Union Pacific Houston Cancer - Is Creosote Still Affecting Houstonians?Houston's Fifth Ward neighbors have complained for years that the company hasn't done enough to clean the plume of underground pollution that has contaminated the rail yard. Recent tests have revealed that contamination could still 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 the researchers discovered that there were higher than expected rates of lymphoblastic childhood and adult kidney and pelvis cancers in the region around the Union Pacific site.CreosoteCreosote, a chemical commonly that is 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 dense oily substance that ranges from amber to black in color. It has a smokey smell and a bitter taste. It is a distillation of coal product that has been in use for over 150 years as a wood preservative.In the United States, it is used to treat railroad ties as well as other kinds of wood, including fence posts, utility poles and marine pilings. It can also be used to guard log houses and other structures from rot and insect infestation.According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Creosote, according to the EPA, is a chemical that could be dangerous. When exposed to creosote, even for short periods can cause irritation to the eyes and skin chemical burns stomach pains, burning of mouth or throat, kidney or liver problems, and even permanent damage.Long-term exposure may cause skin and scrotum cancer. Cancer Lawsuits is a serious concern for those who come in direct contact with it during wood treatment or other manufacturing processes.It is thought to be a probable human carcinogen as per the EPA. 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 for decades due to an old rail yard close to their homes. They claim that the chemical has contaminated their homes and soil and continues to spread throughout the underground.The cities of Houston and Harris County have joined the campaign to sue Union Pacific in federal court. They are demanding that the company test for contamination regularly and implement preventative measures to prevent it from spreading.In October of 2017, a group comprised of Fifth Ward neighbors filed a lawsuit against Union Pacific. They claim that creosote contaminated their soil and caused serious health problems as a result of the former rail yard.They are seeking compensation for their ailments and suffering and also damages from railroads for the cost of cleaning and other costs. They also claim that they are harmed by environmental racism and discrimination, in addition to other kinds of pollution that have affected their families and themselves.DioxinDioxins are a class of chemicals that do not degrade quickly in the environment and they can be found in the air, water, soil or sediment for a long time. Cancer Lawsuits can come from a variety of sources, including natural disasters, industrial accidents, smoking cigarettes, and incineration of hazardous waste.Although the health effects of dioxin in low concentrations aren't yet known however, there is evidence to suggest that they can trigger serious illnesses like cancer. People who are exposed to higher levels have been found to be at risk of heart disease, organ cancers, immune system problems and endocrine changes such as hormonal imbalances. They can also cause reproductive issues, a weak immune system, menstrual issues and diabetes hair loss, weight gain and facial cysts called chloracne.According to the U.S. Union Pacific Lawsuit Settlements (USEPA) the most popular way people are exposed to the toxins is through water and food. They aren't volatile or water-soluble, so they are more likely to be absorbed into the body through the consumption of dairy products, fish and other seafood.It is nevertheless important to remember that the level of exposure that could have adverse effects on your health depends on many factors, including the amount of food you consume or drink, how often you eat or drink and how much air you breathe. You should also take into consideration your gender and age, as well as your nutrition and family traits to determine whether you will be exposed to dioxins.The type of contaminant also important. The EPA declares that certain toxins are more likely to have a damaging effect on human health than others. Polychlorinated biphenyls, or PCBs, are more likely than creosote negatively impact your health.For instance, PCBs can damage a person's eyes, kidneys and liver. They also can harm the immune system and cause problems with the development of healthy bones, teeth and bones.Houston's Fifth Ward and Kashmere Garden neighbors have complained for years of cluster of cancer deaths linked to the Union Pacific rail yard. The yard is located next to their homes. The city's health department reported on Friday that it found cancer-causing chemicals in surface samples from the rail yard. The announcement said the findings were "not encouraging." FOX 26's Mayor Sylvester Turner stated that he plans on suing Union Pacific over the matter and that a proposal submitted by Texas environmental regulators won't be sufficient.Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs)Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) are harmful chemicals that have been used in industrial and consumer products for over 60 years. After being shown to cause cancer and suppress the immune system, these chemicals were banned in 1979.Once released into the natural environment, PCBs contaminate air, soil, and water throughout the world. They are strong binding agents of organic matter and can be transported easily and accumulated in the environment.This is why PCBs are a major issue for the protection of public health and the environment. The EPA considers them a probable human carcinogen , and has demonstrated that they can cause cancer in lab animals.In addition, some studies have found a link between PCBs to birth defects in children. Railroad Workers is particularly true for children who have been exposed to these chemicals while in the womb.PCBs are most commonly ingested through food items. Since they are the most abundant in PCBs fish is the primary source of exposure. However, PCBs can also found in beef, dairy products and other agricultural products.Another way to be exposed to PCBs is through drinking and showering with water that has been contaminated with PCBs. This could be the result of leaks or spillages in electrical equipment and other.People can also be exposed to PCBs by breathing in the air or coming into contact with skin. These chemicals can cause the condition known as Chloracne. This is a tiny pale, yellow-colored skin lesions that can last from weeks or even years.The effects of PCBs upon human health are not fully recognized. Some researchers have suggested they could cause liver and the biliary tract cancers among humans, however more research is needed to find out the extent to which this impacts us.The EPA is also investigating whether these chemicals could cause birth defects in newborns. Low birth weight has been associated with Type II diabetes, insulin resistance as well as high blood pressure and later-life cardiovascular diseases. Two studies revealed that children born with higher levels PCBs in their cord blood had lower birth weights or later in life.LeadLead is a toxic metal that is found in a wide range of products, including paints, pipes and food cans. The body absorbs it via two routes: the respiratory and oral.It is a potent chemical that is oxidizing and can react with other chemicals in your surroundings. This could cause it to build up within the body and cause serious health issues such as cancer and other illnesses.In Houston, people who live near a creosote legacy treatment plant run by the Union Pacific Railroad have a high incidence of cancer. The city has asked the federal government for an order to the railroad to cleanse its contaminated site.The Union Pacific Railroad has a history of polluting its rail yard in the Fifth Ward and Kashmere Gardens neighborhood with chemicals that are carcinogenic to humans, such as creosote. Residents claim that the railroad has been working to clean up contamination but the proposal submitted to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality was not enough.One of the most significant problems that stemmed from the contamination was the groundwater plume under the homes in the area. A recent study conducted by health officials has revealed that soil samples taken from the rail yard contain a higher concentration of creosote than is recommended for drinking water.Another concern is the slow release of creosote to the atmosphere. As it escapes, it causes residents to breathe dangerous levels of vapors that are toxic for both children and adults.It is possible that the vapors cause cancer in people who breathe them. A door-to-door health assessment is being conducted in the area to learn more about how the vapors affect the lives of residents.This is a major problem for the Fifth Ward and Kashmere Garden communities. This is a terribly sad situation that must be addressed immediately.A recent study conducted by the Department of State Health Services found that children in the Fifth Ward and Kashmere Garden neighborhoods contracted a type of leukemia at a five times greater rate than what was expected. The study also revealed that adult cancers were more common in these areas than in other areas of Texas.