Railroad CancerRailroads use millions of gallons diesel fuel to transport freight trains across long distances. The extremely toxic diesel exhaust is a source of carcinogens such as arsenic, benzene and dioxin.If you are an ex- or current railroad worker who was 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 seek an equitable financial settlement for your suffering.BenzeneIt is an industrial solvent and can be found in the exhaust of diesel engines. Many railroad workers, like machinists, engineers, conductors and electricians, work in areas in which they come in contact with diesel fumes.One exposure to benzene can lead to cancer in some people. In particular, it is believed to cause acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The cancer starts in the bone marrow and develops into blood. It is more common for men than women, and it can be fatal if not treated.The immune system is susceptible to damage from benzene, and that's why it poses a danger. This can cause a range of health problems such as infections and a decreased capability to fight off germs. Benzene can also cause bone weakness and increase the risk of arthritis.Another serious issue associated with exposure to benzene is chronic leukemia (CML). The type of cancer develops in the bone marrow, and then spreads into the blood. It can affect the spleen , as well as other organs.A 2015 study found that even the smallest amount of benzene could increase the risk of leukemia by a third. Researchers examined medical documents of 25,000 Norwegian oil workers who were employed for more than 20 days.Benzene is still used in a wide variety of industrial and commercial operations despite the risks of being exposed to it. Fortunately, there are ways to limit exposure and prevent benzene poisoning.Wearing eye protection and appropriate clothes is one way to safeguard your eyes. This will prevent benzene from getting in the eyes and nasal. A respirator should be utilized whenever feasible.If you suspect that have been exposed to benzene in any way, you must immediately contact your doctor. This will allow you to identify any symptoms and reduce the chance of dying due to poisoning by benzene.Benzene can also cause brain damage, in addition to other forms of cancer. It can lead to a loss of memory and confusion. If you are suffering from this condition it could cause a decrease in your quality of life and make it difficult to function at home and in the workplace.AsbestosAsbestos is a toxic mineral, has been proven to cause lung cancer and mesothelioma. It is found in a wide range of materials used in construction like pipe insulation and floor tiles.As a result , exposure to asbestos is among the greatest health risks to railroad workers. Railroad workers can be exposed to asbestos in many different ways. Some of the most common include:One exposure to asbestos can lead to mesothelioma, among other cancers that can be life-threatening. These cancers may develop in the lungs, the mesothelium (the membrane that surrounds the lungs) and the abdominal cavity.The majority of people who have been exposed to asbestos fibers will not be affected by any of the health problems that are associated with this chemical. The majority of the fibers will be expelled, or be released into a layer of mucus which protects the lung. There are Railroad Workers Cancer Lawsuit which can be stuck to the lungs for many years or even for decades.Although the effects on health of this condition are different from person-to-person, it can result in chest discomfort, shortness of breath trouble breathing, tightness in the chest, and chest pain. Other signs include difficulty swallowing and weight loss.Children who have been exposed to asbestos are at greater chance of developing mesothelioma or another form of cancer, because they are more likely to inhale asbestos-containing fibers through their mouths and noses. The reason is that their lung tissue is still developing.They breathe at a faster rate, and since their lungs have a greater volume-to-surface ratio than adults', they can inhale more asbestos fibers.Because they are more susceptible to inhaling harmful fibers, children are at a particularly high chance of developing mesothelioma especially if they've been in close contact with railroad cars. If they have a parent who has mesothelioma, they are at an increased chance of developing the disease.CreosoteIn the 19th century Creosote was invented to keep wood from rot and insect damage. It also saved railroad companies money by cutting down on the cost of replacing wood. Creosote can still be used to treat wood products. It is also used for protection of log homes and marine pilings.It is a poisonous substance and has been linked to a variety of cancers. These include esophageal, lung and larynx cancers.The health risks of creosote exposure are especially high among those who work in the wood preservation, coke production and asphalt industries. Workers who perform physical work like rail track maintenance or construction, like chimney sweeps, can also be exposed.Creosote exposure can cause irritation of the skin and eyes chemical burns, eyelid spasms convulsions, mental confusion unconsciousness, kidney issues, and death. It can also affect the lung and cause respiratory issues as time passes, much like smoking cigarettes.Creosote is a chemical derived from coal tar can be absorbed through skin. It can also be absorption through food or water.Railroad workers are exposed to creosote whenever they work near hazardous waste sites. These sites typically contain large amounts of creosote which can cause contamination of water, soil and air.Another source of exposure to creosote for rail employees is working in the wood treatment industry. Many wood products, such as fences and timber, are treated with creosote.Those who work in these fields are typically not provided with protective equipment, which can expose them to creosote , as well as other toxic substances. This can lead to serious health issues, such as cancer and chronic fatigue syndrome.Creosote is an oily liquid that has a bitter, burning taste, is amber-black in color. It is not buoyant in liquids and has an SG of 1.037 to 1.87. It is a mix of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and phenolic compounds, as well as other chemicals. The most well-known form of creosote is coal tar, however different forms are also utilized.Diesel ExhaustDiesel exhaust is a byproduct of burning fuel and released into the air when diesel engines are in use. Diesel exhaust is also released by diesel locomotives and farm equipment, construction equipment generators, and other industrial equipment.People who work around diesel exhaust could be at greater chance of developing cancer. This is because they are more susceptible to being exposed than those who work in other industries.Exposure to diesel exhaust for a long time can cause lung carcinoma in laboratory animals like rats. In some instances, diesel exhaust can alter the DNA of cells which make them more likely to develop and eventually become cancerous.Studies on the effects of diesel exhaust in humans have shown a range of health issues, including respiratory disorders like emphysema, chronic bronchitis, as well as blood system diseases such as bladder cancers and the voice box, stomach, pancreas, and stomach. Some cancers of the prostate, stomach, and breast 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 and is part of the World Health Organization.Workers who are exposed to large machines and engines, such as truck drivers and operators of toll booths, could be at a high risk of developing cancer from exposure to diesel exhaust. They may be at risk too for cancer if they spend a significant amount of time in areas that see a lot of diesel traffic (e.g. highways or cities).Railroad workers who manage and construct tracks and yards can also be exposed to diesel fumes when they work near diesel engines or other machinery. Cancer Lawsuit Settlements can pose a risk in the cabins of engines or other machinery.Long-term diesel exhaust exposure caused lung inflammation and cancer in laboratory rats. Some of these tumors were similar to lung Adenocarcinoma. Railroad Cancer Lawsuit is a form of cancer that develops when the lung's cells increase rapidly and develop into malignant.