Union Pacific Houston Cancer - Is Creosote Still Affecting Houstonians?For decades, residents of Houston's Fifth Ward have argued the company hasn't done enough to clean up an underground plume of creosote at its contaminated rail yard. Now, the most recent tests have revealed that the contamination may still be affecting people who live near.Researchers believe that it could be due to the high incidence of cancers found in the region. Two years after launching an all-state health investigation the researchers discovered that there were higher than expected rates of lymphoblastic childhood and adult pelvis and kidney cancers in the region around the Union Pacific site.CreosoteCreosote is a chemical commonly used to treat wood. It can also cause cancer in those who are exposed to it.It is a thick oily substance which is black or amber-colored and has a smokey odor and a burnt flavor. It is a coal tar distillation product and has been used for more than 150 years as a wood preservative.It is employed in the United States to treat railroad ties, as well as other types of woods, including fence posts, utility poles, and pilings for marine structures. It is also used for protecting log structures and homes against rot and insect infestation.According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), creosote is a chemical that could be dangerous. Exposure to creosote for short periods can result in irritation to the eyes and skin, chemical burns stomach discomfort, burning of the throat or mouth and liver or kidney problems, and even permanent damage.Long-term exposure may cause skin and scrotum cancer. This is a significant concern for those who come into direct contact with it during wood treatment or in other manufacturing processes.According to the EPA it is a probable human cancer-causing agent. It has been linked with various cancers which include esophageal, as well as lung cancer.Residents of Houston's Fifth Ward neighborhood have been exposed to creosote over the years, thanks to an old rail yard located near their homes. They claim the chemical has affected their homes and soil, and it continues to spread throughout the underground.Harris County and Houston have joined forces in the fight against Union Pacific in federal court. They want the company to test regularly for contamination , and take measures to prevent it from spreading.A group of Fifth Ward neighbors filed a lawsuit against Union Pacific in October of 2017. They claim that creosote had contaminated their soil and caused major health issues from the former rail yard.They are seeking compensation for their illness and suffering and damages from the railroad to cover the cost of cleaning and other costs. Railroad Cancer claim to have been harmed by environmental racism discrimination, sexism, and other types of pollution that has affected them and their families.DioxinDioxins are a class of chemicals which do not break down quickly in the environment, and they can be found in the soil, air, or sediment for a long duration. They can come from many sources, including natural disasters, industrial accidents smoking cigarettes, and the incineration process of hazardous waste.The health effects of dioxin aren't clear at low levels, however there is evidence to suggest that they can trigger cancer and other serious diseases. Dioxin levels that are higher have been linked to increased risk of heart disease, organ cancers immune issues, and endocrine issues, like hormonal imbalances. They can also lead to hormonal issues, suppressed immunity, diabetes, menstrual issues and weight loss.According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA), the most common way people are exposed to the toxins is through food and water. They are not water-soluble or volatile, therefore they are more likely to be in the body through the consumption of dairy products, fish, and other seafood.However, it is important to be aware that the amount of exposure that can have detrimental effects on your health depends on several factors, such as the amount you eat or drink, the frequency you drink or eat, and how much you breathe. You should also take into consideration your gender and age, your diet, and family characteristics to determine if you'll be exposed to dioxins.Furthermore, Cancer Lawsuit Settlements of contaminant is an important factor. Railroad Workers Cancer Lawsuit says that some toxins are more likely to cause harm impact on human health than others. For instance, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are more likely to have a detrimental impact on your health than creosote. Railroad Cancer Lawsuit can cause damage to eyes, liver, kidneys, and kidneys. They can also harm the immune system and cause problems in the development of healthy bones, teeth, and bones.For years, neighbors in 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, that is right next to their neighborhoods. The city's health department reported on Friday that it found cancer-causing chemical compounds in surface samples near the rail yard. The release noted that the findings were not encouraging. Mayor Sylvester Turner told FOX 26 that he's planning to sue Union Pacific over the matter, and said a plan presented to Texas environmental regulators isn't adequate given the findings.Polychlorinated BiphenylsPolychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) are harmful chemicals that have been employed in industrial and consumer products for more than 60 years. PCBs were banned in 1979 after they were found to cause cancer, inhibit the immune system, and hinder learning.PCBs can be harmful to soil or water as well as air in many regions around the globe after they are released into the environment. They are extremely binders to organic matter, and are generally persistent which means they are easily transported and accumulated in the environment.PCBs are a significant concern for protecting the environment as well as public health. They are deemed to be a probable human carcinogen by EPA, and have been proven to cause cancer in laboratory animals.Some studies also link PCBs to birth defects in children. This is particularly true for children exposed to these chemicals while pregnant.The primary route of exposure to PCBs is through food items. Fish are the primary source of exposure, as they contain the most PCBs. However, PCBs can also be found in beef and dairy and other agricultural products.Showering and drinking PCB-contaminated water is another way to be exposed. This could be the result of leaks or spillages in electrical and other equipment.In the same way, people can be exposed to PCBs through breathing air or through the skin. These chemicals can cause a condition called Chloracne. This is a mild pale, yellow-colored lesions that may last for weeks to years.The effects of PCBs on the health of humans aren't completely recognized. Researchers have suggested that they may cause liver and biliary cancers in humans. However further research is required to understand how this affects us.EPA is also studying whether these chemicals can cause birth defects in newborns, including low birth weight. The low birth weight of newborns is associated with insulin resistance, or Type II diabetes, high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease later in the course of. Two studies revealed that children born with higher levels PCBs in their cord blood had lower birth weights and/or older.LeadLead is a toxic metal and can be found in many products, including pipes, paints and food containers. The body can absorb it through two main routes: oral and respiratory.It is a powerful antioxidant that can react with other chemicals present in the environment. This could cause it to build up in the body , and could lead to serious health problems like cancer and other illnesses.In Houston, people who live near a creosote treatment facility run by the Union Pacific Railroad have a high rate of cancer. The city has asked the federal government to order the railroad to remove its contaminated facility.Union Pacific Railroad has a history in which it has caused harm to its Fifth Ward rail yard and Kashmere Garden neighborhood with chemicals that could cause cancer. Residents claim that the railroad has been working to remove the contamination but the plan that was submitted to Texas Commission on Environmental Quality was not sufficient.The plume of groundwater below homes in the affected area is among the most grave effects of the contamination. A recent study conducted by health officials has shown that soil samples from the rail yard contain more creosote than the recommended amount for drinking water.Another concern is the slow evaporation of creosote in the air. It causes residents to breathe dangerous levels of vapors, which could be fatal for both children and adults.It is possible that the vapors cause cancer in people who inhale them. To find out more about the effects of the vapors' effects on the lives of residents there is a door-to door survey being conducted in the neighborhood.This is a major issue for the Fifth Ward and Kashmere Garden communities. It's a pity and needs to be addressed immediately.A recent study conducted by the Department of State Health Services discovered that children who lived in the Fifth Ward and Kashmere Garden communities contracted a type leukemia at five times greater rate than what was expected. The study also found that adult cancers were more frequent in the neighborhoods than elsewhere in Texas.