[1] Railroad Workers and CancerIf you or a loved one has been diagnosed with cancer while working as a railroad worker or other employee, you may be entitled to compensation. The Federal Employers Liability (FELA) that allows compensation for railroad employers who are negligent and cause cancer, or related injuries, gives you the opportunity.Diesel exhaust fumes are the most common cause of lung cancer among railway workers. Exposure to this carcinogenic chemical can also cause different types of cancers, including bladder cancer, leukemia, esophageal cancer, and pancreatic cancer.Lung CancerA railroad worker's exposure to exhaust fumes from diesel engines can increase the likelihood of developing lung cancer. These fumes are made up of diesel fuel, which has toxic compounds of more than 12 carcinogenic chemicals. They also contain aroma hydrocarbons with polycyclic chemistry that can cause lung damage over time.Many railroad workers are exposed fumes while working in the cabs of the engine crew or in shop areas. The diesel fumes are made up of the principal components of diesel fuel, including carbon monoxide (CO), hydrogen sulfide and nitrogen oxide, as well as other minor components. These toxins can cause a variety of serious health issues, including lung disease, as well as heart attacks and cancers.According to a study railroad engineers and conductors were at higher risk of developing lung cancer. The majority of lung cancers occur in the lungs and can be fatal within a short time after the diagnosis.Lung cancer can be found in two forms such as small cell lung cancer and non-small cell lung cancer. Both kinds of lung cancer can be treated with different treatment options. However, it is difficult and expensive to treat a lung cancer.There is a possibility of a claim against your employer if you or someone in your family has contracted lung cancer as a result of working in the railroad industry. Federal law gives railroad employees the right to file claims for medical damages when their condition is caused by their work environment or negligence.To determine if a railroad employee's illness was caused by their employment, a lawyer can review the history of work and employment documents. Lawyers can also consult with other professionals who are adept at investigating and prosecuting lawsuits involving railroads.The railroad's use asbestos and its other carcinogenic compounds was recognized to put employees at a greater risk of cancer, including mesothelioma. Railroad companies continued to employ asbestos and other asbestos-containing materials even after it was banned in 1970.As a result they developed mesothelioma the most deadly form of cancer that affects the lining of the lungs. It is also an indicator of other types of cancer.There is a strong link between diesel exhaust exposure and the mortality rate of lung cancer. This is why it is important for railroad workers to undergo regular medical checkups and ask their doctors to recommend lung cancer screening tests. These tests include chest x-rays or low-dose CT scans.LeukemiaLeukemia is a form of cancer that occurs in the blood-forming tissues. It is a type of white blood cell, called lymphocytes. If left untreated it could lead to death.Railroad workers are at a higher chance of developing this kind of cancer because of their exposure to chemicals in their workplace. The most frequent chemical exposures are herbicides, pesticides, benzene, and diesel fuel.Evidence is mounting to suggest that certain industrial chemicals could increase the risk of developing blood cancers like leukemia. The most common of these chemical exposures is benzene, which is a petroleum-based product that is found in diesel and gasoline fuel.Benzene is a clear flammable liquid with an odor that is sweet, is very common. It is also used in numerous solvents, lubricants and other products.The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health has classified benzene to be a carcinogen. This means that it can cause cancer. It is present in diesel exhaust that railroad engineers and machinists, electricians, conductors and workers are exposed to regularly.Other chemicals that could cause blood cancer in railroad workers include creosote as well as coal tar. These chemicals are commonly found in bridges and structures for railroads, as well as in tie-ups used by train track department employees to connect railroad tracks.Pesticides and herbicides are two additional chemicals that have been linked to blood cancers in railroad workers. Pesticides and herbicides can be found in railroad yards as well as right-of-way to combat pests and other undesirable plant life.The most commonly used pesticides that are found in railroad yards and right of ways are fungicides and herbicides. These chemicals can increase the chance of developing a blood cancer such as leukemia by causing the bone marrow produce abnormal blood cells that don't function normally.Other industrial chemicals that could be a risk factor for blood cancers in railroad workers are asbestos, lead, and benzene. All of these toxins can be extremely toxic and can be fatal if not treated.Asbestos CancerMany serious diseases can be caused by asbestos, such as mesothelioma, or lung cancer. It can take a long time for cancer to develop and certain types of asbestos-related cancer can be fatal. If you or someone you know has suffered from an asbestos-related illness we can help.Railroad workers were the main source of asbestos exposure throughout the 20th century, specifically when they were involved in the manufacturing and repair of rail products. Union Pacific Lawsuit Settlements were utilized in the production of these products by boilermakers, engineers, metalcasters, and others.If asbestos is inhaled, it could attach to the lung's lining (pleura) or even your stomach and the intestines (peritoneum). The most prevalent forms are peritoneal and pleural mesothelioma.Mesothelioma is the most severe type of cancer associated with asbestos. It is most commonly found in the lungs, but can also affect the abdominal lining as well as testicles.A physical exam and blood tests are sufficient to identify mesothelioma. However doctors may also conduct an imaging scan to look for any abnormalities in the body. If they believe mesothelioma is to be the reason behind the patient's symptoms, they'll conduct a biopsy to gather fluid or tissue for testing.An attorney who is familiar with FELA lawsuits should be to be contacted by anyone who's been diagnosed with mesothelioma. A knowledgeable mesothelioma lawyer will help you get the compensation you deserve.Railway workers who have been exposed to asbestos for an extended period of time are more prone to develop mesothelioma than other people in the same occupation. They are 35 times more likely to develop lung cancer than people who have never had to work with asbestos.They are also more likely to develop cardiopulmonary fibrosis, as well as other conditions that can cause death such as strokes or heart failure. In the past 50 years there have been a number of reports linking railroad workers to various illnesses that are linked to asbestos.A number of studies have proven that exposure to asbestos increases the risk of lung cancer and mesothelioma along with other serious health issues. Moreover, railroad workers who have used cigarettes are at a higher risk of developing lung cancer.Other cancersRailroad workers are involved in the transportation of goods every day from coal to cars, and they're exposed to many substances that can cause cancer. The most frequent substances that may cause cancer in railroad workers are asbestos and benzene.The chemical Benzene originates from crude oil, gasoline and other sources and it is found in the exhaust of trains as well as in the degreasing solvents used by railroads to clean their equipment. It is a terribly harmful carcinogen and can be taken in by the skin when exposed to these chemicals.Wearing goggles while working with the fumes of diesel or degreasing solvents will help shield your eyes from the harmful effects of benzene. In addition, benzene can be consumed by people who work in a workplace that is filled with diesel fumes, therefore it is essential to keep your mouth closed and not breathe into the air around you.Creosote is yet another cancer-causing chemical that railroad workers could be exposed to. Creosote is a hefty oily, smoky liquid that is used to treat railroad wood. Railroad workers who treat railroad ties with creosote can inhale it. It's an extremely well-known carcinogen.Lung cancer is one of the most frequent types of cancer that railroad workers suffer from. International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified the emissions of diesel from locomotives in group 1 (carcinogenic for humans).This diesel exhaust is responsible for 40 percent of lung cancers among railway workers. In a study that lasted 38 years, workers who were exposed to diesel exhaust were more likely to develop lung cancer than those who were not.Despite all the security precautions, there's still a high chance of developing cancer due to working in the railway industry. It has been discovered that those who work with modern diesel engines have a greater risk of developing lung cancer.Those who developed cancer while working on the railroads may be able to file a lawsuit against the railroad and seek compensation for their injuries. It is essential to speak with a legal professional who is qualified immediately you discover that you have a cancer that is linked to your work.