Railroad CancerRailroads burn millions of gallons diesel fuel in order to run freight trains on long distances. The extremely toxic diesel exhaust is rich in carcinogens like arsenic and benzene.You may be qualified for compensation under the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA) in the event that you are an employee of a railroad who has been diagnosed as having cancer. Our knowledgeable Houston railroad cancer lawyers can help you seek an equitable financial settlement to help you bear the burden.BenzeneBenzene is a solvent used in industry is found in diesel fuel exhaust. Many railroad workers, such as conductors, engineers, machinists and electricians, work in areas where they come into contact with diesel fumes.Some people may develop cancer after just one exposure to benzene. Particularly, it is known to cause acute myeloid leukemia (AML). This cancer starts in the bone marrow and then spreads to blood. It is more prevalent for men than women and can be fatal if not treated.The immune system can be damaged by the chemical benzene. This is why it is a threat. This could lead to various health issues such as infections and a decreased ability to fight off germs. Benzene may also cause bone weakness and increase the risk of arthritis.Another serious issue resulting from exposure to benzene can be chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). This type of cancer starts in the bone marrow and expands into blood. It can affect the spleen as well as other body parts.A study in 2015 showed that even low levels of benzene can raise the risk of developing leukemia by three-quarters. Researchers looked into medical documents of more than 25,000 Norwegian oil workers on rigs who worked for more than 20 days.Despite the risk of exposure to benzene in the workplace, it is still utilized in many commercial and industrial processes. There are ways to lessen exposure and prevent poisoning from benzene.Wearing eyewear that is protective and wearing appropriate clothing is one way to protect your eyes. This will prevent benzene from getting into the nose and eyes. You should also wear a respirator whenever you can.If you suspect that you have been exposed to benzene, it is recommended that you must immediately contact your doctor. This will help identify any symptoms that you may have and will help to reduce your chances of death from benzene poisoning.In addition to a variety of cancer types, benzene also has the ability to affect the brain. It can cause confusion and memory loss. If you suffer from this disorder, it can lead to an impairment in your quality of life and make it difficult for you to function at home and in the workplace.AsbestosAsbestos is a toxic mineral, has been found to be a cause of lung cancer and mesothelioma. It is present in many construction materials, such as pipes and floor tiles.As a result , exposure to asbestos is one of the greatest health risks to railroad workers. Railroad workers can be exposed to asbestos in a variety of ways. Here are some of the most commonly used:One exposure to asbestos can lead to mesothelioma and other cancers that can be life-threatening. The cancers, which grow in the lungs or within the membrane that covers the lungs as well as the abdominal cavity (the mesothelium) are usually fatal.Fortunately, the majority of people who are exposed to asbestos fibers do not develop any of the negative health problems that are associated with asbestos. Railroad Cancer Lawsuit are released through coughing or as mucus. This helps protect the lungs. However, there are Railroad Workers Cancer Lawsuit of asbestos fibers that can adhere to the lungs and lodge in them for decades or years.The effects of this condition differ from person to person, but it can cause shortness in breath and chest pain, as well as trouble breathing, or a tightness in the chest. The symptoms could also include difficulty swallowing or weight loss.Children who have been exposed to asbestos are at a higher risk of developing mesothelioma and another type of cancer since they are more likely to breathe asbestos-containing fibers through their mouths and noses. The reason for this is that their lungs are still developing.They breathe at a quicker rate, and since their lungs have a higher surface area to volume ratio than adults', they are able to inhale more asbestos fibers.Because they are more susceptible to inhaling dangerous fibers, young children are at a high risk of developing mesothelioma particularly if they have been in close contact with railroad vehicles. If they have a parent who has mesothelioma, they are at greater risk of developing the disease.CreosoteCreosote was developed in the 19th century to protect wood from insect and rot damage. Railroad companies were able to save money by reducing the expense of replacing wood. Creosote can still be used to treat wood products today. It is also used to protect log homes and marine pilings.It is a poisonous chemical that has been linked to a range of cancers. Some of them include esophageal, lung and larynx cancers.The health risks of creosote exposure are especially high for those working in the wood preservation, coke production, and asphalt industries. Chimney sweeps as well as workers who are physically laborers like rail track maintenance and construction could also be exposed to creosote.Exposure to creosote can cause irritation of the eyes and skin, chemical burns, eyelid spasms convulsions, mental confusion unconsciousness, kidney issues, and death. It can also cause lung problems and respiratory problems, much like smoking cigarettes.Creosote chemical is made by coal tar and can be taken up through the skin. It can also be consumed through food that is contaminated or water.Railroad workers are exposed to creosote when they work close to hazardous waste sites. These sites typically contain large amounts of creosote and can cause contamination of water, soil and air.Another reason for exposure to creosote for rail workers is working in the wood treatment industry. A lot of wood products, such as fences and timber, are treated with creosote.The people who work in these industries are usually not provided with protective equipment, and this exposes them to creosote , as well as other toxic substances. This could lead to serious health problems, including cancer and chronic fatigue syndrome.Creosote, an oily liquid with a bitter, burning taste, is an amber-black color. It is non-buoyant in water and has an SG of 1.037 to 1.087. It is a mixture polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and phenolic compounds as well other chemicals. The most commonly used form of creosote is called coal tar, but other forms are also utilized.Diesel ExhaustDiesel exhaust is a byproduct from combustion of fuels and is released into the atmosphere when diesel engines are utilized. It is also released from diesel locomotives, construction and farm equipment generators, ships, and other industrial equipment.Diesel exhaust workers are at a higher risk of developing cancer. This is because they are more susceptible to being exposed than those who work in other industries.Certain studies have shown that long-term exposure to diesel exhaust can cause lung cancer in lab animals like rats. In some instances, the diesel exhaust may alter the DNA in cells which makes them more likely to grow and become cancerous.Studies on the effects of diesel exhaust on humans have also demonstrated that exposure to diesel exhaust can trigger a variety of health problems which include respiratory disorders like chronic bronchitis, emphysema and blood system diseases like bladder cancers, larynx (voice box) as well as stomach, esophagus and pancreas. Railroad Cancer Lawsuit of prostate, breast, and stomach have been associated with diesel exhaust.The American Cancer Society considers diesel exhaust to be carcinogen. It is classified as carcinogenic by the International Agency for Research on Cancer which is part of the World Health Organization.Diesel exhaust exposure may cause serious health risks to workers who work with large engines and machines, like truck drivers or operators of toll booths. They could also be at risk if they spend a lot of time in areas where heavy diesel traffic occurs like highways and cities.Railroad workers who manage and construct tracks and yards can also be exposed to diesel fumes if they work near diesel engines or other machinery. The fumes can be extremely dangerous when they get into the cabins of locomotives and other machinery.A study on laboratory rats showed that long-term exposure to diesel exhaust resulted in numerous lung tumors and the development of inflammatory changes. Certain of these tumors appeared similar to a type of cancer known as lung adenocarcinoma. It occurs when the cells in the lungs are malignant and begin to multiply and grow rapidly.