[1] Railroad Cancer Railroads burn millions of gallons of diesel fuel to operate freight trains across long distances. The highly harmful diesel exhaust is high in carcinogens, including arsenic as well as benzene.You could be eligible for compensation under Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA) If you're a railroad worker who is diagnosed with cancer. Our Houston railroad cancer lawyers will help you obtain fair financial compensation for your suffering.BenzeneBenzene, an industrial solvent is present in the exhaust of diesel engines. Many railroad workers, such as conductors, engineers, machinists electricians, and conductors, are exposed to diesel fumes.A single exposure to benzene may lead to cancer in some people. In particular, it is believed to cause acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The cancer develops in the bone marrow and then it spreads to blood. It is more prevalent in men than for women and could be fatal if untreated.The immune system can be damaged by the chemical benzene. This is why it poses a danger. This can cause a range of health problems including infections and a diminished capacity to fight off germs. Benzene may cause bone weakness and increase the risk for arthritis.Another serious issue associated with exposure to benzene is chronic leukemia (CML). This form of cancer begins in the bone marrow, and grows into blood. It may affect the spleen or other organs of the body.A study from 2015 found that even low levels of benzene could increase the risk of leukemia by 33. Researchers examined the medical records of 25,000 Norwegian oil-rig workers who been working for more than 20 days.Benzene is still utilized in many commercial and industrial operations, despite the dangers of being exposed to it. There are ways to limit exposure and prevent poisoning by benzene.Wearing protective eyewear and clothing is one way to protect your eyes. Cancer Lawsuit Settlements will stop benzene from getting in the eyes and nose. You should also use a respirator whenever possible.If you suspect that have been exposed to benzene you must contact your doctor right away. This will enable you to determine any symptoms and reduce the chance of dying from poisoning with benzene.Benzene is also known to cause brain damage, in addition to various other forms of cancer. It can lead to a loss of memory and confusion. This can lead to a decline in the quality of life and make it difficult to perform at work or at home.AsbestosAsbestos is an extremely toxic mineral that has been found to cause many serious diseases, including lung cancer and mesothelioma. It is present in many construction materials, such as pipe insulation and floor tiles.As a result , asbestos exposure is one of the greatest health risks for railroad workers. Railroad workers are exposed to the toxic substance through many different ways. Some of the most common include:One exposure to asbestos can trigger mesothelioma and various other life-threatening cancers. The cancers, which form in the lungs , or in the membrane that covers the lungs and abdominal cavity (the mesothelium) are usually fatal.Most people who have been exposed to asbestos fibers don't develop any health issues associated with this chemical. Most fibers will be expelled through coughing or in the form of mucus. This helps protect the lungs. However there are some kinds of asbestos fibers which can stick to your lungs and remain there for years or decades.The effects of this condition can vary from person to person however, it can cause shortness of breath, chest pain, trouble breathing, or a tightness in the chest. Other symptoms include difficulty swallowing and weight loss.Asbestos-exposed children are at greater chance of developing mesothelioma or other forms of cancer. They are more likely to inhale harmful fibers through the mouth and nose. The reason is that their lung's development is still in its early stages.They breathe at a greater rate, and as their lungs have a larger volume-to-surface ratio than adults', they are able to inhale more asbestos fibers.Young children are more likely to inhale the harmful fibers than adults, and are especially at risk if they have been in close proximity to railroad cars. If they have a relative who suffers from mesothelioma are at greater chance of developing the disease.CreosoteCreosote was developed in the 19th century to protect wood from rot and insect damage. Railroad companies were in a position to save money by reducing the cost of replacing wood. Creosote is still used to treat wood products to this day. It can also be used to protect log homes and marine pilings.It is a poisonous chemical and has been linked to a variety of cancers. These include esophageal and lung cancers, and larynx cancers.The health risks of creosote exposure are particularly significant for those working in the wood preservation, coke production, and asphalt industries. Workers who work physically such as rail track maintenance or construction, such as chimney sweeps, could also be exposed.Creosote exposure can cause eyelid irritation, skin spasms and convulsions, as in addition to chemical burns, convulsions, chemical burns and unconsciousness. It can also trigger lung problems and respiratory problems, much like smoking.Creosote, a chemical, is made from coal tar and can be absorbed through the skin. It can also get into the body through food items that are contaminated and water.Railroad workers are exposed to creosote if they work near hazardous waste sites. These sites typically contain large amounts of creosote that can be harmful to water, soil and air.Another way to expose yourself to creosote for rail employees is working in the wood treatment industry. Many wood products such as fences and timber, are treated with creosote.The majority of these workers are not provided with protective gear that could expose them to toxic substances. This could lead to serious health conditions, including cancer and chronic fatigue syndrome.Creosote is a liquid that is oily which ranges from amber to black in color and possesses an acidic, burning taste. It is non-buoyant in water and has an SG of 1.037 to 1.087. It is a mixture of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and phenolic compounds as well as other chemicals. While coal is the most well-known form, various forms of creosote also exist.Diesel ExhaustDiesel exhaust is a byproduct of combustion of fuel that is released into the air when you operate vehicles with diesel engines. Diesel exhaust can also be released by diesel locomotives as well as farm equipment, construction equipment, generators and other industrial equipment.People who work around diesel exhaust could be more at chance of developing cancer. This is due to the fact that they are typically exposed to more of this substance than those who work in other sectors.A few studies suggest that exposure to diesel exhaust could cause lung cancer in laboratory animals such as rats. In some cases, the diesel exhaust could alter the DNA in cells and increase their chances to develop cancerous cells and grow.Studies on the effects of diesel exhaust on humans have also demonstrated that exposure to diesel exhaust can trigger many health problems that include respiratory disorders such as chronic bronchitis, emphysema and blood system disorders like bladder cancer, larynx (voice box), esophagus, stomach and pancreas. Some cancers of prostate, breast, and stomach have been caused by diesel exhaust.The American Cancer Society considers diesel exhaust to be a carcinogen. It is classified as such by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (part of the World Health Organization).Workers who are exposed to large machines and engines, such as truck drivers and operators of toll booths, are at a higher chance of developing cancer due to exposure to exhaust fumes from diesel. They may also be at high risk for cancer if they spend a large amount of time in places where heavy diesel traffic occurs, such as highways and cities.Railroad workers who manage and construct tracks and yards can also be exposed to diesel fumes if they work near diesel engines or other machinery. These fumes pose a particular risk if they enter the cabins of locomotives and other machinery.Long-term exposure to diesel exhaust can cause lung cancers and inflammation in laboratory rats. Some of these tumors appeared like a particular type of cancer called a lung adenocarcinoma. This happens when the cells within the lungs turn malignant and begin to multiply and grow rapidly.