Union Pacific Houston Cancer - Is Creosote Still Affecting Houstonians?Houston's Fifth Ward neighbors have complained for decades that the company hasn’t taken the necessary steps to clean the plume of underground pollution that has contaminated the rail yard. The latest tests have demonstrated that the contamination could be impacting residents living near.Researchers say it may be linked to the increased cancer rates in the region. Two years after launching an all-state health investigation the researchers discovered that there were higher than expected rates of childhood lymphoblastic and adult pelvis and kidney cancers in the vicinity of the Union Pacific site.CreosoteCreosote which is a common chemical that is used to treat wood, is also a common one. It is also a poisonous substance that can cause cancer in those exposed to it.It is a heavy oily substance that's amber or black in color and has a smoky odor and burnt taste. It is a coal-tar distillation product that has been used for more than 150 years as a wood preserver.It is utilized in the United States to treat railroad tiesand other types of woods, such as fence posts, utility poles, and marine pilings. It can also be used to protect log homes and other structures from insect infestation.According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) creosote can be a potentially dangerous chemical. Exposure to it for short periods can cause skin and eye irritation, chemical burns stomach discomfort burning of the mouth or throat and liver or kidney problems.Long-term exposure could lead to skin and scrotum carcinomas. This is a serious issue for workers who have direct contact with it during wood treatment or other manufacturing processes.It is thought to be a probable human carcinogen, according to the EPA. It has been linked to a range of different types of cancer, including esophageal and lung cancer.Residents of Houston's Fifth Ward neighborhood have been exposed to creosote over the years, thanks to an old rail yard located near their homes. They claim that the chemical has contaminated their homes, soil and continues to spread underground.The city of Houston and Harris County have joined the initiative to sue Union Pacific in federal court. They want the company to test for contamination on a regular basis and adopt preventative measures to stop the spread.In October 2017 the group of Fifth Ward neighbors filed a lawsuit against Union Pacific. They claim that creosote was a source of contamination in their soil and caused serious health problems from the former rail yard.They are seeking compensation for their illnesses and suffering as well as damages from railroads for the cost of cleanup and other associated costs. They claim to have been harmed by environmental racism discrimination, sexism, and other types of pollution that has affected their families and themselves.DioxinDioxins are substances that aren't able to break down in the environment quickly . They can be left in the air, soil or in sediment for a long period. They can be found in a variety places such as natural disasters, industrial accidents, cigarette smoke and incineration as well as hazardous waste.Although the health effects of dioxin at low levels are not yet known yet, there is evidence suggesting that they can cause serious illnesses , such as cancer. Higher levels of dioxin have been linked to increased risk for heart disease, organ cancers as well as immune-related issues and endocrine disorders, including hormonal imbalances. They can also lead to reproductive problems, a weakened immune system, diabetes and menstrual issues as well as weight loss, hair growth and facial cysts called chloracne.According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) the most common way people are exposed to the toxins is through water and food. They are not volatile and water-soluble, so they are easily taken in by the body through the consumption of meat, dairy products as well as fish and other seafood.It is nevertheless important to keep in mind that the amount of exposure that could have adverse effects on your health is dependent on numerous factors, including the amount you eat or drink, the frequency you eat or drink and how often you breathe. It is also crucial to consider your gender, age, diet, nutritional status and family characteristics, as well as other health factors that may influence whether you will be affected by dioxins or not.Additionally, the type of contaminant is an important factor. According to the EPA the EPA, certain toxins are more dangerous than others for the health of humans. For instance, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are more likely to have a detrimental impact on your health than creosote.For example, PCBs can damage a person's eyes, kidneys and liver. They can also affect the immune system and cause issues with the development of healthy bones, teeth, and bones.Houston's Fifth Ward and Kashmere Garden neighbors have complained for years of cluster cancer deaths caused by the Union Pacific rail yard. The yard is next to their homes. The announcement on Friday by the city's health department revealed that they discovered cancer-causing chemicals in surfaces near the rail yard. The release said the results weren't encouraging. FOX 26's Mayor Sylvester Turner stated that he plans on suing Union Pacific over the matter and that a proposed plan by Texas environmental regulators will not suffice.Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs)Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) are harmful chemicals that have been used in consumer and industrial products for over 60 years. After being found to cause cancer and weaken the immune system the immune system, these chemicals were banned in 1979.When released into the environment, PCBs contaminate air, water, and soil in a variety of areas around the world. They bind strongly to organic matter, and are generally persistent and therefore, are easy to transport and accumulate in the environment.PCBs are a major problem for protecting the environment as well as public health. The EPA is adamant that they are a carcinogen for humans and has proven that they can cause cancer in lab animals.In addition, some studies have linked PCBs to birth defects in children. This is particularly true for children exposed to these chemicals while pregnant.The main route of exposure to PCBs is through food items. Fish are the primary source of exposure because they are the source of the most PCBs. However, PCBs can also found in beef, dairy products, and other agricultural products.Another way to be exposed PCBs is through drinking and showering with water that is contaminated with PCBs. This can happen from leaks or spills that can be caused by electrical or other equipment.People may also be exposed to PCBs by breathing in air or by skin contact. These chemicals can trigger an illness known as Chloracne. It is a small pale, yellow-colored lesions that can last from months or even years.However the effects of PCBs on the human body are not completely comprehended. Some researchers have suggested that they may cause liver and biliary tract cancer in humans, but more studies are needed to understand what this means for us.EPA has also been examining whether these chemicals cause birth defects in newborns, including less weight at birth. A low birth weight has been associated with Type II diabetes, insulin resistance as well as high blood pressure and later-life cardiovascular diseases. Two studies have shown that children born with higher levels of PCBs in their cord blood had lower birth weights or a later age.LeadLead is a highly toxic metal that can be present in a variety of products including paints, pipes and food cans. It is absorbed into the body via two main routes: respiratory and oral.It is an extremely antioxidant and is prone to react with other chemicals found in the environment. It is able to accumulate within the body and can lead to serious health issues such as cancer and other diseases.In Houston, people who live near a creosote legacy treatment plant owned by Union Pacific Railroad have a high risk of developing cancer. The city has asked the federal government to instruct the railroad to clean up its contaminated site.Union Pacific Railroad has a past history of caused harm to its Fifth Ward rail yard and Kashmere Garden neighborhood with chemicals that can cause cancer. The company has tried to remove the mess, but the plan presented to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality is not enough residents believe.The plume of groundwater that flows below the homes in the affected area is one of the most grave effects of the contamination. A recent study conducted by the health department has revealed that the concentration of creosote in soil samples around the rail yard is more than the recommended level for drinking water.Another issue is that creosote is slowly disappearing into the air. As it is, it causes residents to breathe in dangerous levels of vapors, which are harmful to children as well as adults.It is possible that the vapors cause cancer among those who inhale them. To learn more about the impact of the vapors on lives of residents there is a door-to door survey being conducted in the neighborhood.This is a serious problem for the Fifth Ward communities and Kashmere Gardens. It is a sad situation and needs to be taken care of immediately.A recent study conducted by the Department of State Health Services found that children in the Fifth Ward and Kashmere Garden neighborhoods contracted a form of leukemia at a five-fold greater rate than what was expected. The study also revealed that adult cancers were more prevalent in these areas than elsewhere in Texas.