[1] Railroad Cancer Railroads employ millions of gallons of diesel fuel to transport freight trains over long distances. This extremely toxic diesel exhaust is rich in carcinogens, including arsenic as well as benzene.If you are a former or current railroad employee who has been diagnosed with cancer, you could be entitled to compensation under the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA). Our experienced Houston railroad cancer lawyers can assist you obtain fair financial compensation to help you bear the burden.BenzeneBenzene, a solvent for industrial use is present in the exhaust from diesel fuel. Many railroad employees, including conductors and engineers, machinists and electricians, work in areas that are exposed to diesel fumes.Some people may develop cancer following a single exposure to benzene. Specifically, Railroad Cancer Lawyer is known to cause acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The cancer starts in the bone marrow, and spreads into the blood. It is more prevalent in men than it is in women and can be fatal if untreated.The dangers of benzene arise due to the fact that it could damage the immune system. This can cause a range of health problems like infections and a lower capability to fight off germs. Benzene may also weaken bones and increase the risk for arthritis.Another serious issue that can be attributed to exposure to benzene is chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). This type of cancer starts in the bone marrow and expands into blood. It can affect the spleen and other organs.A study conducted in 2015 revealed that even the smallest amount of benzene can raise the risk of leukemia by 33. Researchers looked into the medical records of 25000 Norwegian oil-rig workers who been working for more than 20 days.Despite the risk of exposure to benzene is still used in many commercial and industrial settings. Fortunately, there are ways to limit exposure and avoid benzene poisoning.Wearing eyewear that is protective and wearing appropriate clothing is one way to protect your eyes. This will help prevent benzene from getting in the nose and eyes. A respirator should be used as often as possible.When you suspect that you have been exposed to benzene, it is recommended that you should call your doctor immediately. This will help you identify any symptoms you might have and will help to reduce your chances of death from benzene poisoning.Benzene may also cause brain damage, along with various other forms of cancer. It can cause loss of memory and confusion. This can lead to a decrease in quality of life, and make it difficult to perform at work or at home.AsbestosAsbestos is a toxic mineral, has been proven to cause lung cancer and mesothelioma. It can be found in many building materials, including flooring tiles and pipe insulation.As consequently asbestos exposure is considered to be one of the health hazards that pose the greatest risk to those who work in the railroad industry. Railroad workers may be exposed to asbestos-containing substances in many different ways. Some of the most prevalent are:One exposure to asbestos may cause mesothelioma and various other life-threatening cancers. These cancers can develop in the lungs, mesothelium (the membrane that covers the lungs) and the abdominal cavity.Most people who have been exposed to asbestos fibers won't develop any of the health issues associated with this substance. The majority of the fibers will be eliminated, or be transported away in mucus which protects the lungs. However there are certain kinds of asbestos fibers which can stick to your lung and remain there for a long time or even decades.The health consequences of this condition vary from individual to individual, but it can cause shortness of breath or chest pain, difficulty breathing, or a tightness in the chest. Other symptoms include trouble swallowing or weight loss.Children who have been exposed to asbestos are at a greater risk of developing mesothelioma and another type of cancer because they are more likely to inhale asbestos fibers that are harmful through their noses and mouths. Their lung's are still developing.They breathe at a faster rate, and because their lungs are larger in volume to surface ratio than adults', they have the ability to inhale more asbestos fibers.Due to their vulnerability to inhaling harmful fibers, young children are at a high risk of developing mesothelioma particularly if they have been in close proximity to railroad cars. They also stand a higher risk of developing this disease when they have an ancestor who has mesothelioma.CreosoteDuring the 19th Century, creosote was developed to help protect wood from rot as well as insect damage, thereby saving railroad companies money by cutting down on the cost of replacing wood. Creosote is currently used to treat wood products. It is also used for protection of log homes and marine pilings.It is a poisonous chemical that has been linked to a variety of cancers. These include esophageal, lung and larynx cancers.Workers in the asphalt, wood preservation and coke production industries are at particular risk. Chimney sweeps and those who work physically, such as rail track maintenance and construction, could also be exposed to creosote.Creosote exposure can lead to irritation of the eyes and skin chemical burns, eyelid spasms, convulsions and mental confusion, unconsciousness, kidney problems and death. It can also cause lung problems and respiratory problems, similar to smoking.Creosote, a chemical made from coal tar, can be absorbed through the skin. It can also get into the body through food and water.One of the major sources of exposure to creosote for railroad employees is working near an area of hazardous waste. These sites usually contain huge amounts of creosote which can be harmful to water, soil and air.Another source of exposure to creosote for rail workers is when they work in the wood treatment industry. A lot of wood products, such as lumber and fences are treated with creosote.These workers are typically not provided with protective gear that could expose them for creosote or other toxic substances. This could lead to serious health issues like chronic fatigue syndrome and cancer.Creosote, a liquid that is oily that has a bitter, burning taste, is an amber-black color. It is not a buoyant liquid and has specific gravity of 1.037 to 1.87. It is a mix of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, phenolic compounds, and other chemicals. While coal is the most commonly used form, various forms of creosote also exist.Diesel ExhaustDiesel exhaust is a by-product of combustion 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 farm equipment, construction equipment generators, and other industrial equipment.People who work with diesel exhaust may be at greater chance 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 sectors.Some studies show that exposure to diesel exhaust can cause lung cancer in lab animals like rats. Diesel exhaust can trigger DNA modifications in cells, making them more prone to cancerous growth. Cancer Lawsuit Settlements on the effects of diesel exhaust in humans have shown a range of health issues, including respiratory disorders such as emphysema and chronic bronchitis, and blood system diseases such as bladder cancers, the voice box, stomach pancreas and stomach. Some cancers of prostate, breast, and stomach have been caused by diesel exhaust.Diesel exhaust is classified 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).Excessive exposure to diesel exhaust could pose a significant risk to people who work with huge engines and machines, such as truck drivers or toll booth operators. They are also at high risk if they spend a lot of time in locations that see a lot of diesel traffic, such as highways and cities.Railroad workers who maintain and build yards and tracks can be exposed to diesel fumes when they work near diesel engines or other machines. These fumes are particularly dangerous when they are in the cabins of locomotives and other machinery.A study in laboratory rats showed that long-term exposure to diesel exhaust can cause several lung tumors and inflammatory changes. Some of these tumors were comparable to lung adenocarcinoma. This is a kind of cancer that occurs when the lung's cells expand rapidly and then become malignant.