Here's An Interesting Fact Regarding Railroad Settlement Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia

Here's An Interesting Fact Regarding Railroad Settlement Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia


Railroad Settlements and Asbestos

In 1862, Congress passed the Pacific Railroad Act, which financed two transcontinental railroads by providing large grants of lands for rights-of-way. Railroad workers who develop cancers due to exposure in the workplace may bring lawsuits against their employers under the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA).

A jury in Illinois awarded $7.5 million to an ex- Union Pacific Trackman who died of acute myeloid lymphoma. He blamed the cause of his blood cancer to massive exposure to creosote in the workplace and benzene, both of which were used to protect and waterproof wooden railroad ties.

Creosote

Coal tar creosote is a wood preservative that is used to protect railroad ties from the sun, cold, heat and snow. Workers are exposed to harmful chemicals and solvents, including benzene, in the process of applying of coal creosote that is tar. Benzene, a known carcinogen can cause leukemia as well as non-Hodgkin lymphoma, as well as other serious effects like convulsions, heartbeat changes, liver damage, anemia and cancers of the lung and body.

Our attorneys have successfully prosecuted various lawsuits against Union Pacific Railroad involving coal-tar creosote exposure. One of these cases ended in an $7.500,000 verdict. The plaintiff was a track department worker who contracted acute myeloidleukemia as a result of exposure to the toxic chemical compound in his work over 31 years. The jury found that railroad did not provide him with personal protective gear, and exposed him of toxic chemicals including coal-tar-tar creosote and coal distillates.

Another claim was the use of copper naphthalenate a replacement for creosote from coal tar. Although it is less harmful to the environment than creosote, is extremely hazardous. Copper naphthenate can cause cancer and can cause skin, nerve and lung damage. It is also a source of contamination for the soil and groundwater with benzene.

Benzene

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

There is no limit to the amount of exposure to benzene. It can be absorbed through the skin and inhaled. Long-term exposure to it can damage the blood and cause health problems, including anemia, irregular menstrual cycles and fertility problems. Benzene is also associated with certain types of cancers including lung and breast cancer.

The benzene compound can be inhaled orally however it is most hazardous when inhaled. Inhaling benzene can cause headaches, dizziness and nosebleeds. It can also disrupt the immune system, which can cause infections.

A recent report has highlighted the higher levels of benzene that were found in the air around two Chicago train stations. Commuters and railroad employees were exposed to these excessive levels of pollution, that led to schools closing classes and cities to request residents to stay in shelters. fela railroad settlements , such as car department employees as well as locomotive mechanics, electricians and pipefitters work with products that contain benzene such as Safety-Kleen part washers and CRC Brakleen, as well as paints thinners, paints and other products. It is also used as printing solvents.

Asbestos

As early as the 1800s asbestos was employed in the railroad industry. Asbestos is a class of six naturally occurring fibrous silicate minerals which were once widely used in construction due to their fire retardant corrosion-resistant, fire-retardant, and insulate properties. Inhaling these microscopic fibers can cause serious health issues like lung cancer, asbestosis and mesothelioma. These illnesses can last up to 30 years before symptoms show up.

The EPA has prohibited the mining and processing of asbestos in this country however, it is used in many products. This includes certain types of flooring felt, paper and fake fireplace embers. When these materials are exposed either to heat or water they may release asbestos fibers. These fibers may also get into the air when buildings are destroyed or when homes are being renovated.

A recent study showed that even five years of exposure to benzene can significantly increase the chance of developing acute myeloid leukemia (AML). If you are suffering from symptoms such as night sweats, unprovoked loss of weight and suppression or loss of appetite, consult your physician immediately. They can conduct the test of blood to check 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 run on diesel fuel. This EPA settlement mandates that GWRSI replace any of its current locomotives with newer models that comply with EPA emissions standards.

Diesel Exhaust

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

The International Agency for Research on Cancer has classified diesel exhaust as a Group 1 carcinogen. Furthermore, diesel exhaust is a cause of respiratory illnesses in the form of bronchiopulmonary disorders such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and bronchiectasis. A 2006 study published in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives linked railroad worker's employment with COPD rates.

Rail and locomotives emit diesel exhaust when they run and are idling in depots, roundhouses, shops and yards. The machinery and engines that idle emit gases in addition to the diesel fumes, including nitrogen oxides and sulfur dioxide.

Diesel exhaust fumes can be unnoticeable in locomotive cabins in which conductors and engineers are seated for at least six hours a day. When workers enter or exit the cabs, the engine and equipment release more diesel exhaust fumes, creating a hazard for respiratory cancers and other issues.

In roundhouses with poor ventilation, shops and workshops railroad mechanics have to contend with an extreme risk of exposure to diesel exhaust. They work with moving locomotives and track equipment in enclosed spaces that frequently produce harmful inhalants, like asbestos-insulated steam pipes and boilers and silica sand.

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