Benzene, Butadiene, and Other Carcinogens on the RailroadMany railroad workers are exposed to benzene butadiene and other carcinogens on the job. railroad injury settlement amounts may be entitled to compensation for developing an illness that is grave, such as leukemia.Leukemias develop in blood-forming tissues like bone marrow, and lymphatic tissue. Chronic lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) is one of the four main types of leukemia in adults.BenzeneBenzene can be inhaled, or absorbed by the skin. It is a crude oil by-product used in the production of resins, plastics, nylons, and synthetic fibers. It is also used as a component in dyes and lubricants. It is a well-known carcinogen that causes leukemia, acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) myelodysplastic disorders and lymphomas.Railroad workers are exposed benzene through the use of mineral spirits, solvents and degreasers. When working on locomotives and freight cars, they are exposed to diesel fumes and exhaust. Because of this, railroad workers are at a higher chance of developing chronic leukemia. union pacific settlements have found a significant increase in risk of leukemia with increasing exposure to benzene. A recent meta-analysis of 22 studies gave an overview of the effects of benzene exposure and the risk of AML, Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL) and Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL).The results from the meta-analysis indicate that occupational benzene exposure significantly increases the risk of these leukemias. The results for AML, CLL and ALL were less favourable. This could be due to the lower reporting rate for these subgroups, in addition due to the lack of dose-response with the increase in exposure. Colon cancer lawsuit settlements -analysis did not find any evidence of bias in publication.AsbestosAsbestos is a fibrous mineral that has been used to create a variety of industrial products. Its resistance to fire, heat and corrosion makes it a perfect material for railroad locomotives and other machinery. Asbestos can pose a threat to workers who handle it. When exposed to asbestos asbestos fibers, they break down into microscopically thin fibers that can become airborne. Inhaling them, they can form a swarm in the lung. They can cause various serious illnesses, such as mesothelioma.When asbestos fibers are introduced into the lungs of a person, they can irritate the lining of the lungs. This irritation can cause a buildup of collagen that becomes harder over time, creating plaques called pleural. This condition can cause chest pain and trouble breathing.Fibrosis is yet another form of lung injury that can be caused by asbestos exposure. This scar tissue can interfere in the ability to breathe. If left untreated, this condition can be fatal.Contact an FELA lawyer right away if you are a railroad employee who has been diagnosed with a disease related to asbestos. A mesothelioma lawyer can assist you file a claim for compensation. To win a claim, you must prove that exposure to a toxic substance during the job contributed to the development of your disease. FELA attorneys frequently work with industrial safety specialists called industrial hygienists. They examine the materials used at the railroad workplace and determine if the railroad company was following the correct occupational safety procedures.Diesel ExhaustRailroad workers are often exposed to carcinogenic fumes and substances on the job, such as diesel exhaust. The exposure to diesel exhaust has been linked to lung cancer, mesothelioma, and other serious occupational illnesses among railroad workers. Inhaling particulates and engine exhaust can cause long-term health problems that are difficult to treat.Diesel fuel is used in locomotives and the interior of a locomotive's cab is tiny and has no ventilation. Railroad workers can be exposed to diesel exhaust by breathing it in the cab, and by being able to drag it back over their clothing and themselves when they leave the cab. Diesel exhaust is also a problem for railroad workers who work in shops or yards, since they are often near to locomotives.Diesel exhaust is believed to be a source of carcinogenic and mutagenic compounds that can be absorbed into bloodstream. These chemicals can cause harm to the respiratory system and blood, as well as the bone marrow. In a research study that analyzed many workers who were frequently exposed to diesel exhaust, scientists found that those with the longest exposure time were at risk for the most lung cancer.Lung cancer mortality was significantly higher in railroad workers exposed to diesel exhaust, despite eliminating smoking-related deaths and other factors. The Lyon Firm is investigating claims from railroad workers who have been ill from exposure to diesel exhaust and other industrial toxic substances.