Railroad Settlements and AsbestosIn 1862, Congress passed The Pacific Railroad Act. This law helped fund two transcontinental railway companies by providing large grants for rights-of way. Railroad workers who contract cancer as a result of workplace exposures can sue their employers under the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA).An Illinois jury awarded an $7.5 million verdict to an ex- Union Pacific trackman dying from acute myeloid leukemia. He blamed his blood-cancers on exposure to creosote as well as other chemicals used to preserve wooden railroad ties.CreosoteCoal tar creosote can be described as an organic wood preservative used to shield railroad ties from the sun, cold, heat rain and snow. When applying coal tar creosote, workers are exposed to a range of toxic chemicals as well as solvents such as benzene. Benzene, a known carcinogen can cause leukemia as well as non-Hodgkin lymphoma as well in other serious side effects such as convulsions, heartbeat changes, liver damage, anemia and cancers of the lung and body.Our attorneys have successfully prosecuted numerous lawsuits against Union Pacific Railroad for exposure to coal-tar creosote. One of these cases culminated in a $7.500,000 verdict. The plaintiff was a track department worker who was diagnosed with acute myeloid tumors as a result exposure to toxic chemical compounds on working for over 31 years. The jury found that the railroad did not provide any personal protective gear and exposed him to a range of toxic chemicals such as coal-tar tar creosote, as well as coal distillates.Another argument was the use of copper naphthalenate as an alternative to creosote made from coal. Copper naphthenate is less harmful to the environmental than creosote is very dangerous. Copper naphthenate is a cancer-causing agent and can cause skin, nerve and lung damage to the lung, skin and nerves. It can also contaminate the soil and groundwater with benzene.BenzeneBenzene is a colorless, liquid petroleum hydrocarbon that is used to make resins, plastics and synthetic fibers. It can also be found in diesel fuels and exhaust. Diesel fumes are commonly inhaled by the majority of railroad workers. Benzene is a known carcinogen, and has been linked with 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 cause blood damage, leading to irregular menstrual flow, anemia and fertility issues. Benzene has also been linked to certain types of cancers including lung and breast cancer. railroad back injury settlements is possible to inhale benzene orally however it is most dangersome when inhaled. Inhaling benzene may cause headaches, dizziness, or nosebleeds. It can also disrupt the immune system, which may lead to infections.Recent reports have highlighted the high levels of benzene near two Chicago train stations. Commuters and railroad workers were exposed high levels of pollution which prompted schools to close classes, and cities to instruct residents to take shelter. Railroad workers, such as car department employees as well as locomotive mechanics, electricians, and pipefitters use benzene containing products like Safety-Kleen part washers, CRC Brakleen, as well as paints thinners, paints, and other products. The chemical is also used in printing solvents.AsbestosThe use of asbestos in the railway industry began early. Asbestos consists of six naturally occurring silicate minerals with fibrous structure. They were once used in construction because of their the ability to withstand corrosion, fire retardant, and insulate qualities. Inhaling these fibers can cause serious health problems such as lung cancer asbestosis and mesothelioma. Symptoms of these health conditions can take anywhere from 15 to 30 years to show.The EPA has prohibited the mining and processing of asbestos in the United States however, it is used in many of the products. This includes certain kinds of paper, flooring felt, and fake fireplace embers. When these materials are exposed either to water or heat, they can release asbestos fibers. Multiple myeloma settlements could also be released into the air during demolition or home renovations.A recent study showed that just five years of exposure to benzene can significantly increase the chance of developing acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Talk to your doctor if you notice symptoms like night sweats, or a sudden 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 run on diesel fuel and emit nitrogen oxides (NOx) and fine particulate matter (PM2.5). This EPA settlement requires that GWRSI replace any of its locomotives with more modern models that are compliant with EPA emissions standards.Diesel ExhaustAs long diesel fuel is used to power railroads, workers will remain exposed to exhaust. Diesel exhaust is a mix of harmful chemicals that include carcinogens such as benzene, carbon monoxide, and formaldehyde. railroad back injury settlements contains oxides of nitrogen particulate matter, polyaromatic hydrocarbons.The International Agency for Research on Cancer has classified diesel exhaust as Group 1 carcinogen. Diesel exhaust can also trigger respiratory diseases like chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD) or bronchiectasis. A 2006 article published in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives linked railroad worker's employment with COPD rates.When railcars and locomotives are in motion and idle, they emit diesel exhaust. The machines and engines that are idle emit gasses in addition to the diesel fumes, which include sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides.Diesel exhaust fumes are frequently indistinguishable in locomotive cabs where engineers and conductors spend up to six hours a day. The equipment and the engine emit more exhaust fumes from diesel engines when workers enter or leave the cabins. This could cause lung and cancerous issues.Additionally railroad mechanics are exposed to diesel exhaust in roundhouses that are not ventilated and shops. They work in enclosed areas equipped with track equipment, locomotives and asbestos-insulated steam boilers.