Benzene, Butadiene, and Other Carcinogens on the RailroadMany railroad workers are exposed to benzene, butadiene and other carcinogens on the job. You could be eligible for compensation in the event that you develop an illness that is serious, such as leukemia.Leukemias develop in blood-forming tissues like bone marrow or lymphatic tissue. CLL (chronic lymphocytic Leukemia) is one of the four main types of adult leukemia.BenzeneBenzene can be inhaled, or absorbed through the skin. It is an oil by-product that is used in the production of resins, plastics nylons, and synthetic fibers. It is also used as a component in lubricants and dyes. It is a recognized cancerous substance that causes leukemia as well as other cancers like acute myelogenous lymphoma (AML) myelodysplastic disorder, and lymphomas.Railroad workers are exposed to benzene by using mineral spirits, solvents and degreasers. They are also exposed to diesel fuel and exhaust fumes when working on locomotives, freight cars and other railway equipment. Because of this, railroad workers are at a greater risk of developing chronic leukemia.Numerous epidemiological studies have revealed an increased leukemia risk as a result of an increase in exposure to benzene. A recent meta-analysis of 22 studies gave summary estimates of the effect of exposure to benzene and the likelihood of AML or Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL) and Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL).The meta-analysis indicates that exposure to occupational benzene increases the risk of developing these leukemias. The results for AML, CLL and ALL were lower. This may be due to a lower percentage of reporting for these subgroups, in addition to a lack of dose-response responses that increase exposure. The meta-analysis found no evidence of bias in publication.AsbestosAsbestos, a fibrous rock is used to make thousands of industrial products. Its resistance against heat, fire and corrosion made it an ideal material for railroad locomotives and other equipment. However, asbestos poses the risk of health hazards when workers work with it. When asbestos fibers are exposed, they can break down into microscopic strands which turn into airborne. They can then be breathed in and can become lodged in the lungs of people. They can lead to a range of serious illnesses, such as mesothelioma.Asbestos fibers could cause irritation to a person's lung lining when they enter the lung. This irritation could lead to the formation of collagen which hardens over time, forming pleural plaques. This condition can lead to chest pain and difficulty breathing.Another type of lung damage that is caused by asbestos exposure is fibrosis which forms scar tissue that affects a person's ability to breathe. If not treated the condition can become fatal.If you are a railroad worker who was diagnosed with an asbestos-related illness and you are concerned about it, get in touch with a FELA attorney as soon as you can. A mesothelioma lawyer can help you file for compensation. To be successful in a compensation claim you will need to prove that exposure to harmful substances while on the job caused your condition. FELA lawyers often collaborate with industrial safety experts referred to as industrial hygienists. They review the materials in the railroad workplace and determine if the railroad company was following proper occupational safety practices.Diesel ExhaustDiesel exhaust is one of the many carcinogenic fumes as well as materials that railroad workers are exposed to on a regular basis. Exposure to diesel exhaust has been associated with lung cancer and other serious occupational diseases among railroad workers, such as mesothelioma, pulmonary fibrosis and others. Inhaling Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma settlement of engines and particulates could cause long-term health problems that may be difficult to treat.Locomotives are powered by diesel fuel and the cab for locomotives is a cramped space with limited ventilation. Railroad workers may be exposed to diesel exhaust by breathing it into the cab and being able to drag it back over them and their clothes after they leave the cab. Diesel exhaust is also an issue for railroad employees who work in shops or yards because they are in close proximity to locomotives.Diesel exhaust contains mutagenic and cancerous compounds that may enter the bloodstream. These chemicals can cause harm to the respiratory system as well as blood, as well as the bone marrow. In a study which tracked hundreds of workers regularly exposed to diesel exhaust, researchers discovered that those who had the longest exposure were at risk for the most lung cancer.Even after controlling for smoking and other causes the mortality rate for lung cancer was significantly higher among railroad workers exposed to diesel emissions. The Lyon Firm is investigating a number of claims made by railroad workers who were affected by exposure to diesel exhaust, solvents and other industrial toxic exposures.