Union Pacific Houston Cancer - Is Creosote Still Affecting Houstonians?For decades, residents of Houston's Fifth Ward have argued the company hasn't done enough to remove creosote in the underground air at its contaminated rail yard. The latest tests have shown that the contamination may be an issue for residents living nearby.Researchers say it may be related to the elevated cancer rates in the region. Two years after the launch of an investigation across the state on health Researchers found that there were higher than anticipated rates of childhood lymphoblastic and adult pelvis and kidney cancers in the area surrounding the Union Pacific site.CreosoteCreosote, a common chemical, is used in the treatment of wood. It can cause cancer in those who are exposed to it.It is a thick 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 preservative.In the United States, it is used to treat railroad ties and other types of wood, including fence posts, utility poles and marine pilings. It can also be used to protect log homes and other structures from rot and infestation.According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Creosote, according to the EPA, is a potentially dangerous chemical. Exposure to creosote for short periods can cause irritation to the eyes and skin chemical burns, stomach pains, burning of throat or mouth and liver or kidney problems and even permanent damage.Long-term exposure can cause skin and scrotum cancer. Workers who come in direct contact with it during wood treatment and other manufacturing processes are at risk.It is thought to be a probable human carcinogen, as per the EPA. It has been linked to a variety of cancers such as esophageal cancer as well lung cancer.Houston's Fifth Ward residents have been exposed for decades to creosote, thanks to a former railroad yard that was close to 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 initiative to sue Union Pacific in federal court. They want the company to test frequently 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 from the former rail yard is contaminating the soil beneath their homes and is causing significant health issues. Cancer Lawsuit are seeking compensation for their diseases and suffering and compensation from the railroad for the cost of cleaning and other associated costs. They claim that they have been victimized by environmental racism and discrimination in addition to other forms of pollution that has adversely affected their families and friends.DioxinDioxins are chemical compounds that don't break down quickly in the environment, and they can stay in the air, water, or sediment for a lengthy time. They can be found in a variety places, including natural disasters and industrial accidents, cigarette smoke and incineration and hazardous waste.The health effects of dioxin are not clear at low levels, but there is evidence that dioxin can cause cancer and other serious illnesses. Higher levels of dioxin have been linked with an increased risk of organ cancers, heart disease as well as immune-related issues and endocrine problems, like hormonal imbalances. They can also lead to reproductive problems, a depressed immune system, menstrual and diabetes issues as well as hair loss, weight loss and facial cysts, known as chloracne.According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) the most prevalent way people are exposed to the toxins is through water and food. Cancer Lawsuit and water-soluble, therefore they are more easily taken in by the body through the intake of dairy products, meat fish, and other seafood.It is crucial to keep in mind that exposure to dioxins can have a detrimental effect on your health, depending on many aspects, such as the amount you consume, drink, and the frequency you breathe. You should also take into consideration your gender and age, nutritional status, and family characteristics to determine if you'll be exposed to dioxins.Furthermore, the kind of contaminant is another important factor. According to the EPA, some toxins are more dangerous than others for the health of humans. For instance, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are more likely to have a negative effect on your health than creosote.PCBs can cause damage to the eyes, liver, kidneys, and kidneys. They can also damage the immune system of a person and hinder the growth of healthy teeth and bones.For years, neighbors in Houston's Fifth Ward and Kashmere Gardens have complained about a rash of cancer deaths that have been tied to the Union Pacific rail yard, that is right next to their communities. The city's health department announced on Friday that it has found cancer-causing chemical compounds in surface samples near the rail yard. The announcement said that the findings were not encouraging. Mayor Sylvester Turner told FOX 26 that he's planning to take legal action against Union Pacific over the matter and said that a proposal that he submitted to Texas environmental regulators isn't sufficient in light of the findings.Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs)Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) are toxic chemicals that have been used in industrial and household products for more than 60 years. After being proven to cause cancer and suppress the immune system PCBs were banned in 1979.PCBs can cause contamination of soil or water as well as air in many parts around the globe after they are released into the environment. They bind tightly to organic matter and are generally persistent, meaning they are relatively easy to transport and accumulate in the environment.PCBs are a major concern for protecting the environment as well as public health. The EPA considers them to be a possible human carcinogen and has shown that they can cause cancer in lab animals.Additionally, some studies have linked PCBs to birth defects in children. This is particularly relevant for children who have been exposed to these chemicals during pregnancy.The main route of exposure to PCBs is through food. Because they are the highest in PCBs fish is the most significant source of exposure. However, PCBs can also found in beef, dairy products, and other agricultural products.Another way to be exposed PCBs is by drinking or showering with water that is affected by PCBs. This could be caused by leaks or spills from electrical or other equipment.People may also be exposed to PCBs through breathing in the air or coming into contact with skin. These chemicals can trigger an illness known as Chloracne. This is a mild pale, yellow-colored lesions that may last for several weeks to several years.The effects of PCBs upon the health of humans aren't completely comprehended. Some researchers have suggested that they could cause liver and the biliary tract cancers in humans, but more studies are needed to determine how this affects us.The EPA is also investigating whether these chemicals might cause birth defects in newborns. A low birth weight is associated 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 highly toxic metal that is found in many items, such as paints, pipes and food containers. The body can absorb it via two routes: respiratory and oral.It is a powerful antioxidant and is prone to react with other chemicals found in the environment. It can build up in the body, which could lead to serious health problems like cancer and other illnesses.In Houston residents living close to a creosote-based treatment plant owned by the 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 history in which it has contaminated its Fifth Ward rail yard and Kashmere Garden neighborhood with chemicals that could cause cancer. The company has tried to get rid of the contamination, but a plan submitted to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality isn't enough residents believe.The groundwater plume that runs beneath the homes in the affected area is among the most dangerous effects of the contamination. A recent study conducted by the health department has revealed that the concentration of creosote in soil samples from the rail yard is higher than the levels recommended for drinking water.Another major concern is that creosote is slowly disappearing into the air. As it does, it is causing residents to breathe dangerous levels of vapors which are dangerous for children and adults.It is also possible that fumes are causing cancers to those who breathe the vapors in. Cancer Lawsuit -to door health survey is being conducted in the area to find out more about the effects of the vapors on the lives of residents.This is a major issue for the Fifth Ward communities and Kashmere Gardens. This is a very sad situation that needs to be dealt with immediately.A recent study conducted by the Department of State Health Services discovered that children who lived in the Fifth Ward and Kashmere Garden communities contracted a type leukemia at five times higher rate than expected. The study also revealed that adult cancers were more prevalent in these areas than in other areas of Texas.