[1] [2] Railroad Cancer Railroads use millions of gallons diesel fuel to transport freight trains across long distances. This extremely toxic diesel exhaust is a source of carcinogens like arsenic, benzene and dioxin.If you are a railroad employee who has been diagnosed with cancer, you may be eligible for compensation under the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA). Our Houston railroad cancer lawyers can assist you to receive fair financial compensation for your suffering.BenzeneBenzene, an industrial solvent is found in the exhaust from diesel fuel. Many railroad workers, like conductors, engineers, machinists and electricians work in areas in which they come in contact with diesel fumes.Certain people can develop cancer from just one exposure to benzene. Particularly, it is thought to cause acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The cancer begins in the bone marrow, and then it spreads to blood. It is more prevalent in men than it is in women , and can be fatal if untreated.The immune system can be damaged by benzene, and that's why it is a threat. This could lead to infections and a decrease in the capacity to fight germs. Benzene may also weaken bones and increase the risk for arthritis.Another serious issue resulting from exposure to benzene can be chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). This form of cancer begins in the bone marrow, and expands into blood. It can affect the spleen , as well as other parts of the body.A study conducted in 2015 revealed that even low levels of benzene can increase the risk of leukemia by 33. Researchers examined the medical documents of 25000 Norwegian oil-rig workers who worked for more that 20 days.Despite the dangers of exposure to benzene, it is still utilized in many industrial and commercial operations. Fortunately, there are ways to reduce exposure and prevent poisoning with benzene.Wearing protective eyewear and clothing is a way to safeguard your eyes. This will prevent benzene getting in the nose and eyes. A respirator should be used whenever feasible.If you suspect you've been exposed, you should immediately call your doctor. This will help you identify any symptoms and reduce the chance of dying due to benzene poisoning.Benzene can also cause brain damage, as well as various other forms of cancer. It can cause loss of memory and confusion. If you are suffering from this condition it can result in a decline in your quality of life and make it difficult to perform your duties at home or at work.AsbestosAsbestos, a noxious mineral, has been proven to cause lung cancer and mesothelioma. It is found in a variety materials used in construction, such as pipe insulation or floor tiles.As a result , exposure to asbestos poses one of the greatest health risks to railroad workers. Railroad workers are exposed to asbestos in a variety ways. Here are some of the most frequent:One exposure to asbestos can cause mesothelioma as well as other cancers that are life-threatening. The cancers can grow in the lungs, mesothelium (the membrane that covers the lungs) and the abdominal cavity.The majority of people who have been exposed to asbestos fibers aren't likely to suffer from any of the health problems that are associated with this chemical. Most fibers will be expelled through coughing or as mucus. This protects the lungs. There are some asbestos fibers that can remain in the lungs for many years or even for decades.The health consequences of this condition vary from individual to individual, but it can cause shortness in breath chest pain, trouble breathing, or a tight feeling in the chest. Other signs include difficulty swallowing and weight loss.Asbestos-exposed children are at greater chance of developing mesothelioma and other types of cancer. They are more likely to breathe harmful fibers through their nose and mouth. Their lung's development is still in its early stages.They inhale more asbestos fibers as they breathe at a faster speed and have a larger volume to surface ratio than adults.Due to their vulnerability to inhaling dangerous fibers, children are at a high risk of developing mesothelioma especially when they have been in close contact with railroad vehicles. They are also at the risk of developing this disease when they have a family member with mesothelioma.CreosoteCreosote was first developed in the 19th century in order to protect wood from insect and rot damage. Railroad companies were capable of saving money by reducing the cost of replacing wood. Even today, creosote remains used to treat wood products. It can also be used to protect log homes and marine pilings.It is a poisonous substance and has been linked to numerous cancers. Some of them include lung, esophageal, and larynx cancers.Workers in the asphalt, wood preservation and coke production industries are at particular risk. Workers who perform physical work like maintenance of rail tracks or construction, for instance chimney sweeps, might also be exposed.Creosote exposure can cause eyelid irritation, skin spasms and convulsions as also chemical burns, chemical burns, convulsions and unconsciousness. It can also trigger lung problems and respiratory issues, similar to smoking.Creosote is a substance that is made from coal tar . It is able to be absorbed through the skin. It can also enter the body through contaminated food and water.Railroad workers are exposed to creosote if they work close to hazardous waste sites. These sites usually contain huge amounts of creosote and could contaminate water, soil and air.Another source of creosote exposure for rail workers is when they work in the wood treatment industry. Many wood products, including lumber and fences, are treated with creosote.The majority of these workers are not provided with protective gear which could expose them for creosote or other toxic substances. This can cause serious health issues like cancer and chronic fatigue syndrome.Creosote, an oily fluid with a burning, bitter taste, is amber-black in color. It isn't buoyant in water and has an SG of 1.037 to 1.087. It is a mixture of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons phenolic compounds, as well as other chemicals. The most common form of creosote is coal tar, however other forms are also available.Diesel ExhaustDiesel exhaust is a byproduct of combustion that is released into the air when you operate vehicles equipped with diesel engines. Diesel exhaust is also released by diesel locomotives and farm equipment, construction equipment generators, and other industrial equipment.Diesel exhaust workers are more susceptible to developing cancer. This is due to the fact that they are more susceptible to being exposed to radiation than workers in other industries.Some research shows that exposure to diesel exhaust can cause lung cancer in laboratory animals such as rats. In some cases, the diesel exhaust can even change the DNA in cells which make them more likely to grow and become cancerous.Studies of diesel exhaust in humans have also demonstrated that heavy exposure can cause numerous health issues that include respiratory disorders such as emphysema and chronic bronchitis and blood system disorders like bladder cancers and larynx (voice box) as well as stomach, esophagus and the pancreas. Some cancers of the prostate, stomach, and breast have been associated with diesel exhaust.Diesel exhaust is classified as a carcinogen by the American Cancer Society. It is classified as such in the International Agency for Research on Cancer (part of the World Health Organization).The exposure to diesel exhaust can pose a significant risk to people who work with huge engines and machines, like truck drivers or toll booth operators. They could also be at risk if they spend too much time in areas where heavy diesel traffic is prevalent (e.g. highways or cities).In addition, railroad employees who construct and maintain tracks and yards may be exposed to diesel fumes if they are working close to locomotives or other equipment that uses diesel engines. These fumes can be dangerous in the cabins of machinery such as locomotives and other machines.A study in laboratory rats revealed that exposure to diesel exhaust can cause various lung tumors and inflammatory changes. Some of these tumors were similar to lung adenocarcinoma. This is a type of cancer that occurs when the lung's cells grow rapidly and become malignant.