Railroad Settlements and AsbestosIn 1862, Congress passed the Pacific Railroad Act, which helped to fund two transcontinental railroad companies by granting large grants of lands for rights-of-way. Railroad workers who contract cancer due to exposure in the workplace may sue their employers under the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA).An Illinois jury handed down an $7.5 million verdict to a former Union Pacific trackman dying from acute myeloid leukemia. He blamed his blood cancer on a massive workplace exposures to creosote and benzene, which were used to preserve and waterproof wooden railroad ties.CreosoteCoal tar Creosote, a wood preserver, is used to protect railroad tie from heat, sun and cold, rain, and snow. Workers are exposed chemicals and solvents, including benzene in the application of coal creosote tar. Benzene is a known carcinogen, and can cause myelodysplastic syndrome, leukemia and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma as well as other serious side consequences like convulsions changes to your heartbeat, liver damage, anemia, bone marrow damage and cancer of the skin and lungs.Our attorneys have successfully prosecuted numerous lawsuits against the Union Pacific Railroad involving coal-tar creosote exposure. One of these cases resulted with an $7.500,000 verdict. The plaintiff was a track employee suffered from acute myeloid carcinoma due to exposure chemicals that were toxic on the job for over 31 years. The jury concluded that the railroad failed to provide any personal protective equipment and frequently exposed him to a diverse range of toxic chemicals like coal-tar creosote as well as coal tar distillates, naphtha, carbolineum and other cleaning solvents.Another argument was the use of copper naphthalenate as a replacement for coal tar creosote. Although copper naphthenate isn't more harmful to the environment than creosote, it can still be extremely dangerous. Copper naphthenate may cause lung, skin and nerve damage to the skin and nerves. It can also contaminate the soil and groundwater with benzene.BenzeneA colorless, liquid petroleum hydrocarbon, benzene is used in the manufacturing of resins, plastics nylon, synthetic fibers and other. It is also used in diesel fuels and exhaust. The majority of railroad workers are exposed to diesel fumes on a regular basis. Benzene is a carcinogen that is well-known, has been linked with leukemia and the myelodysplastic disorder (MDS).There is no safe level of exposure to benzene. It is taken in through the skin and inhaled. bnsf settlement -term exposure to it can damage the blood supply and trigger different health issues, including menstrual cycle irregularities, anemia and fertility issues. The chemical is also linked to certain types of cancers, including lung and breast cancer.Inhaling million settlement can be the most dangerous. Inhaling benzene could cause dizziness, headaches or nosebleeds. Benzene can also interfere with the immune system, which may cause infections.A recent report revealed the high levels of benzene found in the air around two Chicago train stations. Commuters railroad workers as well as city residents were exposed to the high levels of pollution. csx settlement halted classes and cities asked residents to shelter in place. Railroad workers, like car department employees as well as locomotive mechanics, electricians and pipefitters, use products that contain benzene such as Safety-Kleen part washers, CRC Brakleen and paints, thinners, and other products. Benzene is also used in printing solvents.AsbestosAs early as the 1800s, asbestos was used in the railroad industry. Asbestos is composed of six silicate minerals that naturally occur with a fibrous structure. They were once used in construction because of their fire retardant, corrosion resistant, and insulate qualities. Inhaling these fibers can cause serious health problems such as lung cancer, asbestosis and mesothelioma. The signs of these health conditions can take anywhere from 15 to 30 years to show.The EPA has stopped the mining and process of asbestos in the United States However, asbestos is used in many of the products. This includes certain types of paper, flooring felt and fake fireplace embers. However, when these products are exposed to heat or water they could release toxic asbestos fibers. These fibers can also enter the air when buildings are being demolished or when homes are renovated.A recent study found that just five years of exposure to benzene significantly increases the chance of developing acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Consult your physician if you have symptoms such as night sweats, or a sudden weight loss. They can perform a blood test to look for AML.The EPA recently settled a case against Genesee & Wyoming Railroad Services Inc. (GWRSI). GWRSI operates locomotives which emit nitrogen oxides as well as fine particulates (PM2.5) when they operate on diesel fuel. This EPA settlement mandates that GWRSI replace any of its current locomotives with more modern models that meet EPA emission standards.Diesel ExhaustAs long diesel fuel continues to be used to power freight trains railroad workers are exposed exhaust. Diesel exhaust is a dangerous mix of chemicals that includes carcinogens such benzene and carbon monoxide. It also includes particulate matter, polyaromatic hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxides.The International Agency for Research on Cancer has classified diesel exhaust as Group 1 carcinogen. Diesel exhaust may also cause respiratory illnesses like chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD) or bronchiectasis. A 2006 article published in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives linked railroad worker's work and COPD rates.When locomotives and railcars are running and idle, they emit diesel exhaust. Idling engines emit gases, such as sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides as well as diesel fumes.Diesel exhaust fumes are usually similar to those in locomotive cabs where conductors and engineers work up to six hours per day. The equipment and engine emit more exhaust fumes from diesel engines when people enter or leave the cabs. This can cause lung and cancerous conditions.Additionally railroad mechanics are also exposed to diesel exhaust in poorly ventilated roundhouses and shops. They work with running locomotives and track equipment in enclosed spaces that can produce dangerous inhalants, like asbestos-insulated steam pipes and boilers and silica sand.