Railroad Settlements and AsbestosIn 1862, Congress passed the Pacific Railroad Act which helped fund two transcontinental railroads by granting large grants of lands for rights-of-way. Railroad workers who contract cancer from exposure to their work environment may file lawsuits against their employers under the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA).A jury in Illinois handed $7.5 million to an ex- Union Pacific Trackman who died of acute myeloid lymphoma. He blamed his blood-cancers on exposure to creosote, benzene and other chemicals used to preserve railroad ties made of wood.CreosoteCoal tar creosote, the wood preserver used to shield railroad tie from the sun, heat and cold, rain, and snow. In the process of applying coal tar creosote, workers are exposed to a wide range of toxic chemicals as well as solvents like benzene. Benzene is a well-known carcinogen, can cause leukemia and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, as in other serious side effects such as heartbeat fluctuations, convulsions, liver damage, anemia, and cancers of the lungs and body.Our lawyers have successfully prosecuted numerous lawsuits against Union Pacific Railroad for exposure to coal-tar creosote. One of these cases landed the settlement of $7,500,000. The plaintiff was a track employee who was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia as a result of exposure to the chemical compound that is toxic during his employment for over 31 years. The jury concluded that the railroad did not provide any personal protective equipment and frequently exposed him to a diverse range of toxic chemicals including coal-tar creosote, coal tar distillates, carbolineum, naphtha and other cleaning solvents.Another argument was the use of copper naphthalenate as a replacement for coal tar creosote. Although it is less harmful to the environment than creosote is extremely hazardous. Copper naphthenate can cause skin, lung and nerve damage. It also can contaminate soil and groundwater with benzene.BenzeneBenzene is a colorless petroleum hydrocarbon, is used to manufacture plastics, resins and synthetic fibers. It is also found in diesel fuels and exhaust. Diesel fumes are regularly inhaled by almost all railroad workers. Benzene, a known carcinogen has been linked to leukemia as well as the myelodysplastic disease (MDS).There is no safe exposure to benzene. It is absorbed through the skin and inhaled. Long-term exposure to it can damage the blood and cause many different health issues, such as menstrual irregularities, anemia and fertility issues. The chemical is also linked to certain types of cancers, including breast and lung cancer.It is possible to inhale benzene orally, but it is most dangersome when inhaled. Inhaling benzene could cause dizziness, headaches nose bleeds, headaches, and loss of consciousness. The benzene fumes can also affect the immune system and cause infections.Recent reports have highlighted the elevated levels benzene near two Chicago train stations. Commuters railroad workers as well as city residents were exposed to extreme levels of pollution. Schools shut down classes and cities urged residents to take shelter. Railroad workers, including car department employees, locomotive machinists electricians and pipefitters, regularly make use of benzene-containing items such as Safety-Kleen parts washers, CRC Brakleen as well as thinners and paints. Benzene is also used in printing solvents.AsbestosAt first asbestos was utilized in the railroad industry. Asbestos is a group of six naturally occurring fibrous silicate minerals that were highly sought-after in construction due to their fire-retardant resistant, fire-retardant, corrosion resistant and insulate properties. Inhaling these fibers can cause serious health issues including lung cancer and asbestosis. Lymphoma lawsuit settlement can last up to 30 years before symptoms are evident.The EPA has prohibited asbestos mining and processing in the US however, it is still present in many products. This includes certain kinds of paper, floor felt, and fake fire embers. When these materials are exposed to heat or water they could release asbestos fibers. These fibers can also be released into the air during demolition or home renovations.A recent study revealed that even five years of exposure to benzene significantly increases the chance of developing acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Talk to your doctor if you notice symptoms like night sweats or an unprovoked weight loss. They may perform an examination of your blood to look for AML.The EPA recently settled a case against Genesee & Wyoming Railroad Services Inc. (GWRSI). GWRSI uses locomotives that run on diesel fuel and emit nitrogen oxides (NOx) and fine particulate matter (PM2.5). This EPA settlement requires GWRSI to replace any of its existing locomotives with new ones that comply with EPA emission standards.Diesel ExhaustAs long as diesel fuel continues be used to power freight train railroad workers are exposed to exhaust. Diesel exhaust is a harmful mix of chemicals, including carcinogens like benzene and carbon monoxide. Lymphoma lawsuit settlement contains oxides of nitrogen particulate matter, polyaromatic hydrocarbons.The International Agency for Research on Cancer has classified diesel exhaust as a Group 1 carcinogen. Diesel exhaust can also cause respiratory ailments like chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD) or bronchiectasis. A study published in Environmental Health Perspectives in 2006 related railroad worker employment to COPD rates.When locomotives and railcars are running and idling, they emit diesel exhaust. The engines that are idling emit gases, such as sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides in addition to diesel fumes. CSX Transportation settlement of diesel exhaust is often present in locomotive cabs, where conductors and engineers are seated for up to six hours at an time. The equipment and the engine emit more diesel exhaust fumes when people enter or leave the cabins. This can cause pulmonary and cancerous problems.In roundhouses with poor ventilation, shops and workshops railroad mechanics have to contend with high levels of exposure to diesel exhaust. They work in enclosed areas with locomotives, track equipment and asbestos-insulated steam boilers.