Railroad Settlements and AsbestosIn 1862, Congress passed The Pacific Railroad Act. This law allowed for the funding of two transcontinental railway companies by granting large grants for rights-of-way. Railroad workers who contract cancer due to workplace exposures may file lawsuits against their employers under the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA).An Illinois jury has 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 exposure to creosote in the workplace and benzene. Both were used to preserve and waterproof railroad ties made of wood.CreosoteCoal tar Creosote, the wood preserver employed to shield railroad ties from heat, sun and cold, rain, and snow. In the process of applying coal tar creosote workers are exposed to a range of toxic chemicals and solvents such as benzene. Benzene is a known carcinogen that can cause leukemia, myelodysplastic syndrome and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma as well other serious side consequences like convulsions changes to your heartbeat, liver damage anemia as well as bone marrow damage. cancer of the lungs and skin.Our lawyers have successfully defended numerous lawsuits against Union Pacific Railroad for exposure to coal-tar creosote. One of these cases resulted in an award of $750,000. The plaintiff was a track department employee suffered from acute myeloid carcinoma because of exposure to toxic chemical compounds while on the job for over 31 years. The jury found that the railroad failed to provide any personal protective equipment and frequently exposed him to a wide variety of toxic chemicals, including coal-tar creosote, coal distillates, carbolineum and naphtha and other cleaning solvents.Another claim was the use of copper naphthalenate as a replacement for creosote derived from coal. Although copper naphthenate isn't more damaging to the environment than creosote, it can still be extremely harmful. Copper naphthenate may cause lung, skin and nerve damage to nerves, skin and the lung. It is also a source of contamination for the soil and groundwater with benzene.BenzeneBenzene is a colorless liquid petroleum hydrocarbon that is used to create resins, plastics and synthetic fibers. It is also found in diesel fuel and exhaust. Nearly all railroad workers are exposed to diesel fumes on an ongoing basis. Benzene is a well-known carcinogen has been linked to leukemia and the myelodysplastic disorder (MDS).There is no safe level of exposure to benzene. It can be inhaled or taken in through the surface of the skin. Exposure to benzene for long periods of time can harm blood vessels, causing irregular periods, anemia and fertility issues. The chemical is also linked to certain types of cancers including lung and breast cancer.Benzene can be ingested orally however it is more hazardous when inhaled. Inhaling benzene may cause headaches, dizziness, nose bleeds and loss of consciousness. Benzene may also affect the immune system and cause infections.Recent reports have revealed the high levels of benzene near two Chicago train stations. Commuters railway workers, commuters and city residents were exposed to high levels of pollution. Schools halted classes and cities urged residents to stay in their homes. Railroad workers, including car department employees as well as locomotive mechanics, electricians and pipefitters utilize benzene containing products like Safety-Kleen part washers, CRC Brakleen, as well as paints thinners, paints, and other products. Also, benzene is used in printing solvents.AsbestosThe asbestos usage in the railroad industry started in the early years. Asbestos is one of six naturally occurring fibrous silicate minerals that were once highly sought-after in construction due to their fire retardant as well as their corrosion-resistant, fire-retardant and insulate properties. Inhaling these fibers could cause serious health issues such as lung cancer and asbestosis. These health conditions can take up to 30 years before symptoms appear.The EPA has banned the mining and processing of asbestos in the United States however, it is used in many products. multiple myeloma caused by railroad how to get a settlement includes certain kinds of flooring felt, paper, and fake fireplace embers. However, when these products are exposed to heat or water they could release toxic asbestos fibers. They could also be released into air during demolition or home renovations.A recent study found that just five years of exposure to benzene can significantly increase the chance of developing acute myeloid leukemia (AML). If you are suffering from symptoms like night sweats, a mysterious weight loss, and a lack of appetite or lack of appetite, consult your physician immediately. They may perform an examination of your blood to look for AML.The EPA settled a recent case against Genesee & Wyoming Railroad Services Inc. GWRSI uses locomotives that operate on diesel fuel and emit nitrogen oxides (NOx) and fine particulate matter (PM2.5). This EPA settlement mandates that GWRSI replace any of its current locomotives with newer models that meet EPA emissions standards.Diesel ExhaustAs long diesel fuel is used to power railroads, workers will continue to be exposed to exhaust. Diesel exhaust is a mix of toxic chemicals which include carcinogens like benzene and carbon monoxide and formaldehyde. It also contains nitrogen oxides as well as particulate matter and polyaromatic hydrocarbons.The International Agency for Research on Cancer has classified diesel exhaust as a Group 1 carcinogen. Moreover, diesel exhaust is an underlying cause of respiratory disease in the form of bronchiopulmonary conditions such as chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD) and bronchiectasis. A study published in Environmental Health Perspectives in 2006 related the employment of railroad workers to COPD rates.Locomotive and rail cars belch diesel exhaust when they are running and idle in roundhouses, depots yards and shops. Engines that are idle emit gases, such as sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides in addition to diesel fumes.Diesel exhaust fumes can be unnoticeable in locomotive cabins where engineers and conductors spend up to six hours per day. When employees enter or exit the cabins, the engines and equipment produce more diesel exhaust fumes and pose a risk to lung cancer and railway cancer.In roundhouses that are not well ventilated, shops and workshops, railroad mechanics face high levels of exposure to diesel exhaust. They work in enclosed spaces that contain track equipment, locomotives and asbestos-insulated steam boilers.