Union Pacific Houston Cancer - Is Creosote Still Affecting Houstonians?For decades, neighbors in Houston's Fifth Ward have argued the company hasn't done enough to remove an underground plume of creosote at its rail yard that is contaminated. The latest tests have shown that the contamination may be affecting residents living nearby.Researchers believe it could be linked to the increased cancer rates in the region. Two years after launching a state-wide health investigation Researchers found that there were higher than anticipated rates of childhood lymphoblastic and adult pelvis and kidney cancers in the area surrounding the Union Pacific site.CreosoteCreosote, a chemical commonly used for the treatment of wood, is also a common one. It is also a harmful substance and can cause cancers in those exposed to it.It is a heavy oily substance that's black or amber in appearance and has a smoky smell and a burnt flavor. It is a coal tar distillation product and has been used for over 150 years as a wood preservative.It is utilized in the United States to treat railroad ties, and other types woods like fence posts, utility poles, as well as pilings for marine use. It is also used to guard log structures and homes against rot and insect infestation.According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), creosote is potentially dangerous chemical. In short-term exposure, it can cause irritation to the skin and eyes as well as chemical burns, stomach pain burning of the throat or mouth, and kidney or liver problems.Long-term exposure can cause skin and scrotum cancer. This is a major concern for those who come in direct contact with it during wood treatment or other manufacturing processes.It is believed to be a human carcinogen, according to the EPA. It has been linked to a variety of different types of cancer including esophageal and lung cancer.Houston's Fifth Ward residents have been exposed for decades to creosote due to a railroad yard right next to their homes. They say the chemical has affected their homes and soil and continues to spread throughout the underground. Railroad Cancer Lawyer and Houston have joined forces in the fight against Union Pacific in federal court. They demand that the company test for contamination on a regular basis and implement preventative measures to prevent the spread.In October of 2017 the group of Fifth Ward neighbors filed a lawsuit against Union Pacific. They claim that creosote has contaminated their soil and caused serious health issues as a result of the former rail yard.They are seeking damages from the railroad to cover the costs of cleaning up and other related costs. They also claim to be suffering from environmental racism and discrimination, and other kinds of pollution that have impacted them and their families.DioxinDioxins are substances that do not break down in the environment quickly and can remain in the air, in the soil or in sediment for a long period. They are found in a variety of places such as natural disasters, industrial accidents, cigarette smoke, and incineration or hazardous waste.The effects of dioxin on health aren't clear at low levels, but there is evidence that suggests they can cause cancer and other serious diseases. Dioxin levels that are higher have been linked to an increased risk of heart disease, organ cancers as well as immune-related issues and endocrine disorders, such as hormonal imbalances. They can also trigger reproductive problems, a depressed immune system, menstrual problems and diabetes and weight loss, hair growth and facial cysts called chloracne.According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the most common way people are exposed to dioxin is through drinking water or food. They are not water-soluble or volatile, so they are more likely to be absorbed into the body through the consumption of dairy products, fish and other seafood.It is vital to remember that exposure to dioxins can have a detrimental effect on your health depending on many factors such as how much you consume, drink, and the frequency with which you breathe. It is also crucial to take into consideration your gender, age, diet, nutritional status and family characteristics in addition to other health factors that can influence whether you will be affected by dioxins or not.The type of contaminant is also important. According to the EPA certain toxins are more harmful than others to human health. For instance, polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) are more likely to have a detrimental effect on your health than creosote.PCBs can cause damage to eyes and kidneys, liver, and kidneys. They can also harm the immune system and cause issues with the development of healthy teeth, bones and bones.For years, residents of Houston's Fifth Ward and Kashmere Gardens have complained about a rash of cancer-related deaths which has been linked to the Union Pacific rail yard, which is located near their homes. The announcement made by the city's health department said that it had identified cancer-causing chemicals in samples of the rail yard. The release stated that the results were "not encouraging." FOX 26's Mayor Sylvester Turner stated that he plans on suing Union Pacific over the matter and that a plan submitted by Texas environmental regulators will not be sufficient.Polychlorinated BiphenylsPolychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are toxic chemicals that have been used in consumer and industrial products for more than 60 years. After being shown to cause cancer and suppress the immune system, these chemicals were banned in 1979.After being released into the atmosphere, PCBs contaminate air, soil, and water in a variety of areas around the world. They are strong binders of organic matter, and are easily transported and accumulated into the environment.PCBs are a major problem for protecting the environment as well as public health. They are considered a probable human carcinogen by EPA and have been proven to cause cancer in laboratory animals.Certain studies also link PCBs to birth defects in children. This is especially applicable to children who are exposed these chemicals in the womb.PCBs are most commonly ingested through food. Because they are the highest in PCBs, fish is the main source of exposure. However, PCBs can also found in beef, dairy products, and other agricultural products.Showering or drinking PCB-contaminated water is another way to be exposed. This can result from leaks or spills which could occur in electrical and other equipment.People are also exposed to PCBs through breathing in the air or through skin contact. These chemicals can cause a condition called Chloracne. This is a mild pale, yellow-colored skin lesions that last for weeks or even years.The effects of PCBs on the health of humans aren't fully comprehended. Some researchers have suggested that they may cause liver and biliary tract cancer in humans, but more studies are needed to determine how this impacts us.EPA has also been examining whether these chemicals could cause birth defects in newborns, like less weight at birth. A low birth weight has been linked to Type II diabetes, insulin resistance, high blood pressure, and cardiovascular disease later in life. In two studies, children born with higher levels of PCBs in their cord blood had lower body weight at birth, and/or later in childhood.Lead Cancer Lawsuit Settlements is a toxic metal and is found in many products, such as pipes, paints and food cans. The body can absorb it through two major routes: oral and respiratory.It is a powerful antioxidant and can react with other chemicals in the environment. It can build up in the body, which can cause serious health problems like cancer and other ailments.In Houston, people who live near a creosote legacy treatment facility owned by the Union Pacific Railroad have a high incidence of cancer. The city has requested the federal government to order the railroad to clean its toxic site.Union Pacific Railroad has a long history of having affected its Fifth Ward rail yard and Kashmere Garden neighborhood with chemicals that can cause cancer. The company has tried to eliminate the contamination, but a plan presented to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality isn't enough, residents say.One of the major problems that stemmed due to the contamination is the groundwater plume that runs beneath the homes in the region. A recent study conducted by health officials has found that soil samples taken from the rail yard contain a higher concentration of creosote than what is required for drinking water.Another reason to be concerned is that creosote is slowly disappearing into the air. It can cause residents to breathe toxic levels of vapors, which could cause death for children as well as adults. Cancer Lawsuit Settlements is possible that the vapors could cause cancer for those who breathe them. A door-to door health survey is being conducted in the area to discover more about how the vapors affect the lives of residents.This is a serious issue for the Fifth Ward communities and Kashmere Gardens. Railroad Cancer Lawyer is a very sad situation that needs to be dealt with immediately.A Department of State Health Services study found that leukemia incidences were five times higher in children living in the Fifth Ward and Kashmere Gardens neighborhoods than was anticipated. The study also revealed that adult cancers were more prevalent in these areas than elsewhere in Texas.