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 rail yard that is contaminated. The latest tests have shown that the contamination could be affecting residents living nearby.Researchers believe that it could be due to the large number of cancers in the area. Two years after the launch of an investigation into health issues across the state Researchers found that there were higher than anticipated rates of childhood lymphoblastic and adult kidney and pelvis cancers in the vicinity of the Union Pacific site.CreosoteCreosote is a popular chemical used to treat wood is also a typical one. It is also a dangerous substance that can cause cancer when exposed to it.It is a thick, oily substance that is black or amber in appearance and has a smoky smell and a burnt flavor. It is a distillation of coal product and has been in use for more than 150 years as a wood preservative.It is employed in the United States to treat railroad tiesand other types of woods, including fence posts, utility poles, as well as pilings for marine use. It is also used to guard log structures and homes against decay and insect infestation.The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) states creosote is an extremely hazardous chemical. When exposed to creosote, even for short periods can cause skin and eye irritation as well as chemical burns stomach discomfort, burning of the mouth or throat and liver or kidney issues, and even permanent damage.Long-term exposure to the sun can cause skin and scrotum cancer. This is a serious concern for those who come into direct contact with it during wood treatment or in other manufacturing processes.It is regarded as a possible human carcinogen as per the EPA. It has been linked with a variety of cancers of various types, including esophageal and lung cancer.Houston's Fifth Ward residents have been exposed for decades to creosote, because of a former railroad yard that was close to their homes. They say the chemical has affected their homes and soil and continues to spread throughout the underground.Harris County and Houston have joined forces in the fight against Union Pacific in federal court. They would like the company to test regularly for contamination and take steps to prevent it from spreading.A group of Fifth Ward neighbors filed an action against Union Pacific in October of 2017. They claim that creosote was a source of contamination in their soil, causing significant health issues from the former rail yard.They are seeking compensation for their ailments and suffering, as well as damages from the railroad for the cost of cleanup and other related costs. They also claim to be suffering from environmental racism and discrimination, in addition to other kinds of pollution that have impacted them and their families.DioxinDioxins are substances that don't break down in environment quickly , and can remain in the air, the soil of the water, or sediment for long periods. They can come from various sources, such as natural disasters, industrial accidents cigarette smoke and incineration of hazardous waste.The effects of dioxin on health aren't clear at low levels, but there is evidence that dioxin may cause cancer as well as other serious diseases. Dioxin levels that are higher have been linked with an increased risk of organ cancers, heart disease immune issues, and endocrine issues including hormonal imbalances. Railroad Cancer Settlements can also lead to reproductive problems, a suppressed immune system, menstrual problems and diabetes, hair growth, weight loss and facial cysts, known as chloracne.According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency the most frequent way that people are exposed to dioxin is through food or drinking water. They aren't 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.However, it is crucial to remember that the level of exposure that can have a harmful effect on your health will depend on numerous factors, including the amount of food you consume or drink, the frequency you drink or eat and the amount of air you breathe. It is also important to take into consideration your age, gender and diet, nutritional status and family traits and other health factors that can influence whether you will be affected by dioxins or not.The type of contaminant is equally important. According to the EPA the EPA, certain toxins are more dangerous than others to the health of humans. Polychlorinated biphenyls or PCBs are more likely than creosote affect your health.For instance, PCBs can damage a person's eyes, kidneys and liver. They can also harm the immune system and cause issues with the growth of healthy teeth, bones, and bones.For years, neighbors in Houston's Fifth Ward and Kashmere Gardens have complained about a string of cancer-related deaths which has been related to the Union Pacific rail yard, which is next to their homes. Friday's announcement by the city's health department stated that it discovered cancer-causing chemicals in surfaces near the rail yard. The release said the results weren't encouraging. FOX 26's Mayor Sylvester Turner stated that he intends to sue Union Pacific over the matter and that a plan submitted by Texas environmental regulators will not be sufficient.Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs)Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are harmful chemicals that have been used in consumer and industrial products for over 60 years. After being shown to cause cancer and suppress the immune system, these chemicals were banned in 1979.PCBs can contaminate soil as well as water and air in many parts around the globe after they are released into the environment. They are extremely binders to organic matter, and tend to remain in the environment for a long time that means they are easy to transport and build up in the environment.PCBs are a significant concern for protecting the environment as well as public health. Railroad Cancer Lawsuit Settlements are considered a probable human carcinogen by EPA, and have been demonstrated to cause cancer in laboratory animals.In addition, some studies have found a link between PCBs to birth defects in children. This is especially the case for children who've been exposed to these chemicals during pregnancy.PCBs are most commonly ingested through food. Because they are the highest in PCBs fish is the most significant source of exposure. However, PCBs can also found in dairy products, beef, and other agricultural products.Another way to be exposed to PCBs is by drinking or showering with water that is infected with PCBs. This could be due to leaks or spills that can occur in electrical and other equipment.Additionally, people can be exposed to PCBs through breathing air or by touching the skin. These chemicals can cause the condition known as Chloracne. It is a small pale, yellow-colored skin lesions that last for weeks or even years.However, the effects of PCBs on the human body are not fully comprehended. Some researchers have suggested that they may cause liver and biliary tract cancer in humans, but further studies are needed to understand how this impacts us.EPA has also been investigating whether these chemicals can cause birth defects in newborns, including lower birth weight. A low birth weight has been linked to insulin resistance or Type II diabetes, high blood pressure, and cardiovascular disease later in life. Two studies have shown that children born with higher levels of PCBs in their cord blood had lower birth weights , and/or a later age.LeadLead is a toxic metal that is found in a variety of products, including paints, pipes and food cans. It is absorbed by the body through two major pathways: the respiratory and oral.It is a strong chemical that can oxidize and react with other chemicals in your environment. This can lead to its accumulation within the body. This can lead to serious health problems like cancer, among other illnesses. Railroad Cancer Settlements who live near the Union Pacific Railroad's creosote-based plant that is its legacy have a high incidence of cancer. The city has asked the federal government to instruct the railroad to clean its contaminated site.Union Pacific Railroad has a history in which it has contaminated its Fifth Ward rail yard and Kashmere Garden neighborhood with chemicals that could cause cancer. Residents claim that the company has been trying to eliminate the contamination, but the plan that was submitted to Texas Commission on Environmental Quality was not enough.One of the most significant problems that resulted from the contamination is the groundwater plume beneath homes in the region. A recent study conducted by health officials has shown that soil samples from the rail yard have more creosote than what is required for drinking water.Another cause for concern is the gradual release of creosote from the atmosphere. It is causing residents to breathe in dangerous levels of vapors, which are dangerous for children and adults.It is possible that the vapors could cause cancer in those who inhale them. To learn more about the effects of the vapors on lives of residents the neighborhood, a door-to-door survey being done in the neighborhood.This is a serious issue for the Fifth Ward communities and Kashmere Gardens. It is a sad situation and it should be addressed immediately.A Department of State Health Services study found that leukemia rates were five times higher for children living in the Fifth Ward and Kashmere Gardens neighborhoods than was expected. The study also revealed that adult cancers were more prevalent in these neighborhoods than in other areas of Texas.