Railroad CancerRailroads burn millions of gallons of diesel fuel to operate freight trains over long distances. This highly toxic diesel exhaust is rich in carcinogens like arsenic and benzene.You may be eligible for compensation under Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA) when you're railroad employee who has been diagnosed as having cancer. Our Houston railroad cancer lawyers will help you receive fair financial compensation for your suffering.BenzeneBenzene, an industrial solvent is found in the exhaust of diesel fuel. Many railroad workers, like conductors, engineers and machinists and electricians work in areas in which they come in contact with diesel fumes. Cancer Lawsuit may develop cancer as a result of one exposure to benzene. It is believed to cause acute meeloid leukemia (AML). The cancer starts in the bone marrow, and spreads into the blood. It is more common in men than in women and can be fatal if not treated.The immune system is susceptible to damage from benzene, which is why it poses a danger. This can result in infections and a decrease in the capability to fight off germs. Union Pacific Lawsuit Settlements may cause bone weakness and increase the risk of arthritis.Another serious problem from benzene exposure is chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). This type of cancer starts in the bone marrow and expands into the blood. It can affect the spleen , as well as other body parts.A study in 2015 found that even low levels benzene can increase the risk of developing leukemia by 33. Researchers examined the medical records of more than 25,000 Norwegian oil-rig workers who worked for more than 20 days.Despite the danger of exposure to benzene, it's still being used in a variety of commercial and industrial operations. Fortunately, there are Cancer Lawsuits to reduce exposure and prevent benzene poisoning.Wearing eyewear that is protective and wearing appropriate clothing is a way to safeguard your eyes. This will help prevent benzene from getting into the eyes and nose. A respirator should be used whenever feasible.If you suspect that have been exposed to benzene, you should call your doctor immediately. This will help identify any symptoms that you may be suffering from and help reduce the risk of death from benzene poisoning.Benzene can also cause brain damage, along with various other forms of cancer. It can cause loss of memory and confusion. If you suffer from this condition it can result in a decrease in your quality of life and make it difficult to perform at home or at work.AsbestosAsbestos is a toxic mineral, has been proven to cause lung cancer and mesothelioma. It is found in a variety of substances that are used in construction, such as pipe insulation or floor tiles.As the result asbestos exposure is considered to be one of the most serious health risks to people who work in the railroad industry. Railroad workers can be exposed to asbestos in a variety of ways. Here are some of the most prevalent:A single exposure to asbestos can cause mesothelioma or other life-threatening cancers. These cancers can manifest in the lungs, mesothelium (the membrane that covers the lungs) and in the abdominal cavity.Fortunately, most people who are exposed to asbestos fibers won't develop any of the negative health issues that are linked to asbestos. Most fibers are released through coughing or in the form of mucus. This protects the lung. There are asbestos fibers that could be stuck to your lungs for a long time, even decades.The health effects of this condition differ from individual to individual but it can cause shortness in breath or chest pain, difficulty breathing or a tight feeling in the chest. Other symptoms include difficulty swallowing and weight loss.Children who have been exposed to asbestos are at a higher risk of developing mesothelioma or another form of cancer, since they are more likely to inhale asbestos-related fibers through their noses and mouths. The reason for this is that their lung tissue is still developing.They breathe at a higher rate, and since their lungs have a greater volume to surface ratio than adults', they have the ability to inhale more asbestos fibers.Young children are more likely to breathe in the harmful fibers than adults, and are particularly at risk if they've lived near railroad vehicles. They also stand a higher risk of developing this disease in the event of an ancestor who has mesothelioma.CreosoteCreosote first came into use in the 19th century to guard wood from damage caused by insects and rot. Railroad companies were able to save money by reducing the expense of replacing wood. Creosote can still be used to treat wood products. It is also used to protect log homes and marine pilings.It is a toxic chemical and has been linked with numerous cancers. Some of these include esophageal, lung, and larynx cancers.The health risks associated with creosote are especially high among those who work in the wood preservation, coke production and asphalt industries. Workers who work physically such as rail track maintenance or construction work, such as chimney sweeps, may also be exposed.Creosote exposure can cause skin irritation, eyelid convulsions and spasms, as along with chemical burns convulsions, chemical burns, and even unconsciousness. It can also affect the lung and cause respiratory issues over time, similar to smoking cigarettes.Creosote chemical is made from coal tar . It is able to be taken in through the skin. It is also absorbed through contaminated food or water.One of the main sources of exposure to creosote for railroad workers is working near an area of hazardous waste. These sites often contain large quantities of creosote, which can cause contamination of water, soil and air.Another source of creosote exposure for employees of rail companies is working in the wood treatment industry. Many wood products, including lumber and fences, are treated with creosote.These workers are often not protected by protective equipment which could expose them to toxic substances. This can lead to serious health conditions such as chronic fatigue syndrome and cancer.Creosote, a liquid that is oily with a bitter, burning taste, is amber-black in color. It is non-buoyant in water and has an SG of 1.037 to 1.087. It is a mix of aromatic polycyclic hydrocarbons, phenolic compounds and other chemicals. The most common form of creosote is coal tar, but other forms are also utilized.Diesel ExhaustDiesel exhaust is a byproduct of combustion of fuels and is released into the air when diesel engines are in use. Diesel exhaust is also released by diesel locomotives as well as construction equipment, farm equipment, generators and other industrial equipment.Workers who work near diesel exhaust may be at a greater risk of developing cancer. This is because they are more likely to be exposed to radiation than those who work in other sectors.Exposure to diesel exhaust for a long time can cause lung carcinoma in laboratory animals such as rats. In some cases, the diesel exhaust can alter the DNA in cells and increase their chances to develop cancerous cells and grow.Studies of diesel exhaust in humans have also revealed that exposure to heavy amounts can lead to numerous health issues, including respiratory disorders like chronic bronchitis or emphysema as well as blood system disorders like cancers of the bladder, larynx (voice box), esophagus, stomach and pancreas. Other studies have identified diesel exhaust as a cause of cancers of the breast and prostate.The American Cancer Society considers diesel exhaust to be a carcinogen. It is classified as such in the International Agency for Research on Cancer (part of the World Health Organization).Workers who work with large machines and engines, such as truck drivers and toll booth attendants, are at a higher risk of developing cancer as a result of diesel exhaust exposure. They could also be at risk when they spend a lot of time in places that are prone to heavy diesel traffic in such places as highways or cities.Additionally, railroad workers who construct and maintain tracks and yards may be exposed to diesel fumes if they work near locomotives or other equipment that uses diesel engines. The fumes could be harmful when they enter the cabins of locomotives or other machinery.A study on laboratory rats found that exposure to diesel exhaust triggered numerous lung tumors and the development of inflammatory changes. Certain of these tumors appeared like a particular type of cancer called a lung adenocarcinoma. It occurs when the cells of the lungs turn malignant and begin to multiply and grow rapidly.