Railroad Settlement Cll: 11 Thing You're Not Doing
Benzene, Butadiene, and Other Carcinogens on the Railroad
Many railroad workers are exposed to benzene, butadiene and other carcinogens during the job. You may be entitled to compensation if you have developed an illness that is serious, such as leukemia.
Leukemias are caused by blood-forming tissues like bone marrow, and lymphatic tissue. Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is one of the four types of leukemia that are prevalent in adults.
Benzene
Benzene can be inhaled, or absorbed through the skin. It is a crude by-product of oil that is used to make nylons, plastics, and synthetic fibers. It is also used in lubricants and dyes. It is a recognized carcinogen that causes leukemia acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) myelodysplastic syndromes and lymphomas.
Mineral spirits, solvents and degreasers are employed by railroad workers to expose them to benzene. When working on locomotives and freight cars and other vehicles, they are exposed exhaust fumes and diesel fumes. Railroad workers face a high chance of developing chronic lymphocytic cancer due to this exposure.
Numerous epidemiologic studies have demonstrated an increase in risk of leukemia with increasing exposure to benzene. A recent meta-analysis of 22 studies offered summary effect estimates for exposure to benzene and the risk of AML or Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL) and Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL).
The results from the meta-analysis suggest that exposure to occupational benzene significantly increases the risk of developing these leukemias. The results for AML, CLL and ALL were lower. This may be due to a lower frequency of reporting for these subgroups, but also due to the lack of dose-response responses that increase exposure. The meta-analysis did not find any evidence of bias in publication.
Asbestos
Asbestos, a mineral that is fibrous that has been used to make thousands of industrial products. Its resistance against heat, fire and corrosion makes it a perfect material for railroad locomotives and other machines. However, asbestos is danger to health when workers are handling it. When asbestos fibers are exposed, they break down into microscopic strands which are then airborne. When inhaled, they can become lodged in the lung. These can lead to various serious diseases, including mesothelioma.
When asbestos fibers enter the lungs of an individual they may cause irritation to the lung's lining. This irritation can result in a buildup in collagen, which, over time, hardens and creates pleural plaques. This condition can lead to chest discomfort and breathing problems.
Fibrosis is a different type of lung injury that can be caused by asbestos exposure. This scar tissue can interfere with the ability to breath. This condition could be fatal if not treated.
Contact a FELA lawyer right away if are a railroad employee who has been diagnosed with a disease connected to asbestos. A mesothelioma lawyer can help you file for compensation. To be successful in a compensation claim you must prove that exposure to toxic substances on the job resulted in your illness. FELA attorneys often collaborate with industrial safety specialists known as industrial hygienists to review materials at the railroad's workplace, and determine if the railroad adhered to the proper safety practices.
Diesel Exhaust
Diesel exhaust is among the many carcinogenic fumes as well as materials that railroad workers are exposed to on a regular basis. Excessive exposure to diesel exhaust has been linked to lung cancer and other serious occupational illnesses in railroad workers, including mesothelioma, pulmonary fibrosis and others. Inhaling engine exhaust and particulates could cause long-term health issues that are difficult to treat.
Locomotives are powered by diesel fuel and the cab for locomotives is a cramped space with a limited amount of ventilation. Railroad workers can be exposed to diesel exhaust through breathing it in the cab, as well as being able to drag it back over their clothing and themselves when they leave the cab. wayne and mary union pacific railroad settlement can also be an issue for railroad workers who work in shops or yards as they are frequently in close proximity to locomotives.
Diesel exhaust contains mutagenic and cancerous compounds that can get into the bloodstream. These chemicals can cause harm to the respiratory system and blood and bone marrow. In a study which tracked many workers who were frequently exposed to diesel exhaust, scientists discovered that those who had the longest duration of exposure experienced the highest risk of lung cancer.
Even after adjusting for smoking and other causes, lung cancer mortality was significantly higher in railroad workers exposed to diesel exhaust. The Lyon Firm is investigating a number of claims made by railroad workers who were sickened by exposure to diesel exhaust, solvents and other industrial toxic exposures.