exposed to benzene in the workplace, it is still used in many commercial and industrial operations. There are ways to lessen exposure and avoid poisoning from benzene.
One way is to wear the right clothes and eyewear that is protected. This will help prevent benzene out of the nose and eyes. A respirator should be used as often as feasible.
If you suspect you have been exposed, you should immediately notify your doctor. This will allow you to determine any symptoms and reduce the chance of dying due to poisoning by benzene.
Alongside a myriad of cancer types, benzene can also affect the brain. It can cause confusion and memory loss. If you are suffering from this condition it could cause a decrease in your quality of life and make it difficult for you to perform at home or in the workplace.
Asbestos
Asbestos, a poisonous mineral, has been proved to cause lung cancer and mesothelioma. It is found in a variety materials that are used in construction, including pipe insulation, floor tiles.
As as a result asbestos exposure is considered to be one of the most serious health risks for those working in the railway industry. Railroad workers can be exposed to asbestos in a variety of ways. Here are some of the most commonly used:
One exposure to asbestos may lead to mesothelioma or any other cancers that could be life-threatening. These cancers can manifest in the lungs, the mesothelium (the membrane that surrounds the lung) as well as the abdominal cavity.
The majority of people who have been exposed to asbestos fibers aren't likely to suffer from any of the health issues caused by this substance. The majority of the fibers will be removed from the body, or be removed in a layer of mucus which protects the lungs. There are some asbestos fibers which can stick to your lungs for a long time, even for decades.
The health effects of this condition vary from person to person, but it can cause shortness in breath or chest pain, difficulty breathing, or a tight feeling in the chest. Other symptoms include difficulty swallowing and weight loss.
Children who have been exposed to asbestos are at a higher chance of developing mesothelioma or other forms of cancer. They are more likely to inhale dangerous fibers through the nose and mouth. The reason for this is that their lung tissues are still developing.
They breathe at a greater rate, and as their lungs have a larger surface area to volume ratio than adults', they can inhale more asbestos fibers.
Young children are more likely to breathe in the harmful fibers than adults, and are at a higher risk if they have been in close proximity to railroad cars. They also are at a higher risk of getting this disease in the event of relatives with mesothelioma.
Creosote
In the 19th century Creosote was invented to keep wood from rot and insect damage. It also saved railroad companies money by reducing 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 poisonous chemical that has been linked to a number of cancers. Some of these include esophageal, lung and larynx cancers.
Workers in the wood preservation, asphalt and coke-production sectors are particularly at risk. Chimney sweeps, as well as those who do physical work, such as rail track maintenance and construction, are also susceptible to creosote.
Creosote's exposure can cause irritation of the skin and eyes chemical burns, eyelid spasms convulsions, mental agitation, unconsciousness, kidney problems and even death. It can also trigger lung problems and respiratory problems, much like smoking cigarettes.
Creosote chemical is made from coal tar . It can be inhaled through the skin. It can also be consumed through food that is contaminated or water.
One of the primary sources of exposure to the toxic substance creosote to railroad employees is when they work around the hazardous waste sites. These sites usually contain huge quantities of creosote, which can cause contamination of water, soil and air.
Rail workers may also be exposed to creosote , if they work in the wood treatment sector. Many wood products, such as fences and lumber are treated with creosote.
Workers in these industries are usually not equipped with safety equipment, which can expose them to creosote and toxic substances. This could lead to serious health conditions, like chronic fatigue syndrome and cancer.
Creosote is an oily liquid that ranges from amber to black in color. It also has the taste of burning and caustic. It is not a buoyant liquid and has a specific gravity of 1.037 to 1.87. It is a mixture of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and phenolic compounds as well other chemicals. While railroad workers cancer is the most commonly used form, different forms of creosote also exist.
Diesel Exhaust
Diesel exhaust is a byproduct of combustion of fuel and is released into the atmosphere when diesel engines are utilized. It is also released from diesel locomotives, construction and farm equipment, generators, ships and other industrial equipment.
Diesel exhaust workers could be at greater risk of developing cancer. This is because they are often exposed to more of this substance than people who work in other sectors.
Exposure to diesel exhaust for a long time can cause lung cancer in laboratory animals, such as rats. In some cases, the diesel exhaust could alter the DNA of cells, making them more likely to grow and become cancerous.
Studies on the effects of diesel exhaust in humans have revealed a wide range of health problems including respiratory disorders like emphysema, chronic bronchitis and blood system diseases such as bladder cancer and the voice box, stomach, pancreas, stomach, and. Some cancers of the prostate, breast, and stomach have been caused by diesel exhaust.
Diesel exhaust is regarded as a carcinogen 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.
The exposure to diesel exhaust can cause serious health risks to those who work with large engines and machines, including truck drivers or toll booth operators. They can also be at risk when they spend a lot of time in areas where heavy diesel traffic occurs in such places as highways or cities.
Railroad workers who manage and construct yards and tracks can be exposed to diesel fumes if they work near diesel engines or other machinery. These fumes can be particularly hazardous when they are in the cabins of locomotives or other machinery.
A study conducted on laboratory animals revealed that exposure to diesel exhaust can cause various lung tumors and inflammation. Some of these tumors were similar to lung adenocarcinoma. This is a form of cancer that occurs when cells in the lungs develop rapidly and turn malignant.