cancer lawsuit settlements and AsbestosIn 1862, Congress passed the Pacific Railroad Act, which helped to fund two transcontinental railroad companies by the granting of large amounts of lands for rights-of-way. Railroad workers who contract cancer due to exposure to work-related hazards can sue their employers under the Federal Employers' Liability Act (FELA).An Illinois jury handed down an $7.5 million verdict to a former Union Pacific trackman dying from acute myeloid leukemia. He blamed the cause of his blood cancer to massive exposure to creosote and benzene. These chemicals were used to preserve and waterproof railroad ties made of wood.CreosoteCoal tar creosote can be described as an organic wood preservative used to shield railroad ties from the sun, cold, heat, rain and snow. Workers are exposed to harmful chemicals and solvents, including benzene, in the process of applying of coal creosote tar. Benzene, a known carcinogen is a known carcinogen that can cause leukemia and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, as with other serious consequences like convulsions, heartbeat changes, liver damage, anemia and cancers of the lung and body. cancer lawsuit settlements have successfully prosecuted multiple lawsuits against Union Pacific Railroad for exposure to coal-tar creosote. One of these cases landed an award of $7,500,000. The plaintiff was a track department employee was diagnosed with acute myeloid cancer because of exposure to toxic chemical compounds on the job for over 31 years. The jury found that railroad did not provide any personal protective gear, and exposed him of toxic chemicals such as coal-tar tar creosote as well as coal tar distillates.Another claim was the use of copper naphthalenate as an alternative to coal tar creosote. Although copper naphthenate isn't more damaging to the environment than creosote, it can still be extremely dangerous. Copper naphthenate has been identified as a carcinogen and can cause skin, nerve and lung damage. It also contaminates the soil and groundwater with benzene.BenzeneA colorless, liquid petroleum hydrocarbon, benzene is used in the production of resins, plastics nylon and synthetic fibers. It can also be found in diesel fuels and exhaust. Most railroad workers are exposed to diesel fumes on a regular basis. Benzene is a well-known carcinogen is linked to leukemia and myelodysplastic disorder (MDS).There is no limit to the amount of exposure to benzene. It is taken in through the skin and inhaled. Long-term exposure to benzene may harm blood vessels, causing irregular menstrual flow, anemia and fertility issues. Benzene has also been linked to certain types of cancer such as lung and breast cancer.It is possible to inhale benzene orally however it is more dangersome when inhaled. Inhaling benzene can cause headaches, dizziness nose bleeds, headaches, and loss of consciousness. Benzene can also interfere with the immune system, which could cause infections.Recent reports have revealed the high levels of benzene in the vicinity of two Chicago train station. Commuters as well as railroad workers and city residents were exposed to excessive levels of pollution. Schools were closed for classes and cities asked residents to shelter in place. Railroad workers, including car department employees as well as locomotive mechanics, electricians and pipefitters work with products that contain benzene like Safety-Kleen part washers, CRC Brakleen, as well as paints, thinners and other items. Benzene can also be found in printing solvents.AsbestosIn the beginning asbestos was utilized in the railroad industry. Asbestos is made up of six silicate minerals that naturally occur with fibrous structure. They were once utilized in construction because of their an anti-corrosion, fire retardant and insulate characteristics. Inhaling these fibers can lead to serious health issues including lung cancer and asbestosis. These conditions can take up to 30 years before symptoms are evident.The EPA has banned asbestos mining and processing in the United States however, it is still present in a wide range of products. This includes certain types of flooring felt, paper, and fake fireplace embers. When these materials are exposed either to heat or water, they can release asbestos fibers. They can also be released into the air when buildings are demolished or when homes are being renovated. csx lawsuit settlements has revealed that exposure to benzene for just five years significantly increases the chance of developing acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Contact your doctor if experience symptoms such as sleepiness, night sweats, or unprovoked weight loss. They can conduct an analysis of your blood to determine AML.The EPA recently settled a case against Genesee & Wyoming Railroad Services Inc. (GWRSI). GWRSI employs locomotives that operate 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 meet EPA emission standards.Diesel ExhaustAs long as diesel fuel is used to power freight trains, railroad workers will remain exposed to exhaust. Diesel exhaust is a harmful mix of chemicals, including carcinogens like benzene as well as carbon monoxide. It also contains nitrogen oxides particulate matter, and polyaromatic hydrocarbons.The International Agency for Research on Cancer has classified diesel exhaust as a group 1 carcinogen. Diesel exhaust is also a cause of respiratory diseases like chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD) or bronchiectasis. A 2006 study published in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives linked railroad workers' employment to COPD rates.If railcars and locomotives are running and idle, they emit diesel exhaust. Idling engines emit gases, such as sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides along with diesel fumes.Diesel exhaust fumes can be not distinguishable in locomotive cabs, where conductors and engineers work up to six hours a day. When workers enter and exit the cabins, the engine and equipment release more exhaust fumes from diesel engines and pose a risk to lung cancer and railway cancer.Moreover, railroad mechanics are heavily exposed to diesel exhaust in poorly ventilated roundhouses and shops. They are exposed to running locomotives and track equipment in enclosed spaces that frequently produce harmful inhalants, such as asbestos-insulated steam boilers and steam pipes and silica sand.