Railroad CancerRailroads make use of millions of gallons of diesel fuel to transport freight trains over long distances. This extremely polluting diesel exhaust is high in carcinogens, including arsenic as well as benzene.If you are an ex- or current railroad worker who has been diagnosed with cancer, you may be entitled to compensation under the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA). Our experienced Houston railroad cancer lawyers can help you get an equitable financial settlement for the pain you've endured.BenzeneBenzene, a solvent used in industrial processes is found in the exhaust of diesel engines. Many railroad employees, including machinists and engineers, conductors, electricians, work in areas that are exposed to diesel fumes.Some people may develop cancer as a result of a single exposure to benzene. It is believed to cause acute meeloid leukemia (AML). This cancer begins in the bone marrow and then spreads into the blood. It is more prevalent in men than it is in women and can be fatal if it is not treated.The immune system can be damaged by benzene, which is why it's a risk. This can result in various health issues such as infections and a decreased ability to fight germs. Benzene may cause bone weakness and increase the risk for arthritis.Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is a more serious consequence of benzene. This kind of cancer begins in the bone marrow, and then spreads to blood. It may affect the spleen or other parts of the body.A study from 2015 showed that even low levels of benzene can increase the risk of developing leukemia by three-quarters. Researchers looked into medical records of more than 25,000 Norwegian oil rig workers who worked for 20 days or more.Benzene is still used in many industrial and commercial operations despite the dangers of being exposed to it. Fortunately, there are ways to limit exposure to benzene and prevent poisoning.One way to do this is to wear proper clothing and protective eyewear. This will help to keep benzene from getting in the nose and eyes. A respirator should be used as often as feasible.If you suspect that you've been exposed to benzene, you must immediately contact your doctor. This will allow you to detect any signs and decrease the chance of dying from poisoning caused by benzene.Benzene may also cause brain damage, along with various other forms of cancer. It can cause confusion and loss of memory. This can lead to an impairment in the quality of life, making it difficult to perform at work or at home.AsbestosAsbestos is an extremely toxic mineral that has been shown to cause serious diseases like lung cancer and mesothelioma. It is found in a variety of substances used in construction like pipe insulation and floor tiles.As the result, asbestos exposure is one of the biggest health risks to those who work in the industry of railroads. Railroad workers can be exposed to asbestos in a variety of ways. Here are some of the most prevalent:One exposure to asbestos can cause mesothelioma and other life-threatening cancers. These cancers can manifest in the lungs, the mesothelium (the membrane that covers the lung) and in the abdominal cavity.Fortunately, most people who are exposed to asbestos fibers won't develop any of the harmful health conditions linked to asbestos. The majority of the fibers are expelled, or be carried away in the mucus layer which protects the lungs. There are asbestos fibers that can be stuck to your lungs for years or even decades.The health effects of this condition differ from individual to individual but it can result in shortness of breath and chest pain, as well as trouble breathing, or a tightness in the chest. Other symptoms include difficulty swallowing and weight loss.Children exposed to asbestos are more at chance of developing mesothelioma or other types of cancer. They are more likely to breathe harmful fibers through their nose and mouth. Their lung's development is still in its early stages. Railroad Workers inhale more asbestos fibers since they breathe at a higher rate and have a higher surface area to volume ratio than adults.Young children are more likely to inhale the harmful fibers than adults, and are at a higher risk if they've been in close proximity to railroad vehicles. If they have a family member who is suffering from mesothelioma are at a higher risk of developing the disease.CreosoteCreosote was initially developed in the 19th century in order to protect wood from rot and insect damage. Railroad companies were successful in saving money by reducing the cost of replacing wood. Today, creosote is still used to treat wood products. Railroad Workers can also be used to protect log homes and marine pilings.It is a poisonous substance and has been linked to a variety of cancers. Some of them include esophageal, lung and larynx cancers.People who work in the wood preservation, asphalt, and coke-production industries are at particular risk. Chimney sweeps as well as workers who perform physical labor, such as rail track maintenance and construction, could also be exposed creosote.Creosote exposure can cause irritation to the skin, eyelid spasms and convulsions as also chemical burns, convulsions, chemical burns and even unconsciousness. It can also trigger lung problems and respiratory problems, much like smoking.Creosote, a substance derived from coal tar, may be absorbed through the skin. It is also consumed through food that is contaminated or water.Railroad workers are exposed to creosote whenever they work near hazardous waste sites. These sites typically contain large amounts of creosote and could contaminate water, soil and air.Another source of exposure to creosote for employees of rail companies is working in the wood treatment industry. A variety of wood products, such as fences and lumber, are treated with creosote.The majority of these workers are not protected by protective equipment which could expose them for creosote or other toxic substances. This can lead to serious health conditions, including chronic fatigue syndrome and cancer.Creosote, a liquid that is oily that has a bitter, burning taste, is an amber-black color. It isn't buoyant in water and has specific gravity of 1.037 to 1.087. It is a mixture of aromatic polycyclic hydrocarbons, phenolic compounds, and other chemicals. The most popular creosote type is coal tar, however other forms are also used.Diesel ExhaustDiesel exhaust is a byproduct from fuel combustion and is released into the air 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 could be more susceptible to developing cancer. This is due to the fact that they are often exposed to more of this substance than people who work in other sectors.Some studies show that long-term exposure to diesel exhaust can cause lung cancer in lab animals such as rats. Diesel exhaust can cause DNA changes in cells , which make them more susceptible to cancerous growth.Studies of diesel exhaust in humans have also revealed that exposure to diesel exhaust can trigger a variety of health problems, including respiratory disorders like chronic bronchitis and emphysema, as well as blood system diseases like bladder cancers, larynx (voice box), esophagus, stomach and pancreas. Some cancers of the prostate, stomach, and breast have been caused by diesel exhaust.Diesel exhaust is regarded as a carcinogen by the American Cancer Society. It is classified as such in the International Agency for Research on Cancer (part of the World Health Organization).Exposure to diesel exhaust may be a serious risk for workers who work with large engines and machines, like truck drivers or operators of toll booths. Cancer Lawsuit could also be at risk for cancer if they spend a significant amount of time in areas where heavy diesel traffic occurs (e.g. highways or cities).Railroad workers who maintain and build tracks and yards can also be exposed to diesel fumes if they work near diesel engines or other machinery. These fumes can be hazardous if they get into the cabins of engines or other machinery.Long-term exposure to diesel exhaust caused lung cancers and inflammation in laboratory rats. Certain of these tumors were comparable to lung adenocarcinoma. It is a form of cancer that develops when the lungs' cells expand rapidly and then become malignant.