Revision as of 04:21, 12 April 2023 by 77.75.126.187 (talk) (Created page with "Union Pacific Houston Cancer - Is Creosote Still Affecting Houstonians?<br /><br />Houston's Fifth Ward neighbors have complained for decades that the company hasn't taken the...")(diff) ← Older revision | Latest revision (diff) | Newer revision → (diff)Union Pacific Houston Cancer - Is Creosote Still Affecting Houstonians?Houston's Fifth Ward neighbors have complained for decades that the company hasn't taken the necessary steps to clean the underground plume that was contaminated with rail yard. The latest tests have revealed that the contamination may continue to affect those who live near.Researchers believe it could be due to the large number of cancers in the region. Two years after the launch of an all-state health investigation, researchers found that there were higher than expected rates of childhood lymphoblastic and adult kidney and pelvis cancers in areas around the Union Pacific site.CreosoteCreosote is a popular chemical used to treat wood is also a popular one. It is also a dangerous substance that can cause cancer in those exposed to it.It is a heavy, oily substance that is black or amber in color and has a smoky odor and burnt taste. It is a coal-tar distillation product that has been used for more than 150 years to preserve wood.In the United States, it is used to treat railroad ties and other kinds of wood including fence posts, utility poles and marine pilings. It can also be used to protect log homes and other structures from insect infestation.The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) states that creosote may be a hazardous chemical. The exposure to creosote over brief periods may cause irritation to the eyes and skin and chemical burns stomach discomfort, burning of the throat or mouth and liver or kidney problems and even permanent damage.Long-term exposure to the sun can cause skin and scrotum cancer. Workers who come into direct contact with it during wood treatment and other manufacturing processes are at risk.According to the EPA, it is a known human cancer-causing agent. It has been linked to a variety of cancers, including esophageal as well as lung cancer.Residents of Houston's Fifth Ward neighborhood have been exposed to creosote for a long time due to the former rail yard that was located near their homes. They claim that the chemical has contaminated their homes, soil, and continues to spread underground.Harris County and Houston have joined forces to fight Union Pacific in federal court. They want the company to test regularly for contamination and take steps to prevent the spread of the disease.A group of Fifth Ward neighbors filed an action against Union Pacific in October of 2017. They claim that creosote that was emitted from the former rail yard is contaminating soil under their homes and causing serious health problems.They are seeking compensation for their diseases and suffering as well as damages from railroads for the cost of cleanup and other associated costs. They claim that they have been harmed by racism in the environment and discrimination as well as other types of pollution that has affected them and their families.DioxinDioxins are chemical compounds that do not break down in the environment quickly . They can be left in the air, the soil of the water or sediment for long periods. They can come from many sources, including natural catastrophes, industrial accidents cigarette smoke and incineration of hazardous waste.The effects of dioxin on health aren't clear at low levels, however there is evidence that suggests they can trigger cancer and other serious illnesses. People who are exposed to higher levels of dioxin are found to be at risk of heart disease, organ cancers, immune system disorders and endocrine issues such as hormonal imbalances. They can also lead to hormonal issues, weakened immunity womenstrual issues, diabetes and weight loss.According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency the most common method people are exposed to dioxin is through drinking or eating. They aren't volatile or water-soluble, so they are more likely to be taken into the body via the consumption of meat, dairy products, fish and other seafood.However, it is important to keep in mind that the amount of exposure that will have adverse effects on your health will depend on numerous factors, including the amount you eat or drink, how often you drink or eat, and how much you breathe. It is also important to consider your gender and age, nutritional status, and family characteristics to determine if you will be exposed to dioxins.The type of contaminant crucial. The EPA states that certain toxins are more likely to have a damaging impact on health than others. For example, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are more likely to have a negative effect on your health than creosote.PCBs can cause damage to eyes as well as the liver, kidneys and kidneys. They can also damage the immune system and cause problems in the development of healthy bones, teeth, and bones.For years, residents of Houston's Fifth Ward and Kashmere Gardens have complained about a string of cancer deaths that have been tied to the Union Pacific rail yard, which is located near their homes. Cancer Lawsuit Settlements said on Friday that it has found cancer-causing substances in surface samples of the rail yard. The release said the findings were not encouraging. FOX 26's Mayor Sylvester Turner stated that he intends to sue Union Pacific over the matter and that a proposed plan by Texas environmental regulators will not suffice.Polychlorinated BiphenylsPolychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are harmful chemicals that have been employed in industrial and consumer products for more than 60 years. They were banned in 1979 after being found to cause cancer, inhibit the immune system, and interfere with learning.PCBs can cause contamination of soil or water as well as air in many regions of the globe once they are released into the environment. They bind strongly to organic matter and tend to be persistent, meaning they are relatively simple to transport and accumulate in the environment.PCBs are a major concern to protect the environment and public health. The EPA is adamant that they are a carcinogen for humans and has proven that they can cause cancer in lab animals.Certain studies also link PCBs to birth defects in children. This is particularly the case for children who've been exposed to these chemicals in the womb.The primary route for exposure to PCBs is through food. Fish is the main source of exposure since they contain the highest amount of PCBs. However, PCBs can also found in beef, dairy products, and other agricultural products.Showering and drinking PCB-contaminated water is another way to be exposed. Cancer Lawsuit Settlements can be caused by leaks or spills that can be caused by electrical or other equipment.People can also be exposed to PCBs through breathing in air or coming into contact with skin. These chemicals can trigger an illness known as Chloracne. This is small pale, yellow-colored skin lesions that can last from months or even years.However the effects of PCBs on human health aren't fully comprehended. Researchers have suggested that they could cause liver and biliary cancers in humans. However, more research is needed to discover how this impacts us.EPA has also been investigating whether these chemicals can cause birth defects in newborns, like lower birth weight. The low birth weight of newborns is associated with insulin resistance or Type II diabetes, high blood pressure, and cardiovascular disease later in life. Two studies found that children born with higher levels PCBs in their cord blood were born with lower birth weights and/or older.LeadLead is a toxic metal that can be found in many products like paints, pipes and food containers. It is absorbed into the body through two main pathways: oral and respiratory.It is a potent antioxidant and is prone to react with other chemicals in the surrounding. This can lead to it accumulating within the body. This can cause serious health issues such as cancer and other ailments.Houston residents who live near the Union Pacific Railroad's creosote-based plant that is its legacy are at a high risk of cancer. The city has requested the federal government to instruct the railroad to clean up its toxic site. Railroad Cancer Lawyer has a history of having its rail yard contaminated 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 trying to get rid of the pollution, but the plan that was submitted to Texas Commission on Environmental Quality was not enough.The plume of groundwater below homes in the affected area is among the most severe consequences of the contamination. A recent study by health officials has revealed that soil samples from the rail yard contain an increased amount of creosote than that recommended for drinking water.Another reason to be concerned is that the creosote vapor is slowly escaping into the air. As it does, it is causing residents to breathe dangerous levels of vapors which are toxic for both children and adults.It is also possible that the fumes are causing cancers to the people who breathe them in. To find out more about the effects of the vapors on lives of residents the neighborhood, a door-to-door survey being done in the neighborhood.This is a major issue for the Fifth Ward and Kashmere Garden communities. It's a sad state of affairs and must be dealt with immediately.A Department of State Health Services study found that leukemia incidences were five times higher among children living in the Fifth Ward and Kashmere Gardens neighborhoods than was expected. The study also found that adult cancers were more prevalent in the neighborhoods than elsewhere in Texas.