Benzene, Butadiene, and Other Carcinogens on the RailroadMany railroad workers are exposed to benzene and other carcinogens. If you developed a serious illness, such as leukemia for instance, you could be eligible for compensation.Leukemias are caused by blood-forming tissues like bone marrow, and lymphatic tissue. Chronic lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) is one of four major types of leukemia in adults.BenzeneBenzene is a gas that can be breathed in, or absorbed by the skin. It is a contaminant of oil that is used in the production of plastics, nylons, and synthetic fibers. It is also used as a constituent in dyes and lubricants. It is a well-known cancerous substance that causes leukemia as well as other cancers, such as acute myelogenous lymphoma (AML) myelodysplastic disorder, and lymphomas.Railroad workers are exposed to benzene by using mineral spirits, solvents, and degreasers. When working on locomotives and freight cars they are exposed to diesel fumes and exhaust. Because of this, railroad workers are at a higher chance of developing chronic leukemia.Numerous epidemiologic studies have proven that exposure to benzene increases the risk of developing leukemia. A recent meta-analysis of 22 studies offered summaries of effects estimates for exposure to benzene and the likelihood of AML and Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL) and Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL).The results from the meta-analysis indicate that exposure to occupational benzene significantly increases the risk of developing these leukemias. However the results for AML and CLL were lower than for ALL. This could be due to a lower percentage of reporting for these subgroups, but also due to the lack of dose-response responses with increasing exposures. The meta-analysis didn't find any evidence of bias in publications.AsbestosAsbestos is a fibrous mineral that is used in a myriad of industrial products. Its resistance against heat, fire and corrosion makes it a perfect material for railroad locomotives as well as other equipment. However, asbestos also poses a health risk when workers handle it. When asbestos fibers are exposed, they may break down into microscopic strands which can then become airborne. Inhaled, they can lodge in the lungs. This can result in a variety of serious diseases, including mesothelioma.If asbestos fibers infiltrate the lungs of a patient they can cause irritation to the lining of the lungs. This irritation can lead to an increase in collagen which hardens with time and forms plaques in the pleura. This condition can cause chest pain and difficulty breathing. railroad injury settlement amounts of lung damage that is caused by asbestos exposure is fibrosis, which creates scar tissue that can hinder breathing capacity of an individual. Colon cancer lawsuit settlements could be fatal if it is not treated.If you are a railroad employee who was diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease or condition, you should contact an FELA attorney as soon as you can. A mesothelioma attorney can help you file for compensation. To be railroad injury settlement amounts to claim compensation you must prove that exposure to toxic substances at work led to your illness. FELA lawyers often work with industrial safety experts referred to as industrial hygienists to review products used in the railroad workplace and determine whether the railroad company followed the proper safety guidelines for employees.Diesel ExhaustDiesel exhaust is one of the many carcinogenic fumes, as well as substances that railroad workers are exposed to on a regular basis. Diesel exhaust exposure has been linked with mesothelioma, lung cancer and a variety of other serious occupational diseases among railroad workers. Inhaling particulates and engine exhaust could cause long-term health issues that are difficult to treat.Locomotives operate on diesel fuel and the cab of a locomotive is a small space with a limited amount of ventilation. union pacific settlements can become exposed to diesel exhaust by breathing it in the cab, and then drag it back onto themselves and their clothes when they leave the cab. Railroad workers working in yards and shops can also be exposed to diesel exhaust, as they frequently come into contact with locomotives and train equipment.Diesel exhaust is known to contain carcinogenic and mutational substances that can be absorbed into the bloodstream. These chemicals can harm the bone marrow and blood and cause damage to the respiratory tract. In a study that followed dozens of workers who were frequently exposed to diesel exhaust, scientists discovered that those who had the longest exposure time had the highest risk of developing lung cancer.Lung cancer mortality was significantly higher in railroad workers exposed to diesel exhaust, even after eliminating smoking-related deaths and other factors. The Lyon Firm is investigating a number of claims from railroad workers who were sickened from frequent exposure to diesel exhaust, solvents and other industrial toxic exposures.