Railroad Settlements and AsbestosIn 1862, Congress passed The Pacific Railroad Act. This law helped fund two transcontinental railway companies through large grants for rights of way. Colon cancer lawsuit settlements who develop cancers due to workplace exposures may make claims against their employers under the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA).An Illinois jury awarded an $7.5 million verdict to a former Union Pacific trackman dying from acute myeloid leukemia. He blamed his blood cancer on a massive exposure to creosote and benzene. These chemicals were used to preserve and waterproof railroad ties made of wooden.CreosoteCoal tar creosote can be described as a wood preservative used to shield railroad ties from the sun, cold, heat rain and snow. In the process of applying coal tar creosote workers are exposed to a range of toxic chemicals and solvents including benzene. Benzene is a known carcinogen and can cause myelodysplastic syndrome, leukemia and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma as well other serious side effects like convulsions, changes in your heartbeat, liver damage anemia and bone marrow damages. cancer of the lungs and skin.Our lawyers have successfully defended multiple lawsuits against Union Pacific Railroad for exposure to coal-tar creosote. One of these cases resulted in the settlement of $7,500,000. The plaintiff was a track department employee who was diagnosed with acute myeloid tumors due to exposure to chemicals that were toxic on working for over 31 years. The jury found that the railroad did not provide him with personal protective gear and exposed him of toxic chemicals that included coal-tar tar creosote as well as coal tar distillates.Another instance involved the use of copper naphthenate as alternative to creosote from coal tar. Although it is less harmful to the environmental than creosote is very dangerous. Copper naphthenate can cause skin, lung and nerve injury to the nerves, skin and lung. It also pollutes groundwater and soil with benzene.BenzeneBenzene is a colorless liquid petroleum hydrocarbon that is used to make resins, plastics, and synthetic fibers. It is also found in diesel fuels and exhaust. Diesel fumes are commonly inhaled by nearly all railroad workers. Benzene is a well-known carcinogen that has been linked to leukemia and myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS).There is no safe level of exposure to benzene. It is absorbed through the skin and inhaled. Long-term exposure to benzene may harm blood vessels, causing anemia, irregular periods, and fertility issues. Benzene has also been linked to certain types of cancer including lung and breast cancer.The benzene compound can be inhaled orally however it is most dangersome when inhaled. Inhaling benzene may cause dizziness, headaches nose bleeds, headaches, and loss of consciousness. It can also disrupt the immune system, which could result in infections.Recent reports have highlighted the high levels of benzene near two Chicago train station. Commuters, railroad workers and city residents were exposed to excessive levels of pollution. Schools halted classes and cities asked residents to seek shelter. Railroad workers, like car department employees, locomotive mechanics, electricians, and pipefitters use benzene containing products like Safety-Kleen part washers CRC Brakleen as well as paints, thinners and other items. It is also found in printing solvents.AsbestosThe asbestos use in the railroad industry began in the middle of the century. Colon cancer lawsuit settlements comprises six naturally occurring fibrous silicate minerals that were once widely used in construction due to their fire retardant resistant, fire-retardant, corrosion resistant and insulate properties. Inhaling these tiny fibers can cause serious health issues like lung cancer, mesothelioma and asbestosis. These conditions can take up to 30 years before symptoms appear.The EPA has prohibited the mining and processing of asbestos in this country However, asbestos is utilized in a variety of products. This includes certain kinds of paper, flooring felt and fake fireplace embers. However, if these materials are exposed to heat or water, they may release toxic asbestos fibers. These fibers could also be released into air during demolition or renovations.A recent study revealed that just five years of exposure to benzene can significantly increase a person's risk for developing acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Consult Multiple myeloma settlements if you experience symptoms such as night sweats, or a sudden weight loss. They can perform a blood test to check for AML.The EPA resolved a recent case against Genesee & Wyoming Railroad Services Inc. GWRSI utilizes locomotives that operate on diesel fuel and emit nitrogen oxides (NOx) and fine particulate matter (PM2.5). This EPA settlement requires that GWRSI replace any of its current locomotives with newer models that conform to EPA emissions standards.Diesel ExhaustAs long as diesel fuel continues to be used to power freight train, railroad workers are exposed to exhaust. Diesel exhaust is a mixture of toxic chemicals that includes carcinogens such as benzene, carbon monoxide and formaldehyde. It also contains oxides of nitrogen, particulate matter and polyaromatic hydrocarbons.In fact the International Agency for Research on Cancer classified diesel exhaust as a Class 1 carcinogen. Moreover, diesel exhaust is a cause of respiratory illnesses in the form of bronchiopulmonary illnesses such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and bronchiectasis. A study published in Environmental Health Perspectives in 2006 related railroad worker employment to COPD rates. Colon cancer lawsuit settlements and rail cars belch diesel exhaust when they are running and are idling in roundhouses, depots shops and yards. The engines that are idling emit gases, such as sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxidants, in addition to diesel fumes.Diesel exhaust fumes are usually not distinguishable in locomotive cabs, where engineers and conductors spend up to six hours per day. When workers enter or exit the cabs, the engine as well as equipment release more diesel exhaust fumes, creating a hazard for respiratory cancers and other issues.Moreover railroad mechanics are exposed to diesel exhaust in roundhouses that are not ventilated and shops. They work with locomotives and track equipment in closed areas that often produce harmful inhalants, like asbestos-insulated steam boilers and steam pipes and silica sand.