Railroad CancerRailroads burn millions of gallons of diesel fuel in order to operate freight trains across long distances. The extremely toxic diesel exhaust is high in carcinogens such as arsenic and benzene.If you are a railroad worker who was diagnosed with cancer, you could be eligible for compensation under the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA). Our experienced Houston railroad cancer lawyers can assist you to obtain fair financial compensation for the pain you've endured.BenzeneBenzene, a solvent used in industrial processes is present in the exhaust of diesel engines. Many railroad workers, including conductors, engineers, machinists electricians, and conductors work in areas that are exposed to diesel fumes.One exposure to benzene could lead to cancer in some people. It is known to cause acute meeloid leukemia (AML). The cancer starts in the bone marrow, and it spreads to the blood. It is more common in men than it is in women and can be fatal if not treated.The danger of benzene is derived due to the fact that it can damage the immune system. This can result in illnesses and a diminished ability to fight off germs. Benzene can cause bone weakness and increase the risk for arthritis.Another serious problem from exposure to benzene is chronic leukemia (CML). The type of cancer develops in the bone marrow, and then spreads to the blood. It can affect the spleen and other organs of the body.A 2015 study found that even low levels of benzene can increase the risk of developing leukemia by a third. Researchers looked at the medical records of 25000 Norwegian oil-rig workers who worked for more than 20 days.Despite the risk of being exposed to benzene, it is still being used in a variety of industrial and commercial operations. There are, however, ways to reduce exposure to benzene and prevent poisoning.One way to do this is to wear the right clothes and eyewear that is protected. This will help prevent benzene from getting in the eyes and nose. You should also use a respirator whenever you can.If you suspect you have been exposed to benzene you should contact your physician immediately. This will help identify any symptoms you might be suffering from and help reduce the chance of death from benzene poisoning.In addition to the occurrence of a variety of different cancer types in addition, benzene may also affect the brain. It can cause confusion and memory loss. This condition can cause a decline in quality of life and make it difficult to function at work or at home.AsbestosAsbestos is a noxious mineral that has been found to cause a variety of serious diseases like lung cancer and mesothelioma. It is found in a variety of materials employed in construction, such as pipe insulation and floor tiles.As a consequence, asbestos exposure is among the health hazards that is most severe to railroad workers. Railroad workers are exposed to asbestos in a variety of ways. Here are a few of the most prevalent:One exposure to asbestos can cause mesothelioma and various other life-threatening cancers. The cancers, which develop in the lungs or within the membrane that surrounds the lungs and abdominal cavity (the mesothelium) are usually fatal.Fortunately, the majority of people who are exposed to asbestos fibers won't develop any of the negative health conditions linked to asbestos. The majority of the fibers are expelled, or be transported away in a layer of mucus which protects the lungs. There are Cancer Lawsuits that may remain in the lungs for many years or even decades.While the health effects of this condition are different from person-to-person, they can result in chest pain, breath shortness trouble breathing tightness in the chest and chest pain. The symptoms could also include difficulty swallowing or weight loss.Children who have been exposed to asbestos are at a greater chance of developing mesothelioma, or another form of cancer since they are more likely to breathe asbestos-containing fibers through their noses and mouths. The reason for this is because their lungs are still developing.They breathe at a faster rate, and as their lungs are larger in volume to surface ratio than adults', they will inhale more asbestos fibers.Young children are more likely to breathe in the harmful fibers than adults and are more at risk if in close proximity to railway cars. They are also at a higher risk of developing mesothelioma in the event of relatives who has mesothelioma.CreosoteIn the 19th century, creosote was developed to help protect wood from rot as well as insect damage, thereby saving railroad companies money by cutting down on the cost of replacing wood. Creosote is still used to treat wood products today. It can also be used to protect log homes and marine pilings.It is a toxic compound and has been linked to numerous cancers. These include esophageal, lung and larynx cancers.Workers in the wood preservation, asphalt and coke-production industries are at particular risk. Workers who do physical labor like maintenance of rail tracks or construction, like chimney sweeps, can also be exposed.Creosote exposure can cause irritation to the skin, eyelid spasms and convulsions as along with chemical burns convulsions, chemical burns and even unconsciousness. It can also cause respiratory problems and lung issues, similar to smoking.Creosote, a chemical made from coal tar can be absorbed through the skin. It can also get into the body through food and water.Railroad workers are exposed to creosote when they work close to hazardous waste sites. These sites usually contain huge amounts of creosote which can be harmful to water, soil and air.Another way to expose yourself to creosote for employees of rail companies is when they work in the wood treatment industry. A variety of wood products, such as fences and lumber, are treated with creosote.People who work in these fields are typically not protected with the proper equipment, and this exposes them to creosote and toxic substances. This can lead to serious health conditions, like cancer and chronic fatigue syndrome.Creosote is an oily liquid that is amber to black in color. It also has an acidic, burning taste. It is not buoyant in water and has specific gravity of 1.037 to 1.087. It is a mixture of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons phenolic compounds, and various other chemicals. While coal is the most commonly used form, various forms of creosote are also offered.Diesel ExhaustDiesel exhaust is a byproduct from burning fuel and released into the atmosphere when diesel engines are used. It can also be released from diesel locomotives, farm and construction equipment generators, ships and other industrial equipment.Diesel exhaust workers are at greater risk of developing cancer. Cancer Lawsuit is due to the fact that they are typically exposed to more of this substance than people who work in other industries.Exposure to diesel exhaust for a long time can cause lung carcinoma in laboratory animals like rats. In certain instances, diesel exhaust can alter the DNA of cells, making them more likely to grow and develop cancer.Studies on the effects of diesel exhaust in humans have also revealed a wide range of health concerns, including respiratory disorders such as emphysema and chronic bronchitis, as well as blood system diseases such as cancers of the bladder and the voice box, stomach, pancreas, and stomach. Cancer Lawsuits of the breast, prostate and stomach have been associated with 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.Diesel exhaust exposure may pose a serious threat to people who work with huge engines and machines, including truck drivers or operators of toll booths. They are also at risk in the event that they spend a significant amount of time in areas where heavy diesel traffic occurs such as highways and cities.In addition, railroad employees who maintain and build tracks and yards may be exposed to diesel fumes while they work near locomotives or other equipment that utilizes diesel engines. These fumes can be hazardous in the cabins of machinery such as locomotives and other machines.A study on laboratory rats found that exposure to diesel exhaust caused numerous lung tumors and inflammation. Certain of these tumors were similar to lung adenocarcinoma. This is a form of cancer that develops when the lung's cells grow rapidly and become malignant.