Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Caused by Railroad ExposureRailroad employees are at a high risk of developing Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) because of their constant exposure to benzene (butadiene), pesticides and diesel exhaust. These chemicals are known as group one cancerous substances. The long-term exposure to herbicides like creosote and herbicides has also been linked to CLL.Benzene and ButadieneBenzene as well as 1,3-butadiene are two volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that are emitted into the air through a variety of natural and human-caused processes. They can be absorbed by the lungs, skin or directly inhaled. They are both known to be carcinogenic and have been shown to cause leukemias. They also damage DNA and inhibit cellular growth. Both butadiene and benzene are part of a class of chemicals that are classified as Group One carcinogens (IARC) by the International Agency for Research on Cancer.Both benzene and butadiene can be found in diesel exhaust. Railroad workers are exposed to diesel exhaust on a daily basis while they maintain and operate trains. They also are exposed when their train burns and releases toxic fumes that can be traced to the benzene, butadiene and other chemicals.Both benzene, and butadiene, are degraded in the atmosphere by reacting with nitrogen or oxygen. This process is facilitated by the closing and opening of carbon-carbon bonds inside the molecules. This chemistry is accelerated by temperature, moisture and light. The process of degrading benzene can be further enhanced by the presence of heavy metals and other contaminants. These reactions can lead to the formation of new molecules that are less toxic than the chemical that was originally. Inhalation is the main route of exposure to benzene and Butadiene.Diesel ExhaustDiesel exhaust is a source of toxic chemicals. Diesel particulate material (DPM) is the most dangerous. These tiny particles, which are smaller than 2.5 microns can easily be absorbed by the lungs and are highly soluble and can cause irritation, asthma, and lung damage. Diesel exhaust can cause lung and heart diseases.Benzene is also found in diesel exhaust. It is a colorless gas with a pleasant odor. It is a byproduct of crude oil and is a component of many diesel fuels. The vapors of benzene-containing cleaners used in railroad shops expose railroad workers to benzene. Benzene is present in paints, thinners, and adhesives that railroad carmen, locomotive machinists, and electricians use to clean their equipment. They also dunk rags into solvents that contain benzene like Safety-Kleen washers to remove grime and dirt from their hands and equipment.DPM is a complicated mixture of gases and fine airborne particulates created by the combustion of diesel fuel inside an internal combustion engine. The International Agency for Research on Cancer is a division of the World Health Organization, has confirmed that exposure to DPM could cause lung cancer, as well as other negative health effects. DPM is comprised of carbon black, soot and metallic abrasion particle, polycyclic hydrocarbons and other organic compounds, and metallic ash.AsbestosAsbest and other toxic substances are often linked to cancer or chronic illnesses in railroad workers. Mesothelioma lawsuits against railroad companies that exposed workers to carcinogens assist in holding responsible companies accountable and assist former employees recover compensation.Asbestos was extensively used in railroads until it was banned in the 1970s. Many current and former railroad workers were exposed to toxic substances while on the job. Asbestos was a common component in boilers and pipes of trains, as an insulation for locomotives and cabooses, and in other railroad infrastructure, such as coal or soot-covered track work.Exposure to these substances has been linked to a range of different cancers as well as other health problems, such as lung disease, mesothelioma, heart disease, skin cancer kidney cancer, and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Many of these diseases are difficult to detect and treat, leaving sufferers with high medical costs as well as a decline in income and earning potential.An attorney for mesothelioma can examine the history of a victim's exposure to chemicals to determine if they are eligible to file a FELA suit. A lawsuit against a railroad business can be filed in either a state or federal court. Victims may also file an individual mesothelioma suit against manufacturers of asbestos-containing items. FELA lawsuits are a bit more complicated and should be handled by an attorney who has years of experience in this particular area of law.PesticidesMany railroad workers are exposed to pesticides which are employed on railroad tracks and at rail crossings in order to control vegetation and stop fires. These chemicals can cause a variety of health problems, including cancers, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma neurologic disorders, asthma, and other issues. A brief exposure can trigger nausea, headaches, muscle dizziness and twitching. Exposure for a long period of time can result in skin burns, rashes, and respiratory issues. Pesticides can cause long-lasting effects.A number of studies have found that those who work as conductors, brakemen car men, track workers are at a higher risk of developing CLL. The risk increases with amount of exposure to pesticides. pulmonary fibrosis caused by railroad how to get a settlement showed that people who had worked in agriculture as their longest time occupation were at risk the most. The likelihood of developing CLL were higher for those who were exposed to pesticides in all three groups of application (OR1-SD increase = 1.16 95% CI = 1.03 to 1.59) than those who were not exposed to pesticides. This study supports earlier research linking CLL to farming and other occupational exposures.