Railroad Cancer Railroads burn millions of gallons diesel fuel in order to run freight trains on long distances. This highly toxic diesel exhaust contains carcinogens like arsenic, dioxin and benzene.If you're an ex- or current railroad worker who has been diagnosed with cancer, you could be entitled to compensation under the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA). Our skilled Houston railroad cancer lawyers can help you get an equitable financial settlement to help you bear the burden.BenzeneIt is an industrial solvent and is found in the exhaust of diesel engines. Many railroad workers, including conductors, engineers, machinists electricians, and conductors work in areas where they are exposed to diesel fumes.Certain people can develop cancer following one exposure to benzene. It is known to cause acute meeloid leukemia (AML). This cancer begins in the bone marrow, and then spreads to blood. It is more common among men than women and can be fatal if not treated.The immune system is susceptible to damage from the chemical benzene. This is the reason it is a risk. This can result in various health issues including infections and a diminished capability to fight off germs. Benzene can also cause bone weakness and increase the risk for arthritis.Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is a different serious adverse effect of benzene. This form of cancer begins in the bone marrow, and grows into blood. It may be a threat to the spleen, or other parts of your body.A 2015 study showed that even low levels of benzene increases the risk of developing leukemia by three-quarters. Researchers looked at the medical records of 25000 Norwegian oil-rig workers who had been working for more than 20 days.Despite the risk of being exposed to benzene is still utilized in many commercial and industrial settings. Fortunately, there are ways to limit exposure and prevent benzene poisoning.Wearing protective eyewear and proper clothing is a way to protect your eyes. This will help to keep benzene out of the nose and eyes. A respirator should be used as often as it is possible.If you suspect you've been exposed, immediately consult your physician. This will help to identify any symptoms that you may have and will help to reduce the chance of death from benzene poisoning.Benzene can also cause brain damage, as well as other types of cancer. It can cause confusion and memory loss. If Cancer Lawsuit Settlements suffer from this condition it can result in the quality of life and make it difficult for you to function at home and at work.AsbestosAsbestos, a poisonous mineral, has been found to be a cause of lung cancer and mesothelioma. It is found in a variety materials that are used in construction, including pipe insulation, floor tiles.As a result , asbestos exposure poses one of the most serious health risks for railroad workers. Railroad workers are exposed to asbestos in a variety of ways. Here are a few of the most commonly used:One exposure to asbestos may lead to mesothelioma or other life-threatening cancers. These cancers can manifest in the lungs, mesothelium (the membrane that covers the lung) as well as the abdominal cavity.Most people who have been exposed to asbestos fibers won't be affected by any of the health issues that can be associated with this substance. The majority of fibers are expelled through coughing or in the form of mucus. This protects the lung. There are some asbestos fibers that may remain in your lungs for years , or even for decades.Although the health effects of this condition may differ from person-to-person, they can cause chest pain, breath shortness trouble breathing, tightness in the chest and chest pain. Other signs include difficulty swallowing and weight loss.Children who have been exposed to asbestos are at a greater risk of developing mesothelioma or another form of cancer because they are more likely to inhale asbestos-related fibers through their mouths and noses. The reason for this is because their lung tissues are still developing.They breathe in more asbestos fibers due to the fact that they breathe at a higher rate and have a greater surface area to volume ratio than adults.Young children are more likely to breathe in the harmful fibers than adults, and are more at risk if in close proximity to railroad vehicles. If they have a parent who has mesothelioma, they are at greater chance of developing the disease.CreosoteDuring the 19th Century Creosote was invented to keep wood from rot and insects, thus saving railroad companies money by reducing the cost of replacing wood. Creosote can still be used to treat wood products today. It can also be used to protect log homes and marine pilings.It is a poisonous substance and has been linked to a variety of cancers. Some of these include esophageal, lung, and larynx cancers.The health risks of creosote are especially present in those who work in the wood preservation, coke production and asphalt industries. Chimney sweeps, as well as those who are physically laborers, such as rail track maintenance and construction, could also be exposed to creosote.Creosote exposure can cause skin irritation, eyelid spasms and convulsions, as also chemical burns, convulsions, chemical burns and unconsciousness. It can also trigger lung problems and respiratory problems, similar to smoking cigarettes.Creosote is a substance that is made from coal tar . It is able to be inhaled through the skin. It can also be taken in through food items that are contaminated or water.One of the most common sources of exposure to creosote among railroad workers is working around a hazardous waste site. These sites typically contain large amounts of creosote that could contaminate water, soil and air.Another source of creosote exposure for rail employees is working in the wood treatment industry. Many wood products like fences and lumber are treated with creosote.The people who work in these industries are often not protected with the proper equipment, and this exposes them to creosote and contaminants. This can lead to serious health conditions, including chronic fatigue syndrome and cancer.Creosote is an oily liquid with a burning, bitter taste, is amber-black in color. It is not buoyant in liquids and has a specific gravity of 1.037 to 1.87. It is a mix of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and phenolic compounds as well as other chemicals. The most popular form of creosote used is coal tar, however other forms are also used.Diesel ExhaustDiesel exhaust is a byproduct from burning fuel and released into the atmosphere when diesel engines are in use. Diesel exhaust can also be released by diesel locomotives and farm equipment, construction equipment generators, as well as other industrial equipment.Workers who work near diesel exhaust may be at a higher chance of developing cancer. This is because they are more susceptible to exposure to the same chemicals as those working in other sectors.Exposure to diesel exhaust for a long time can cause lung carcinoma in laboratory animals, such as rats. In some cases, the diesel exhaust can even change the DNA of cells, making them more likely to grow and develop cancer. Railroad Cancer Lawsuit on diesel exhaust in humans have also revealed a wide range of health issues, including respiratory disorders like emphysemaor chronic bronchitis, and blood system diseases like cancers of the bladder and voice box, stomach, pancreas, and stomach. Some cancers of the prostate, breast and stomach have been associated with diesel exhaust.The American Cancer Society considers diesel exhaust to be a carcinogen. It is classified as carcinogenic by the International Agency for Research on Cancer and is 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, including truck drivers or operators of toll booths. They could also be at risk if they spend too much time in areas where heavy diesel traffic occurs (e.g. cities or highways).Railroad workers who construct and maintain yards and tracks can be exposed to diesel fumes when they work near diesel engines or other machinery. These fumes can be dangerous in the cabins of locomotives and other equipment.Long-term exposure to diesel exhaust caused lung cancers and inflammation in laboratory rats. Some of these tumors appeared like a kind of cancer called a lung adenocarcinoma, which occurs when the cells in the lungs are malignant and multiply rapidly.