Are You Confident About Doing Cancer Lawsuits? Try This Quiz
Railroad Cancer
Railroads burn millions of gallons of diesel fuel to operate freight trains over long distances. The extremely polluting diesel exhaust is high in carcinogens including arsenic and benzene.
You may be entitled to compensation under the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA) in the event that you are railroad worker who is diagnosed with cancer. Our Houston railroad cancer lawyers can assist you to get fair financial compensation for your suffering.
Benzene
Benzene is an industrial solvent that is found in the exhaust of diesel engines. Many railroad workers, including machinists, engineers, conductors and electricians, work in areas where they are in contact with diesel fumes.
Certain people can develop cancer as a result of one exposure to benzene. Particularly, it is thought to cause acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The cancer develops in the bone marrow, and then spreads to the blood. It is more common in men than it is for women and could be fatal if left untreated.
The immune system is susceptible to damage from the chemical benzene. This is why it is a threat. This can cause infections and a lower ability to fight off germs. Benzene may also weaken bones and increase the risk of developing arthritis.
Another serious problem from exposure to benzene is chronic leukemia (CML). Cancer Lawsuit Settlements of cancer develops in the bone marrow, and then spreads to blood. It can affect the spleen , as well as other parts of the body.
A study from 2015 showed that even low levels benzene increases the risk of developing leukemia by three-quarters. Researchers looked into medical records of the medical records of 25,000 Norwegian oil crew members who worked for at least 20 days.
Despite the danger of exposure to benzene, it's still being used in a variety of industrial and commercial operations. Fortunately, there are ways to reduce exposure and prevent poisoning with benzene.
One way to do this is to wear appropriate clothing and protective eyewear. This will prevent benzene from getting in the nose and eyes. A respirator is recommended whenever it is possible.
When you suspect that you have been exposed to benzene, you must immediately contact your doctor. This will allow you to recognize any symptoms you might be suffering from and help reduce the risk of death from benzene poisoning.
Benzene may also cause brain damage, in addition to various other forms of cancer. It can lead to a loss of memory and confusion. This condition can lead to a decrease in quality of life, making it difficult to function at work or at home.
Asbestos
Asbestos, a noxious mineral, has been proven to cause lung cancer and mesothelioma. It is found in a wide range of materials that are used in construction, such as pipe insulation and floor tiles.
As a consequence, asbestos exposure is among the greatest health risks for railroad workers. Railroad workers are exposed to asbestos in numerous ways, and some of the most common are:
One exposure to asbestos may cause mesothelioma as well as other cancers that are life-threatening. The cancers can grow in the lungs, the mesothelium (the membrane that covers the lungs) as well as the abdominal cavity.
Fortunately, the majority of people who are exposed to asbestos fibers will not suffer from any of the dangerous health conditions linked to asbestos. The majority of asbestos fibers are eliminated through coughing or in the form of mucus. This helps protect the lungs. There are some asbestos fibers that can stay in your lungs for years , or even decades.
The health effects of this condition can vary from person to person however, it may cause shortness of breath or chest pain, difficulty breathing, or a tightness in the chest. Other symptoms include difficulty swallowing and weight loss.
Children who have been exposed to asbestos are at a higher risk of developing mesothelioma and another form of cancer because they are more likely to inhale the dangerous fibers through their noses and mouths. The reason for this is because their lung tissue is still developing.
They breathe at a higher rate, and as their lungs have a greater volume-to-surface ratio than adults', they can inhale more asbestos fibers.
Since they are more prone to inhaling the dangerous fibers, children are at a high risk of developing mesothelioma particularly when they've been in close proximity to railroad vehicles. If they have a relative who is suffering from mesothelioma are at greater risk of developing the disease.
Creosote
Creosote was developed in the 19th century to shield wood from insect and rot damage. Railroad companies were capable of saving money by reducing the expense of replacing wood. Creosote can still be used for treating wood products today. It is also used for protection of log homes and marine pilings.
It is a poisonous chemical that has been linked to a number of cancers. Some of them include esophageal, lung and larynx cancers.
The health risks associated with creosote exposure are especially significant for those working in the wood preservation, coke-production and asphalt industries. Workers who perform physical work like maintenance of rail tracks or construction, like chimney sweeps, might also be exposed.
Creosote exposure can cause skin irritation, eyelid spasms and convulsions as along with chemical burns convulsions, chemical burns and even unconsciousness. It can also cause respiratory problems and lung problems, similar to smoking cigarettes.
Creosote is a substance that is made by coal tar and can be absorbed through the skin. It also can enter the body through contaminated food and water.
One of the most common sources of exposure to the toxic substance creosote to railroad workers is when they work around an area of hazardous waste. These sites typically contain large amounts of creosote and could contaminate water, soil and air.
Another source of creosote exposure for employees of rail companies is when they work in the wood treatment industry. A lot of wood products, like lumber and fences, are treated with creosote.
Those who work in these industries are usually not provided with protective equipment, which could expose them to creosote , as well as other poisons. This can cause serious health problems, including chronic fatigue syndrome and cancer.
Creosote is an oily liquid that ranges from amber to black in color and possesses the taste of burning and caustic. It is non-buoyant in water and has specific gravity of 1.037 to 1.087. It is a mix of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and phenolic compounds as well as other chemicals. The most well-known form of creosote used is coal tar, however other forms are also utilized.
Diesel Exhaust
Diesel exhaust is a byproduct of combustion that is released into the air when you operate vehicles equipped with diesel engines. It can also be released from diesel locomotives, farm and construction equipment generators, ships and other industrial equipment.
Diesel exhaust workers could be at greater risk of developing cancer. This is due to the fact that they are frequently exposed to more of this substance than those who work in other industries.
Long-term exposure to diesel exhaust can cause lung carcinoma in laboratory animals like rats. Diesel exhaust can trigger DNA changes in cells that make them more susceptible to cancerous growth.
Studies of diesel exhaust in humans have also revealed that heavy exposure can cause various health issues that include respiratory disorders such as chronic bronchitis, emphysema and blood system disorders like cancers of the bladder, larynx (voice box), esophagus, stomach and pancreas. Other studies have connected diesel exhaust to certain cancers of the breast and prostate.
Diesel exhaust is regarded as carcinogens according to the American Cancer Society. It is classified as such by the International Agency for Research on Cancer, part of the World Health Organization.
People who work with large machines and engines, such as truck drivers and operators of toll booths, are at a higher risk of developing cancer because of the exhaust of diesel. They could also be at risk when they spend a lot of time in areas where heavy diesel traffic happens (e.g. highways or cities).
Railroad workers who build and maintain tracks and yards may be exposed to diesel fumes when they work near diesel engines or other machines. These fumes can be hazardous when they enter the cabins of locomotives or other machinery.
Long-term diesel exhaust exposure caused lung cancers and inflammation in laboratory rats. Some of these tumors were like a form of cancer known as a lung adenocarcinoma. It occurs when the cells of the lungs become malignant and expand and divide quickly.