[1] Railroad Cancer Railroads make use of millions of gallons of diesel fuel to transport freight trains across long distances. This extremely harmful diesel exhaust is high in carcinogens, including arsenic as well as benzene.If you're a former or current railroad worker who has been diagnosed with cancer, you may be entitled to compensation under the Federal Employers' Liability Act (FELA). Our skilled Houston railroad cancer lawyers can help you get an equitable financial settlement to help you bear the burden.BenzeneBenzene is a solvent used in industry is found in the exhaust of diesel fuel. Many railroad workers, like conductors, engineers and machinists and electricians, work in areas where they are in contact with diesel fumes.One exposure to benzene can cause cancer in a few people. Particularly, it is thought to cause acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The cancer begins in the bone marrow and then spreads to blood. It is more prevalent in men than in women and is fatal if not treated.The immune system is susceptible to damage from the chemical benzene. This is why it's a risk. This can cause a range of health problems including infections and a diminished ability to fight germs. Benzene may also weaken bones and increase the risk of developing arthritis.Another serious issue associated with benzene exposure is chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). The type of cancer develops in the bone marrow, and then it spreads to blood. It may also affect the spleen or other parts of your body.A study from 2015 found that even low levels of benzene can raise the risk of leukemia by 33. Researchers looked into medical documents of more than 25,000 Norwegian oil crew members who worked for 20 days or more.Benzene is still used in a wide variety of industrial and commercial operations, despite the dangers of exposure to it. There are ways to reduce exposure and prevent poisoning by benzene.One way to do this is to wear appropriate clothes and eyewear that is protected. This will prevent benzene getting in the eyes and nose. A respirator should be used as often as it is possible.If you suspect you've been exposed to benzene, you must immediately notify your doctor. This will help you identify any symptoms you might have and will help to reduce the risk of death from benzene poisoning.Benzene is also known to cause brain damage, in addition to other forms of cancer. It can lead to a loss of memory and confusion. This can cause an impairment in the quality of life, making it difficult to function at work or at home.AsbestosAsbestos is a poisonous mineral that has been shown to cause serious diseases like lung cancer and mesothelioma. It is present in a variety of building materials, such as floor tiles and pipe insulation.As Cancer Lawsuit Settlements is among the most serious health risks to railroad workers. Railroad workers may be exposed to the toxic substance through numerous ways, and some of the most prevalent are:A single exposure to asbestos can cause mesothelioma or other life-threatening cancers. The cancers, which develop in the lungs or the membrane that covers the lungs as well as the abdominal cavity (the mesothelium) can be fatal.Fortunately, the majority of people who are exposed to asbestos fibers don't suffer from any of the dangerous health issues that are linked to this substance. The majority of asbestos fibers are eliminated through coughing or in the form of mucus. This helps protect the lung. There are a few asbestos fibers that could stay in the lungs for many years or even for decades.Although the effects on health of this condition may differ from person-to-person, it can cause chest pain, breath shortness and breathing difficulties tightness in the chest, and chest pain. Other signs include difficulty swallowing and weight loss.Children exposed to asbestos are at higher risk of developing mesothelioma as well as other types of cancer. They are more likely to breathe dangerous fibers through the mouth and nose. The reason for this is because their lung tissues are still developing.They breathe at a higher rate, and because their lungs are larger in surface area to volume ratio than adults', they are able to inhale more asbestos fibers.Young children are more likely to inhale the harmful fibers than adults, and are especially at risk if in close proximity to railroad vehicles. If they have a family member who suffers from mesothelioma are at a higher chance of developing the disease.CreosoteCreosote was first developed in the 19th century to shield wood from damage caused by insects and rot. Railroad companies were able to save money by reducing the cost of replacing wood. Creosote can still be used to treat wood products to this day. It can also be used to protect log homes and marine pilings.It is a toxic chemical and has been linked with a variety of cancers. Some of these include esophageal, lung, and larynx cancers.People who work in the asphalt, wood preservation and coke-production sectors are particularly at risk. Chimney sweeps, and workers who work physically like rail track maintenance and construction could also be exposed to creosote.Creosote exposure can cause eyelid irritation, skin convulsions and spasms, as also chemical burns, convulsions, chemical burns and unconsciousness. It can also affect the lung and cause respiratory issues over time, similar to smoking cigarettes.Creosote, a substance derived from coal tar can be absorbed through skin. It also can enter the body through food and water.One of the most common sources of exposure to creosote for railroad workers is when they work around the hazardous waste sites. These sites often contain large amounts of creosote and could contaminate water, soil and air.Rail workers could also be exposed to creosote , if they work in the wood treatment field. Many wood products like fences and lumber are treated with creosote.Workers in these industries are usually not equipped with safety equipment, and this exposes workers to creosote as well as other contaminants. This can lead to serious health conditions like cancer and chronic fatigue syndrome.Creosote, an oily fluid with a bitter, burning taste, is an amber-black color. It isn't buoyant in water and has specific gravity ranging from 1.037 to 1.087. It is a mixture of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, phenolic compounds, and other chemicals. While coal is the most well-known form, other types of creosote are also offered.Diesel ExhaustDiesel exhaust is a by-product of combustion of fuel that is released into the air when you operate vehicles equipped with diesel engines. Diesel exhaust is also released by diesel locomotives as well as construction equipment, farm equipment generators, as well as other industrial equipment.People who work with diesel exhaust are at a greater chance of developing cancer. This is because they are exposed to more of this substance than people who work in other industries.Exposure to diesel exhaust for a long time can cause lung carcinoma in laboratory animals such as rats. Diesel exhaust can cause DNA changes in cells that make them more susceptible to cancerous growth.Studies on the effects of diesel exhaust in humans have shown a range of health problems , including respiratory disorders such as emphysema and chronic bronchitis, as well as blood system diseases such as bladder cancers and the voice box, stomach pancreas and stomach. Some cancers of prostate, breast, and stomach have been caused by diesel exhaust.The American Cancer Society considers diesel exhaust to be carcinogen. It is classified as such by the International Agency for Research on Cancer that is part of the World Health Organization.Exposure to diesel exhaust may be a serious risk for workers who work with large engines and machines, including truck drivers or operators of toll booths. They could also be at high risk for cancer if they spend a large amount of time in places where heavy diesel traffic occurs, such as highways and cities.Additionally, railroad workers who maintain and construct yards and tracks may be exposed to diesel fumes when they work near locomotives or other equipment that runs on diesel engines. The fumes can pose a risk when they enter the cabins of machinery such as locomotives and other machines.Long-term exposure to diesel exhaust has led to lung cancers and inflammation in laboratory rats. Some of these tumors appeared like a form of cancer called a lung adenocarcinoma. The condition occurs when the cells of the lungs become malignant and multiply rapidly.