Railroad Settlements and AsbestosIn 1862, Congress passed the Pacific Railroad Act, which helped fund two transcontinental railroads by giving large grants of land for rights-of-way. Railroad workers who contract cancer due to exposures at work can sue employers under the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA). asbestos lung cancer settlements has handed down an $7.5 million verdict to an ex- Union Pacific trackman dying from acute myeloid leukemia. He blamed his blood-cancer on exposure to creosote as well as other chemicals used to preserve railroad ties made of wood.CreosoteCoal tar creosote, a wood preserver, can be used to shield railroad tie from heat, sun and cold, rain and snow. During the process of applying coal tar creosote workers are exposed to a wide range of toxic chemicals and solvents such as benzene. Benzene is a known carcinogen that can cause myelodysplastic syndrome, leukemia and non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma as well as other serious side consequences like convulsions changes in your heartbeat, liver damage anemia as well as bone marrow damage. cancer of the lungs and skin.Our attorneys have successfully prosecuted numerous lawsuits against Union Pacific Railroad for exposure to coal-tar creosote. One of these cases culminated in a $7.500,000 verdict. The plaintiff was a track employee who developed acute myeloid leukemia due to exposure to the toxic chemical compound during his employment for over 31 years. The jury concluded that the railroad did not provide any personal protective equipment, and exposed him to a variety of toxic chemicals, including coal-tar tar creosote and coal tar distillates.Another claim involved the use of copper naphthenate a substitute for creosote derived from coal. Copper naphthenate, while less harmful to the environment than creosote, is very dangerous. Copper naphthenate has been identified as a carcinogen and can cause skin, nerve and lung damage. It also contaminates soil and groundwater with benzene.BenzeneA colorless, liquid petroleum hydrocarbon, benzene is used in the production of resins, plastics nylon, synthetic fibers and other. It can also be found in diesel fuels and exhaust. Diesel fumes are regularly inhaled by nearly all railroad workers. Benzene is a well-known carcinogen, and has been linked to leukemia and myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS).There is no safe level of exposure to benzene. It can be breathed in or absorbs through the surface of the skin. Exposure for long periods can harm the blood and cause many different health issues, including menstrual cycle irregularities, anemia and fertility problems. Benzene has also been linked to certain types of cancers such as lung and breast cancer.Benzene can be ingested orally, but it is most hazardous when inhaled. Inhaling benzene could cause headaches, dizziness and nosebleeds. The benzene compound can also impair the immune system, which can result in infections.Recent reports have highlighted the high levels of benzene in the vicinity of two Chicago train stations. Commuters as well as railroad workers and city residents were exposed to excessive levels of pollution. Schools halted classes and cities urged residents to take shelter. Railroad workers, like car department employees and electricians, locomotive mechanics and pipefitters utilize benzene containing products like Safety-Kleen part washers, CRC Brakleen, as well as paints thinners, paints and other products. Also, benzene is used in printing solvents.AsbestosThe asbestos usage in the railroad industry was discovered early. Asbestos consists of six naturally occurring silicate minerals with a fibrous structure. They were used in construction because they had resistance to corrosion, fire-resisting, and insulate qualities. Inhaling these fibers can cause serious health issues such as lung cancer, mesothelioma and asbestosis. The symptoms of these diseases can take 15 to 30 years to show.The EPA has been able to ban asbestos mining and processing in the US, but it still appears in a variety of products. This includes various types of paper, flooring felt and fake fireplace embers. However, when these products are exposed to water or heat they could release toxic asbestos fibers. These fibers can also be released into air during demolition or renovations.A recent study has shown that exposure to benzene for only five years significantly increases the likelihood of developing acute myeloid tumor (AML). Talk to your doctor if you have symptoms such as night sweats or an unprovoked weight loss. They can perform the test of blood to check for AML.The EPA recently concluded a settlement with Genesee & Wyoming Railroad Services Inc. (GWRSI). GWRSI operates locomotives that emit nitrogen oxides and fine particulates (PM2.5) when they are running on diesel fuel. This EPA settlement requires GWRSI to replace any of its existing locomotives with new ones that meet EPA emission standards.Diesel ExhaustAs long diesel fuel is used to power freight trains, railroad workers will continue to be exposed exhaust. Diesel exhaust is a dangerous mix of chemicals that includes carcinogens such benzene and carbon monoxide. It also contains particulate matter, polyaromatic hydrocarbons, and nitrogen oxides.In fact the International Agency for Research on Cancer classified diesel exhaust as a Group 1 carcinogen. In addition, diesel exhaust can be a source of respiratory illness in the form of bronchiopulmonary illnesses such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and bronchiectasis. A study published in Environmental Health Perspectives in 2006 linked railroad worker employment to COPD rates.Rail and locomotives emit diesel exhaust when they are running and idle in roundhouses and depots as well as shops and yards. The idling engines and machinery emit gases in addition to diesel fumes, including sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides.Diesel exhaust fumes are often unnoticeable in locomotive cabins in which conductors and engineers are seated for at least six hours a day. The equipment and engine emit more diesel exhaust fumes when people enter or leave the cabs. This can cause lung and cancerous conditions.Furthermore railroad mechanics are also exposed to diesel exhausts in poorly ventilated roundhouses and shops. They work in enclosed spaces that contain track equipment, locomotives and asbestos-insulated steam boilers.