Test: How Much Do You Know About Railroad Settlement Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia?

Railroad Settlements and Asbestos

In 1862, Congress passed the Pacific Railroad Act which financed two transcontinental railroad companies through giving large grants of land for rights-of-way. Railroad workers who develop cancers from exposure to their work environment may make claims against their employers under the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA).

An Illinois jury awarded a $7.5 million verdict to an ex- Union Pacific trackman dying from acute myeloid leukemia. He blamed his blood-cancers on exposure to creosote, the chemical benzene, and other chemicals used to preserve railroad ties made of wood.

Creosote

Coal tar creosote can be described as an organic wood preservative used to shield railroad ties from the sun, heat, cold rain and snow. During the process of applying coal tar creosote workers are exposed to a range of toxic chemicals and solvents like benzene. Benzene is a well-known carcinogen causes leukemia and non-Hodgkin lymphoma, as well in other serious side effects such as heartbeat changes, convulsions liver damage, anemia and cancers of the lung and body.

Our attorneys have successfully prosecuted several lawsuits against Union Pacific Railroad for exposure to coal-tar creosote. One of these cases resulted in the settlement of a $7.500,000 verdict. The plaintiff was a track department worker who was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia due to exposure to the chemical compound that is toxic in his work over 31 years. The jury determined that the railroad did not provide him with personal protective equipment and exposed him to a variety of toxic chemicals including coal-tar-tar creosote and coal distillates.

Another claim was the use of copper naphthalenate as an alternative to creosote made from coal. Although copper naphthenate isn't more damaging to the environment than creosote it can nevertheless be extremely hazardous. Copper naphthenate is known to cause skin, lung and nerve damage to nerves, skin and the lung. It also contaminates soil and groundwater with benzene.

Benzene

A colorless liquid petroleum hydrocarbon, benzene is a component in the production of resins, plastics, nylon and synthetic fibers. It can also be found in diesel fuels and exhaust. Virtually all railroad workers are exposed to diesel fumes on a daily basis. Benzene is a well-known carcinogen that has been linked to leukemia as well as myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS).

There is no limit to the amount of exposure to benzene. It can be inhaled or taken in through the surface of the skin. Long-term exposure could damage the blood and cause many various health issues, including menstrual irregularities, anemia and fertility problems. Benzene can also be linked to certain types of cancers including breast and lung cancer.

Inhaling benzene is among the most hazardous. Inhaling benzene may cause dizziness, headaches or nosebleeds. Benzene may also affect the immune system and cause infections.

A recent report highlighted the increased levels of benzene in the air near two Chicago train stations. Commuters railway workers, commuters and city residents were exposed to high levels of pollution. Schools halted classes and cities demanded residents to shelter in place. Railroad workers, including car department employees and electricians, locomotive mechanics and pipefitters utilize products containing benzene, such as Safety-Kleen part washers CRC Brakleen as well as paints, thinners and other items. Also, benzene is used in printing solvents.

Asbestos

In the beginning asbestos was utilized in the railroad industry. Asbestos is comprised of six silicate minerals naturally occurring with fibrous structure. They were previously used in the construction industry due to their resistance to corrosion, fire-resisting and insulate characteristics. Inhaling these microscopic fibers can cause serious health problems such as lung cancer mesothelioma and asbestosis. These conditions can take up to 30 years before symptoms show up.

The EPA has prohibited asbestos mining and processing in the US however, it is still present in a variety of products. This includes various types of paper, flooring felt, and fake fireplace embers. When these materials are exposed to water or heat they could release asbestos fibers. They can also be released into the air when buildings are destroyed or when homes are being renovated.

A recent study showed that even a five-year exposure to benzene can significantly increase the risk of developing acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Talk to your doctor if you notice symptoms like night sweats or unexplained weight loss. They can perform an analysis of your blood to determine AML.

The EPA recently resolved a case against Genesee & Wyoming Railroad Services Inc. (GWRSI). GWRSI operates locomotives that operate on diesel fuel and emit nitrogen oxides (NOx) and fine particulate matter (PM2.5). This EPA settlement requires that GWRSI replace any of its current locomotives with newer models that are compliant with EPA emissions standards.

Diesel Exhaust

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

The International Agency for Research on Cancer has classified diesel exhaust as a Group 1 carcinogen. Diesel exhaust can also trigger respiratory ailments like chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD) or bronchiectasis. An article published in Environmental Health Perspectives in 2006 related the employment of railroad workers to COPD rates.

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

The smell of diesel exhaust is often present in locomotive cabs, where conductors and engineers sit for up to six hours at the same time. When all caused by railroad how to get a settlement enter and exit the cabs, the engine as well as equipment produce more exhaust fumes from diesel engines and pose a risk to respiratory cancers and other issues.

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