Railroad CancerRailroads use millions of gallons diesel fuel to transport freight trains across long distances. The highly toxic diesel exhaust contains carcinogens like arsenic, benzene and dioxin.If you're a railroad employee who has been diagnosed with cancer, you could be eligible for compensation under the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA). Our knowledgeable Houston railroad lawyers can help you seek fair financial compensation for your pain and suffering.BenzeneBenzene is a solvent used in industrial processes that is found in the exhaust from diesel engines. Many railroad workers, such as conductors, engineers and machinists and electricians, work in areas in which they come in contact with diesel fumes.A single exposure to benzene may lead to cancer in some people. Particularly, it is known to cause acute myeloid leukemia (AML). This cancer begins in the bone marrow and spreads into the blood. It is more prevalent among men than women and can be fatal if not treated.The immune system is susceptible to damage from the chemical benzene. This is why it poses a danger. This can result in illnesses and a diminished ability to fight germs. Railroad Workers Cancer Lawsuit can also weaken bones and increase the risk of arthritis.Another serious issue that can be attributed to exposure to benzene is chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). Cancer Lawsuit Settlements start in the bone marrow and expands into the blood. It can also affect the spleen and other organs in your body.A 2015 study found that even the smallest amount of benzene may increase the risk of leukemia by a third. Researchers looked into the medical documents of more than 25,000 Norwegian oil-rig workers who worked for more that 20 days.Benzene is still used in a wide variety of industrial and commercial operations despite the risks of exposure to it. There are ways to lessen exposure and avoid poisoning from benzene.One way is to wear the right clothes and eyewear that is protected. This will help to keep benzene from entering the eyes and nose. It is also recommended to wear an oxygen mask whenever you can.If you suspect that you've been exposed, immediately call your doctor. This will help you detect any signs and decrease the chance of dying from poisoning caused by benzene.Benzene may 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 perform your duties at home or at work.AsbestosAsbestos is a poisonous mineral that has been known to cause serious diseases including lung cancer as well as mesothelioma. It is found in a variety of construction materials, including floor tiles and pipe insulation.As a result, asbestos exposure is one of the greatest health risks to people who work in the industry of railroads. Railroad workers may be exposed to asbestos in various ways. Some of the most frequent are:One exposure to asbestos can lead to mesothelioma as well as other cancers that are life-threatening. These cancers can manifest in the lungs, the mesothelium (the membrane that covers the lung) and the abdominal cavity.The majority of people who have been exposed to asbestos fibers aren't likely to develop any of the health issues caused by this substance. Most fibers will be expelled through coughing or as mucus. This helps protect the lungs. There are asbestos fibers that may stick to your lungs for years , or even decades.The effects of this condition differ from individual to individual but it can cause shortness of breath or chest pain, difficulty breathing, or a tight feeling in the chest. Other signs include difficulty swallowing and weight loss.Children who have been exposed to asbestos are at a higher chance of developing mesothelioma and other forms of cancer. They are more likely to breathe harmful fibers via the mouth and nose. Their lungs are still developing.They inhale more asbestos fibers because they breathe at a higher rate and have a higher surface area to volume ratio than adults.Young children are more likely to inhale the harmful fibers than adults, and are more at risk if they've been in close proximity to railroad cars. They also stand a higher risk of developing this disease if they have an ancestor with mesothelioma.CreosoteDuring the 19th Century creosote was created to help protect wood from rot as well as insect damage, saving railroad companies money by cutting down on the cost of replacing wood. Creosote is currently used to treat wood products. It can also be used to protect log homes and marine pilings.It is a toxic chemical that has been linked to a number of cancers. These include esophageal and lung cancers, and larynx cancers.The health risks associated with creosote-related exposure are especially significant for those working in the wood preservation, coke production and asphalt industries. Workers who do physical labor such as maintenance of rail tracks or construction, for instance chimney sweeps, may also be exposed.Creosote exposure can cause eyelid irritation, skin convulsions and spasms, as also chemical burns, chemical burns, convulsions and even unconsciousness. It can also trigger respiratory problems and lung problems, similar to smoking cigarettes.Creosote is a chemical that is made from coal tar . It is able to be taken in through the skin. Cancer Lawsuit Settlements is also absorbed through contaminated food or water.Railroad workers are exposed to the toxins of creosote when they work near hazardous waste sites. These sites usually contain huge quantities of creosote, which can be harmful to water, soil and air.Another way to expose yourself to creosote for rail employees is working in the wood treatment industry. Many wood products such as fences and lumber are treated with creosote.The majority of these workers are not provided with protective gear and are therefore exposed to toxic substances. This can lead to serious health conditions, like chronic fatigue syndrome and cancer.Creosote, a liquid that is oily with a burning, bitter taste, is amber-black in color. It isn't a contaminant in liquids and has a specific gravity of 1.037 to 1.87. It is a mix of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons phenolic compounds and other chemicals. While coal is the most popular form, different forms of creosote also exist.Diesel ExhaustDiesel exhaust is a byproduct from fuel combustion and is released into the air when diesel engines are utilized. Diesel exhaust can also be released by diesel locomotives and farm equipment, construction equipment generators, and other industrial equipment.Diesel exhaust workers may be at a higher risk of developing cancer. This is due to the fact that they are frequently exposed to more of this substance than people who work in other industries.Certain studies have shown that exposure to diesel exhaust could cause lung cancer in laboratory animals such as rats. In some cases, the diesel exhaust could alter the DNA of cells which make them more likely to develop and eventually become cancerous.Studies on the effects of diesel exhaust on humans have also demonstrated that exposure to heavy amounts can lead to various health issues which include respiratory disorders like chronic bronchitis, emphysema and blood system diseases , such as bladder cancers and larynx (voice box) and stomach, esophagus and the pancreas. Some cancers of the prostate, stomach, and breast have been associated with diesel exhaust.The American Cancer Society considers diesel exhaust to be carcinogen. It is classified as carcinogenic by the International Agency for Research on Cancer, part of the World Health Organization.Workers who work with large machines and engines, such as truck drivers and toll booth operators could be at the highest risk of developing cancer because of the exhaust of diesel. They can also be at high risk if they spend a lot of time in locations that are prone to heavy diesel traffic, such as highways and cities.Railroad workers who build and maintain yards and tracks may be exposed to diesel fumes when they work near diesel engines or other machinery. The fumes could be harmful in the cabins of engines or other machinery.A study on laboratory rats found that exposure to diesel exhaust can cause several lung tumors and inflammation changes. Some of these tumors looked similar to a type of cancer known as a lung adenocarcinoma. This happens when the cells within the lungs turn malignant and grow and divide rapidly.