Five Lessons You Can Learn From Railroad Settlement Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia

Railroad Settlements and Asbestos

In 1862, Congress passed the Pacific Railroad Act, which provided funding for two transcontinental railroad companies by the granting of large amounts of lands for rights-of-way. Railroad workers who contract cancer because of exposure to work-related hazards can sue their employers under the Federal Employers' Liability Act (FELA).

An Illinois jury has handed down an $7.5 million verdict to a former Union Pacific trackman dying from acute myeloid leukemia. He blamed his blood-cancer on exposure to creosote benzene and other chemicals used to protect wooden railroad ties.

Creosote

Coal tar creosote can be described as a wood preservative that is used to shield railroad ties from sun, cold, heat rain and snow. Workers are exposed to harmful chemicals and solvents, like benzene, during the application of coal creosote tar. rail settlement plan is a well-known carcinogen, can cause leukemia and non-Hodgkin lymphoma, as well as other serious effects like heartbeat fluctuations, convulsions, liver damage, anemia and cancers of the lungs and the body.

Our attorneys have successfully prosecuted numerous lawsuits against Union Pacific Railroad for exposure to coal-tar creosote. One of these cases culminated with a $7.500,000 verdict. The plaintiff, a track department worker who was diagnosed with acute myeloid tumors as a result exposure to toxic chemical compounds on working for over 31 years. The jury concluded that the railroad did not provide him with personal protective gear, and exposed him to a wide range of toxic chemicals that included coal-tar tar creosote and coal tar distillates.

Another claim was about the use of copper naphthenate an alternative to creosote derived from coal. Although copper naphthenate is less hazardous to the environment than creosote it can still be extremely harmful. Copper naphthenate can cause lung, skin and nerve damage. It also can contaminate soil and groundwater with benzene.

Benzene

A colorless liquid petroleum hydrocarbon benzene is used in production of resins, plastics nylon and synthetic fibers. It is also present in diesel fuel and exhaust. Diesel fumes are inhaled regularly by virtually all railroad workers. Benzene is a well-known carcinogen, has been linked with leukemia and myelodysplastic disorder (MDS).

There is no limit of exposure to benzene. It can be absorbed through the skin and inhaled. Long-term exposure could damage the blood and cause different health issues, such as menstrual cycle irregularities, anemia and fertility issues. It is also associated with certain types of cancers including lung and breast cancer.

Inhaling benzene can be the most hazardous. Inhaling benzene may cause headaches, dizziness or nosebleeds. Benzene can also interfere with the immune system, which could lead to infections.

Recent reports have revealed the high levels of benzene at two Chicago train station. Commuters railway workers, commuters and city residents were exposed to the high levels of pollution. Schools shut down classes and cities urged residents to take shelter. Railroad workers, including car department employees, locomotive machinists, pipefitters and electricians regularly use benzene-containing products such as Safety-Kleen parts washers and CRC Brakleen as well as thinners and paints. Benzene can also be found in printing solvents.

Asbestos

The use of asbestos in the railroad industry started in the middle of the century. Asbestos is comprised of six naturally occurring silicate minerals with a fibrous structure. They were previously used in construction because of their resistance to corrosion, fire-resisting and insulate properties. Inhaling these fibers can cause serious health issues like lung cancer, mesothelioma and asbestosis. These health conditions can take up to 30 years before symptoms begin to manifest.

The EPA has stopped the mining and process of asbestos in this country however, it is utilized in a variety of products. This includes various types of paper, flooring felt and fake fireplace embers. When these materials are exposed either to heat or water they could release asbestos fibers. They could also be released into air during demolition or home renovations.

A recent study found that even five years of exposure to benzene significantly increases a person's risk for developing acute myeloid leukemia (AML). If you're experiencing symptoms such as night sweats that are not explained, loss of weight and suppression or a lack of appetite, visit your doctor right away. They may perform a blood test to look for AML.

The EPA has settled a case against Genesee & Wyoming Railroad Services Inc. GWRSI operates locomotives which emit nitrogen oxides as well as fine particulates (PM2.5) when they operate on diesel fuel. This EPA settlement requires GWRSI to replace any of its current locomotives with new ones that meet EPA emission standards.

Diesel Exhaust

As long as diesel fuel continues to be used to power freight train, railroad workers are exposed exhaust. Diesel exhaust is a poisonous mixture of chemicals, which includes carcinogens such as benzene and carbon monoxide. It also contains particulate matter, polyaromatic hydrocarbons, and nitrogen oxides.

In fact, the International Agency for Research on Cancer classified diesel exhaust as a group 1 carcinogen. Diesel exhaust is also a cause of respiratory illnesses like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or bronchiectasis. A 2006 article published in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives linked railroad worker employment and COPD rates.

When locomotives and railcars are running and idling, they emit diesel exhaust. The machines and engines that are idle emit gases in addition diesel fumes, which include nitrogen oxides and sulfur dioxide.

Diesel exhaust fumes can be unnoticeable in locomotive cabins where conductors and engineers spend up to six hours per day. The equipment and engine emit more diesel exhaust fumes when workers enter or leave the cabins. This could cause lung and cancerous ailments.

Additionally railroad mechanics are exposed to diesel exhausts in poorly ventilated roundhouses and shops. They work in enclosed spaces with locomotives, track equipment and asbestos-insulated steam boilers.