Don't Buy Into These "Trends" Concerning Cancer Lawsuits
Railroad Cancer
Railroads use millions of gallons diesel fuel to transport freight trains over long distances. This highly toxic diesel exhaust contains carcinogens such as arsenic, dioxin and benzene.
If you're 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 Houston railroad cancer lawyers can help you get fair financial compensation to your suffering.
Benzene
Benzene, a solvent used in industrial processes is found in the exhaust of diesel engines. Many railroad workers, including machinists, engineers, conductors and electricians, work in areas in which they come in contact with diesel fumes.
One exposure to benzene could cause cancer in a few people. It is known to cause acute meeloid leukemia (AML). The cancer begins in the bone marrow, and then spreads to blood. It is more prevalent in males than females and is fatal if not treated.
The immune system can be damaged by benzene, and that's why it's a risk. This can result in infections and a decreased capacity to fight germs. Benzene may also weaken bones and increase the risk of arthritis.
Another serious issue that can be attributed to exposure to benzene can be chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). This type of cancer starts in the bone marrow, and then it spreads to blood. It can affect the spleen as well as other body parts.
A study conducted in 2015 revealed that even the smallest amount of benzene may increase the risk of leukemia by one-third. Researchers examined the medical documents of more than 25,000 Norwegian oil-rig workers who worked for more that 20 days.
Despite the risk of exposure to benzene, it's still being used in a variety of commercial and industrial operations. There are ways to limit exposure and avoid poisoning from benzene.
Wearing protective eyewear and proper clothing is one of the ways to protect your eyes. This will stop benzene from getting into the eyes and nose. You should also use a respirator whenever you can.
If you suspect that you've been exposed, you should immediately consult your physician. This will help to identify any symptoms you might have and reduce the chance of death from benzene poisoning.
Benzene is also known to cause brain damage, in addition to various other forms of cancer. It can lead to a loss of memory and confusion. If you are suffering from this condition it can cause a decline in your quality of life and make it difficult for you to perform your duties at home or at work.
Asbestos
Asbestos, a noxious mineral, has been proved to be a cause of lung cancer and mesothelioma. It can be found in many building materials, such as flooring tiles and pipe insulation.
As as a result asbestos exposure is one of the greatest health risks to people who work in the industry of railroads. Railroad workers can be exposed to the toxic substance through many different ways, and some of the most common are:
One exposure to asbestos may cause mesothelioma and other life-threatening cancers. These cancers can develop in the lungs, mesothelium (the membrane that covers the lungs) and the abdominal cavity.
Fortunately, most people who are exposed to asbestos fibers don't develop any of the negative health problems that are associated with asbestos. Most fibers will be expelled through coughing or in the form of mucus. This helps protect the lung. However there are a few kinds of asbestos fibers which can stick to your lungs and remain there for years or decades.
The health consequences of this condition vary from person to person but can cause shortness of breath or chest pain, difficulty breathing, or a tightness in the chest. 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 through their nose and mouth. Their lungs are still developing.
They breathe at a greater rate, and since their lungs have a higher volume to surface ratio than adults', they will inhale more asbestos fibers.
Young children are more likely to inhale the harmful fibers than adults, and are particularly at risk if they have been near railway cars. If they have a parent who is suffering from mesothelioma are at a greater risk of developing the disease.
Creosote
In the 19th century the development of creosote helped help protect wood from rot as well as insect damage, saving railroad companies money by reducing the cost of replacing wood. Creosote is still used to treat wood products today. It is also used for protection of log homes and marine pilings.
It is a toxic chemical and has been linked to a range of cancers. Some of these include esophageal, lung and larynx cancers.
People who work in the wood preservation, asphalt, and coke-production industries are at particular risk. Chimney sweeps, and workers who perform physical labor like rail track maintenance and construction, could also be exposed to creosote.
Creosote exposure can cause irritation of the eyes and skin chemical burns, eyelid spasms, convulsions, mental agitation, unconsciousness, kidney problems, and even death. It can also affect the lung and cause respiratory problems over time, similar to smoking.
Creosote chemical is made from coal tar . It is able to be taken up through the skin. It is also absorption through food or water.
One of the primary sources of exposure to creosote among railroad employees is when they work near a hazardous waste site. These sites often contain large quantities of creosote, which can cause contamination of water, soil and air.
Another reason for exposure to creosote for employees of rail companies is working in the wood treatment industry. A lot of wood products, like lumber and fences, are treated with creosote.
Workers in these fields are typically not protected with the proper equipment, which can expose them to creosote and toxic substances. This could lead to serious health conditions, like cancer and chronic fatigue syndrome.
Creosote is a liquid that is oily that is amber to black in color. It has the taste of burning and caustic. It is non-buoyant in water and has an SG of 1.037 to 1.087. It is a mixture of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and phenolic compounds as well as other chemicals. The most popular form of creosote used is coal tar, but other forms are also available.
Diesel Exhaust
Diesel exhaust is a byproduct of combustion of fuel and is released into the atmosphere when diesel engines are being used. Diesel exhaust is also released by diesel locomotives as well as construction equipment, farm equipment generators, and other industrial equipment.
Diesel exhaust workers may be more at risk of developing cancer. This is because they are typically exposed to more of this substance than people who work in other sectors.
Long-term exposure to diesel exhaust can cause lung cancer in laboratory animals like rats. In some cases, the diesel exhaust can alter the DNA in cells which makes them more likely to develop cancerous cells and grow.
blood cancer caused by railroad how to get a settlement on the effects of diesel exhaust on humans have also revealed that exposure to diesel exhaust can trigger a variety of health problems, including respiratory disorders like chronic bronchitis and emphysema, as well as blood system disorders like bladder cancers and larynx (voice box) as well as stomach, esophagus and the pancreas. Other studies have linked diesel exhaust to some cancers of the breast and prostate.
The American Cancer Society considers diesel exhaust to be a carcinogen. It is classified as such by the International Agency for Research on Cancer and is part of the World Health Organization.
Workers who are exposed to large machines and engines, such as truck drivers and toll booth operators, may be at the highest risk of developing cancer because of diesel exhaust exposure. They can also be at risk for cancer if they spend a large amount of time in areas that see a lot of diesel traffic in such places as highways or cities.
In addition, employees of railroads who manage and construct tracks and yards may be exposed to diesel fumes if they work near engines or other equipment that runs on diesel engines. These fumes can be hazardous when they enter the cabins of locomotives or other machinery.
Long-term diesel exhaust exposure caused lung inflammation and cancer in laboratory rats. Some of these tumors appeared like a form of cancer known as lung adenocarcinoma. It occurs when the cells within the lungs turn malignant and multiply rapidly.
