Benzene, Butadiene, and Other Carcinogens on the RailroadMany railroad workers are exposed to benzene, butadiene and other carcinogens during the job. If you've developed a severe illness, such as leukemia for instance, you could be eligible for compensation.Leukemias develop in blood-forming tissues like bone marrow or lymphatic tissue. Chronic lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) is one of four types of leukemia that are prevalent in adults.BenzeneThe chemical Benzene can be absorbed through inhalation or through the skin. It is a crude by-product of oil that is used in the production of nylons, plastics, and synthetic fibers. It is also used in lubricants and dyes. It is a well-known carcinogen that can cause leukemia, acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) myelodysplastic syndromes and lymphomas.Railroad workers are exposed benzene through the use of mineral spirits, solvents and degreasers. They are also exposed to diesel fuel and exhaust fumes when working on freight cars, locomotives and other railway equipment. railroad back injury settlements face a high chance of developing chronic lymphocytic leukemia because of this exposure.Numerous epidemiologic studies have revealed that exposure to benzene may increase the risk of developing leukemia. A meta-analysis of 22 recent studies has provided a summary on the impact of benzene on AML and Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia(ALL) and Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia(CLL).The meta-analysis suggests that exposure to benzene during work increases the risk of developing these leukemias. However, the results for AML and CLL were less than those for ALL. This could be due to the lower reporting rate for these subgroups, in addition to an absence of dose-response with the increase in exposure. The meta-analysis found no evidence of publication bias.AsbestosAsbestos is a fibrous rock that is used in thousands of industrial products. lung cancer lawsuit settlements against fire, heat and corrosion makes it an ideal material for railroad locomotives and other machinery. Asbestos poses a threat for those who work with it. If exposed to the material asbestos fibers, they break down into microscopically thin strands that become airborne. Inhaling them, they may form a hole in the lung. They can cause a variety of serious illnesses, including mesothelioma.Asbestos fibers may cause irritation to the lung lining when they enter the lung. This irritation can result in a buildup of collagen that hardens over time, forming plaques called pleural. This problem can cause chest discomfort and breathing issues.Another type of lung damage resulting from asbestos exposure is fibrosis, which causes scar tissue that interferes with breathing capacity of an individual. If not treated this condition could be fatal.Contact a FELA lawyer right away if you are a railroad employee who has been diagnosed with a health issue related to asbestos. A mesothelioma lawyer with experience can assist you in filing an action for compensation. To be successful, you must prove that your exposure to a toxic substance on the job contributed to your illness. FELA attorneys often work with industrial safety experts, also known as industrial hygienists to review materials at the railroad workplace and determine if the railroad followed the correct safety procedures.Diesel ExhaustRailroad workers often encounter carcinogenic fumes and substances on the job, such as diesel exhaust. Excessive exposure to diesel exhaust has been linked to mesothelioma, lung cancer and other serious occupational diseases among railroad workers. Inhaling the engine exhaust and particulates can cause chronic health issues that can be difficult to treat. railroad lawsuit settlements is used in locomotives, and the interior of a locomotive's cab is tiny and has no ventilation. Diesel exhaust is inhaled by railroad workers, and it may also be dragged back onto themselves and their clothing when they leave the locomotive cab. Diesel exhaust can also be a problem for railroad workers who work in yards or shops, since they are often in close proximity to locomotives.Diesel exhaust is believed to contain mutagenic and carcinogenic compounds that can be absorbed into the bloodstream. These chemicals can affect the blood and bone marrow and cause damage to the respiratory tract. In a study which tracked dozens of workers who were regularly exposed to diesel exhaust, researchers found that those with the longest duration of exposure were at the highest risk for lung cancer.Even after controlling for smoking and other risk factors lung cancer mortality was significantly higher in railroad workers exposed to diesel exhaust. union pacific settlements is investigating a number of complaints from railroad workers who were sickened by frequent exposure to diesel exhaust, solvents and other industrial toxic exposures.