Railroad Cancer Railroads use millions of gallons diesel fuel to transport freight trains over long distances. The highly toxic diesel exhaust contains carcinogens like arsenic, dioxin and benzene.If you are an ex- or current railroad worker who has been diagnosed with cancer, you may be entitled to compensation under the Federal Employers' Liability Act (FELA). Our experienced Houston railroad cancer lawyers can assist you find an equitable financial settlement for your pain and suffering.BenzeneThe industrial solvent Benzene can be found and can be found in diesel fuel exhaust. Many railroad employees, including machinists and engineers, conductors electricians, and conductors work in areas where they are exposed to diesel fumes.A single exposure to benzene may cause cancer in some people. Specifically, it is known to cause acute myeloid leukemia (AML). This cancer begins in the bone marrow and then spreads to blood. It is more prevalent in men than in women , and can be fatal if not treated.The danger of benzene comes due to the fact that it can affect the immune system. This could lead to infections and a decrease in the capability to fight off germs. Benzene can also weaken bones and increase the risk of developing arthritis.Another serious issue associated with benzene exposure is chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). This kind of cancer begins in the bone marrow, and then spreads to the blood. It can also affect the spleen and other parts of your body.A study from 2015 revealed that even low levels of benzene can increase the risk of developing leukemia by a third. Researchers looked at the medical documents of more than 25,000 Norwegian oil-rig workers who worked for more than 20 days.Despite the danger of exposure to benzene, it is still used in numerous commercial and industrial processes. There are ways to limit exposure to and avoid poisoning from benzene.One option is to wear proper clothing and protective eyewear. This will stop benzene from getting in the eyes and nose. A respirator should be utilized whenever possible.If you suspect that you have been exposed to benzene, it is recommended that you should contact your physician immediately. This will help you identify any symptoms that you may be suffering from and help lower the risk of dying from benzene poisoning.Benzene can also cause brain damage, along with other forms of cancer. It can cause loss of memory and confusion. This condition can lead to a decrease in quality of life, and make it difficult to function at work or at home.AsbestosAsbestos is a toxic mineral that has been proven to be the cause of many serious illnesses, including lung cancer and mesothelioma. It is found in a variety materials used in construction like pipe insulation and floor tiles.As a result , exposure to asbestos is among the greatest health risks for 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 cause mesothelioma and various other life-threatening cancers. These cancers can manifest in the lungs, mesothelium (the membrane that covers the lung) and the abdominal cavity.Fortunately, most people who are exposed to asbestos fibers will not develop any of the harmful health problems that are associated with asbestos. The majority of the fibers will be expelled, or be released into the mucus layer which protects the lungs. However there are some kinds of asbestos fibers that can stick to your lungs and lodge in them for years or even decades.The effects of this condition differ from individual to individual but can cause shortness of breath chest pain, 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 greater chance of developing mesothelioma or another form of cancer, as they are more likely to inhale the dangerous fibers through their mouths and noses. Railroad Cancer Lawyer is that their lung's development is still in its early stages.They breathe at a faster rate, and since their lungs have a larger volume-to-surface ratio than adults', they can inhale more asbestos fibers.Young children are more likely to inhale the harmful fibers than adults and are especially at risk if they have been near railroad cars. They also are at a higher risk of developing this disease in the event of an ancestor with mesothelioma.CreosoteCreosote was developed in the 19th century to guard wood from rot and insect damage. Railroad companies were in a position to save money by reducing the cost of replacing wood. Even today, creosote remains used to treat wood products. It can also be used for protection of log homes and marine pilings.It is a toxic substance and has been linked to various cancers. These include lung, esophageal and larynx cancers.The health risks associated with creosote-related exposure are especially present in those who work in the wood preservation, coke production and asphalt industries. People who work in physical labor like maintenance of rail tracks or construction, such as chimney sweeps, can also be exposed.Creosote exposure can lead to irritation of the eyes and skin chemical burns, eyelid spasms, convulsions, mental confusion kidney problems, unconsciousness, and death. It can also cause respiratory problems and lung problems, similar to smoking cigarettes.Creosote is a chemical derived from coal tar can be absorbed through the skin. It also can enter the body through contaminated food and water.One of the major sources of exposure to creosote among railroad employees is working near an area of hazardous waste. These sites typically contain huge quantities of creosote. This can contaminate soil, water, and the air.Another source of exposure to creosote for rail employees is working in the wood treatment industry. Many wood products, including lumber and fences, are treated with creosote.They are usually not provided with protective gear, which can expose them to toxic substances. This can lead to serious health issues like cancer and chronic fatigue syndrome.Creosote, a liquid that is oily that has a bitter, burning taste, is an amber-black color. It is non-buoyant in water and has specific gravity of 1.037 to 1.087. It is a mixture of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, phenolic compounds and other chemicals. The most commonly used creosote type is coal tar, however other forms are also used.Diesel ExhaustDiesel exhaust is a byproduct of combustion of fuel that is released into the air when you operate vehicles equipped with diesel engines. Diesel exhaust can also be released by diesel locomotives as well as farm equipment, construction equipment generators, as well as other industrial equipment.People who work around diesel exhaust are more at risk of developing cancer. This is due to the fact that they are more likely to be exposed than those who work in other sectors.Certain studies have shown that exposure to diesel exhaust could cause lung cancer in lab animals such as rats. Cancer Lawsuit Settlements can cause DNA changes in cells that make them more prone to cancerous growth.Studies on the effects of diesel exhaust in humans have also revealed a variety of health concerns, including respiratory disorders like emphysemaor chronic bronchitis, as well as blood system diseases such as bladder cancers and the voice box, stomach, pancreas, and stomach. Other studies have linked diesel exhaust to some cancers of the breast and prostate.Diesel exhaust is considered a carcinogen by the American Cancer Society. It is classified as such by the International Agency for Research on Cancer which is part of the World Health Organization.Excessive exposure to diesel exhaust could cause serious health risks to workers who work with large engines and machines, including truck drivers or operators of toll booths. They may also be at risk when they spend a lot of time in areas where heavy diesel traffic occurs (e.g. cities or highways).Additionally, railroad workers who manage and construct tracks and yards may be exposed to diesel fumes if they work near locomotives or other equipment that utilizes diesel engines. These fumes can be hazardous when they enter the cabins of machinery such as locomotives and other machines.A study conducted on laboratory animals revealed that exposure to diesel exhaust caused a variety of lung tumors and the development of inflammatory changes. Some of these tumors were like a form of cancer known as lung adenocarcinoma. It occurs when the cells within the lungs are malignant and begin to multiply and grow rapidly.