Union Pacific Houston Cancer - Is Creosote Still Affecting Houstonians?Houston's Fifth Ward neighbors have complained for years that the company hasn’t taken the necessary steps to clean the plume of underground pollution that has contaminated the rail yard. Now, the most recent tests show that the contamination could continue to affect those who live nearby.Researchers believe it is due to the large number of cancers found 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 areas around the Union Pacific site.CreosoteCreosote is a popular chemical used for the treatment of wood, is also a common one. It is also a toxic substance and can cause cancers in those exposed to it.It is a dense oily substance, ranging from amber to black in color. It has a smokey scent and a bitter taste. It is a coal-tar distillation product that has been used for more than 150 years as a wood preserver.It is employed in the United States to treat railroad ties, as well as other types of woods, including fence posts and utility poles, and pilings for marine structures. It is also used for protecting log structures and homes against the effects of rot and insect invasion.According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Creosote is a potentially dangerous chemical. Exposure to it for short periods can cause skin and eye irritation as well as chemical burns stomach discomfort and burning in the mouth or throat and liver or kidney problems.Long-term exposure could lead to skin and scrotum tumors. Workers who come into direct contact with it during wood treatment or other manufacturing processes are at risk.It is regarded as a possible human carcinogen according to the EPA. Cancer Lawsuit Settlements has been linked with many types of cancer, including esophageal as well lung cancer.Residents of Houston's Fifth Ward neighborhood have been exposed to creosote for years, thanks to the former rail yard that was located near their homes. They claim that the chemical has affected their homes, soil, and continues to spread underground.The cities of Houston and Harris County have joined the campaign to sue Union Pacific in federal court. They want the company to test for contamination regularly and take preventative measures to stop it from spreading.A group of Fifth Ward neighbors filed an action against Union Pacific in October of 2017. They claim that creosote has contaminated their soil, causing significant health problems from the former rail yard.They are seeking compensation for their ailments and suffering and compensation from the railroad for the cost of cleanup and other associated costs. They claim they have been harmed by racism in the environment and discrimination, as well as other forms of pollution that affected their families as well as them.DioxinDioxins are chemicals which aren't able to break down in the environment quickly , and can remain in the air, in the soil or in sediment for a long period. They can be found in various sources, such as natural catastrophes, industrial accidents smoking cigarettes, and the incineration process of hazardous waste.Although the effects of dioxin on health in low concentrations aren't yet known yet, there is evidence suggesting that they can cause serious diseases like cancer. Higher levels of dioxin have been linked to an increased risk of organ cancers, heart disease immune disorders, and endocrine disorders, like hormonal imbalances. They can also lead to reproductive problems, a depressed immune system, menstrual issues and diabetes, weight loss, hair growth and facial cysts, known as chloracne.According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA), the most common way people are exposed to the toxins is through water and food. They are not liquid or volatile, which means they are more likely to be absorbed into the body through the consumption of dairy products or fish and other seafood.It is vital to remember, however, that exposure to chemicals can cause harm to your health depending on many aspects, such as the amount you drink, eat, and how often you breathe. It is also crucial to consider your age, gender and diet, nutritional status and family traits in addition to other health factors that could determine whether you'll be affected by dioxins or not.In addition, the type of contaminant can be an important aspect. The EPA states that certain toxins are more likely to have a damaging effect on the human body than others. Polychlorinated biphenyls, or PCBs are more likely than creosote affect your health.For instance, PCBs can damage a person's eyes, kidneys and liver. They can also damage the immune system and cause issues with the development of healthy bones, teeth and bones.Houston's Fifth Ward and Kashmere Garden neighbors have complained for years about cluster of cancer deaths that are that are linked to the Union Pacific rail yard. The yard is close to their homes. The announcement released on Friday by Houston's health department revealed that they found cancer-causing chemicals on surface samples near the rail yard. The announcement said that the results weren't encouraging. Mayor Sylvester Turner told FOX 26 that he plans to sue Union Pacific over the matter and said that a proposal presented to Texas environmental regulators isn't adequate in light of the findings.Polychlorinated BiphenylsPolychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) are toxic chemicals that have been used in industrial and consumer products for over 60 years. These substances were banned in 1979 following being found to cause cancer, suppress the immune system, and impair learning.PCBs can infect soil and water as well as air in many parts of the world after they are released into the environment. They are strong binders of organic matter that can be easily transported and then accumulated in the environment.PCBs are a significant concern to protect the environment and public health. The EPA considers them a probable human carcinogen , and has demonstrated that they can cause cancer in lab animals.Furthermore, some studies have found a link between PCBs to birth defects in children. This is especially true for children who have been exposed to these chemicals during the pregnancy.PCBs are most commonly consumed through food. Fish is the main source of exposure, as they are the source of the most PCBs. But, PCBs can also be found in beef and dairy and other agricultural products.Showering and drinking PCB-contaminated water is another method of exposure. This could be due to leaks or spills that occur in electrical or other equipment.People can also be exposed to PCBs by breathing in the air or skin contact. These chemicals can cause an illness known as Chloracne. This is a mild pale, yellow-colored lesions that last for weeks to years.The effects of PCBs upon the health of humans aren't completely known. Some researchers have suggested they may cause liver and the biliary tract cancers among humans, but further studies are needed to discover how this affects us.The EPA is also investigating whether these chemicals might cause birth defects in newborn babies. The low birth weight of newborns has been linked with insulin resistance or Type II diabetes, high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease later in life. In two studies, children born with higher levels of PCBs in their cord blood had lower body weight at birth and/or later in childhood.LeadLead is a toxic metal that is present in a variety of products like paints pipes, and food cans. It can be absorbed by the body via two main routes: respiratory and oral.It is a potent oxidizing agent and tends to react with other chemicals found in the environment. It can build up in the body, which can lead to serious health issues such as cancer and other illnesses.In Houston the residents who live close to a creosote-based treatment facility run by Union Pacific Railroad have a high risk of developing cancer. The city has requested the federal government's help in cleaning up the railroad's contaminated site.Union Pacific Railroad has a past history of affected its Fifth Ward rail yard and Kashmere Garden neighborhood with chemicals that could cause cancer. Residents say that the company has been trying to eliminate the contamination, but the proposal submitted to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality was not sufficient.One of the biggest problems that arose due to the contamination is the groundwater plume under the homes in the area. A recent study 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. Railroad Cancer Lawyer is that creosote is slowly disappearing into the air. It causes residents to breathe dangerous levels of vapors which are harmful for children as well as adults.It is also possible that the gases are causing cancers in the people who breathe the vapors. To learn more about the effects of the vapors' effects on the lives of residents there is a door-to door survey being conducted in the neighborhood.This is a serious problem for the Fifth Ward communities and Kashmere Gardens. Railroad Cancer Lawyer is a sad situation and it should be resolved immediately.A Department of State Health Services study found that leukemia incidences were five times higher in children who lived in the Fifth Ward and Kashmere Gardens neighborhoods than was expected. The study also revealed that adult cancers were more prevalent in these neighborhoods than in other areas of Texas.