Union Pacific Houston Cancer - Is Creosote Still Affecting Houstonians?Houston's Fifth Ward neighbors have complained for years that the company hasn’t taken the necessary steps to clean up an underground plume contaminated rail yard. Recent tests have revealed that contamination could still be an issue for residents living nearby.Researchers believe it could be related to elevated cancer rates in the region. Two years into a state health investigation, they found higher-than-expected rates of childhood lymphoblastic Leukemia as well as adult kidney and renal pelvis cancers in areas around the Union Pacific site.CreosoteCreosote which is a common chemical used to treat wood is also a very common one. It is also a harmful substance that can cause cancer when exposed to it.It is a dense oily substance, from amber to black in color. It has a smoky smell and a bitter taste. It is a distillation of coal product and has been in use for more than 150 years as an ingredient in wood preservative.It is used in the United States to treat railroad ties, and other types woods, like fence posts, utility poles, and pilings from marine construction. It can also be used to shield log homes and other structures from rot and insect infestation.The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) states that creosote could be an extremely hazardous chemical. In short-term exposure, it can cause eye and skin irritation chemical burns, stomach discomfort burning of the throat or mouth, and kidney or liver problems.Long-term exposure can cause skin and scrotum cancer. Workers who come in direct contact with it during wood treatment and other manufacturing processes are at risk. Cancer Lawsuits is thought to be a probable human carcinogen, according to the EPA. It has been linked with a variety kinds of cancers including esophageal as well as lung cancer.Houston's Fifth Ward residents have been exposed for decades to creosote, thanks to a former railroad yard right next to their homes. They claim that the chemical has affected their soil, homes and is spreading underground.Harris County and Houston have joined forces in the fight against Union Pacific in federal court. They would like the company to test frequently for contamination and take steps to stop the spread of the disease.In October 2017 the group of Fifth Ward neighbors filed a lawsuit against Union Pacific. They claim that creosote that was emitted from the former rail yard is contaminating the soil beneath their homes , causing serious health issues.They are seeking compensation for their illnesses and suffering and damages from the railroad to cover the cost of cleaning and other costs. They claim they are victimized by environmental racism and discrimination, as well as other types of pollution that have impacted them and their families.DioxinDioxins are chemical compounds that do not degrade quickly in the environment and can remain in the soil, air, water or sediment for a lengthy time. They are found in many places such as natural disasters, industrial accidents, cigarette smoke and incineration, as well as hazardous waste.Although the effects of dioxin on health at low levels aren't yet known however, there is evidence to suggest that they can cause serious illnesses like cancer. Dioxin levels that are higher are linked to a higher risk for organ cancers, heart disease immune issues, and endocrine issues, such as hormonal imbalances. They can also cause reproductive issues, a weak immune system, diabetes and menstrual issues as well as hair growth, weight loss and facial cysts, known as chloracne.According to the U.S. Railroad Injury Settlement Amounts (USEPA) the most frequent way that people are exposed is through food and water. They aren't volatile nor water-soluble, so they are easily absorbable by the body via the consumption of dairy products, meat, fish, and other seafood.However, it is important to keep in mind that the amount of exposure that will have a harmful effect on your health is contingent upon various factors, including the amount you eat or drink, how often you drink or eat, and how much air you breathe. It is also important to consider your gender and age, nutritional status, and family traits to determine whether you will be exposed to dioxins.In addition, the form of contaminant is another important aspect. According to the EPA there are some toxins that are more dangerous than others to human health. For instance, polychlorinated benzene (PCBs) are more likely to have a negative effect on your health than creosote.For instance, PCBs can damage a person's eyes, kidneys and liver. They can also affect the immune system of a person, and hinder the growth of healthy bones and teeth.Houston's Fifth Ward and Kashmere Garden neighbors have complained for a long time about cluster of cancer deaths that are connected to the Union Pacific rail yard. The yard is located next to their homes. The announcement released on Friday by Houston's health department revealed that they discovered cancer-causing chemicals in surfaces near the rail yard. The announcement said the findings were "not encouraging." Mayor Sylvester Turner told FOX 26 that he's planning to sue Union Pacific over the matter, and said a plan presented to Texas environmental regulators isn't sufficient in light of the findings.Polychlorinated BiphenylsPCBs, also known as polychlorinated biphenyls, are toxic chemicals that have been used for more than 60 years in both consumer and industrial products. After they were proven to cause cancer and suppress the immune system, these chemicals were banned in 1979.Once released into the natural environment, PCBs contaminate air, water, and soil in many areas of the world. They are strong binding agents of organic matter, and are easily transported and accumulated in the environment.As a result, PCBs are a major issue for the protection of public health and the environment. They are deemed to be a probable human carcinogen by EPA and have been found to cause cancer in laboratory animals.Some studies also show a link between PCBs to birth defects in children. This is particularly applicable to children who are exposed these chemicals while pregnant.PCBs are mainly consumed through food. Since they are the most abundant in PCBs fish is the most significant source of exposure. But, PCBs can also be found in beef and dairy and other agricultural products.Showering and drinking water is another way to be exposed. This can be caused by spills or leaks that may be caused by electrical or other equipment.Additionally, Railroad Workers can be exposed to PCBs through breathing in air or by touching the skin. These chemicals can cause a condition called Chloracne. This is a mild pale, yellow-colored skin lesions that last for months or even years.The effects of PCBs upon the health of humans aren't completely known. Researchers have suggested that they could cause biliary and liver cancers in humans. However further research is required to better understand how this affects us.EPA has also been investigating whether these chemicals could cause birth defects in newborns, like low birth weight. Low birth weight is associated with insulin resistance or Type II diabetes, high blood pressure, and cardiovascular disease later in life. Two studies revealed that children with higher levels of PCBs in their cord blood had lower birth weights or an earlier age.LeadLead is a toxic metal and is found in a variety of products, including pipes, paints and food containers. It can be absorbed by the body through two main pathways: the respiratory and oral.It is a potent chemical that oxidizes and reacts with other chemicals in your surroundings. This can cause it to accumulate in the body and can lead to serious health problems like cancer, among other diseases.Houston residents who live near the Union Pacific Railroad's creosote-based plant that is its legacy are at a high risk of cancer. The city has asked the federal government to instruct the railroad to cleanse its contaminated site.Union Pacific Railroad has a past history of contaminated its Fifth Ward rail yard and Kashmere Garden neighborhood with chemicals that could cause cancer. The company has been trying to get rid of the mess, but a plan presented to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality is not sufficient residents say.One of the major issues that resulted from the contamination was the groundwater plume under the homes in the area. A recent study conducted by health officials has revealed that soil samples from the rail yard have more creosote than the recommended amount for drinking water.Another major concern is that the creosote vapor is slowly escaping into the air. It can cause residents to breathe toxic levels of vapors which can cause fatalities for both children and adults.It is possible that the vapors could cause cancer for those who inhale them. A door-to-door health survey is currently being conducted in the neighborhood to learn more about how the vapors affect the lives of the residents.This is a major issue for the Fifth Ward communities and Kashmere Gardens. This is a very tragic situation that must be addressed immediately.A recent study conducted by the Department of State Health Services discovered that children who lived in the Fifth Ward and Kashmere Garden communities contracted a form leukemia at a five-fold higher rate than expected. Railroad Workers revealed that adult cancers were more common in the neighborhood than elsewhere in Texas.