[1] Railroad Cancer Railroads make use of millions of gallons of diesel fuel to transport freight trains over long distances. This highly toxic diesel exhaust contains carcinogens such arsenic dioxin and benzene.If you are an ex- or current railroad employee who has been diagnosed with cancer, you could be eligible for compensation under the Federal Employers' Liability Act (FELA). Our Houston railroad cancer lawyers can assist you to obtain fair financial compensation for your suffering.BenzeneBenzene, a solvent used in industrial processes is found in diesel fuel exhaust. Many railroad workers, like conductors, engineers and machinists and electricians are employed in places where they are in contact with diesel fumes.Some people may develop cancer from just one exposure to benzene. Particularly, it is thought to cause acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The cancer starts in the bone marrow and it spreads to the blood. It is more common in men than for women and could be fatal if untreated.The immune system can be damaged by the chemical benzene. This is why it poses a danger. This can cause infections and a lower ability to fight germs. Benzene may also weaken bones and increase the risk for arthritis.Another serious issue resulting from benzene exposure is chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). This form of cancer begins in the bone marrow and expands into blood. It can also affect the spleen and other parts of your body.A study from 2015 found that even the smallest amount of benzene can increase the risk of developing leukemia by a third. Researchers looked into the medical documents of more than 25,000 Norwegian oil-rig workers who had worked for more than 20 days.Benzene is still used in many commercial and industrial operations despite the risks of exposure to it. Fortunately, there are ways to reduce exposure to benzene and prevent poisoning.One way to do this is to wear the right clothing and protective eyewear. This will stop benzene from getting in the eyes and nose. Also, you should wear a respirator whenever possible.If you suspect that you've been exposed to benzene, you must immediately consult your physician. This will help you identify any symptoms you might have and reduce the chance of death from benzene poisoning.In addition to a range of cancer types in addition, benzene may also affect the brain. It can cause confusion and loss of memory. If you suffer from this condition it can cause a decrease in your quality of life and make it difficult to function at home and at work.AsbestosAsbestos is a toxic mineral, has been proved to be a cause of lung cancer and mesothelioma. It is found in a variety materials used in construction including pipe insulation, floor tiles.As consequently, asbestos exposure is one of the greatest health risks to people who work in the railway industry. Railroad workers can become exposed to the toxic substance through many different ways, and some of the most prevalent are:One exposure to asbestos may cause mesothelioma and other life-threatening cancers. The cancers, which grow within the lungs or in the membrane that covers the lungs and abdominal cavity (the mesothelium), are often fatal.The majority of people who have been exposed to asbestos fibers won't develop any of the health issues associated with this chemical. The majority of fibers are expelled through coughing or as mucus. This protects the lung. However, there are a few types of asbestos fibers that will cling to your lung tissue and stay there for decades or years.Although the health effects of this condition can vary from person-to-person, it can result in chest pain, shortness of breath as well as breathing problems tightness in the chest, and chest pain. Other signs include difficulty swallowing and weight loss.Children exposed to asbestos are more at risk of developing mesothelioma and other forms of cancer. They are more likely to breathe harmful fibers through the nose and mouth. Their lung's are still developing.They breathe at a faster rate, and since their lungs have a greater volume-to-surface ratio than adults', they can inhale more asbestos fibers.Young children are more likely to inhale the harmful fibers than adults and are especially at risk if they have been near railroad vehicles. They are also at an increased risk of developing this disease in the event of relatives who has mesothelioma.CreosoteIn the 19th century, creosote was developed to preserve wood from rot and insect damage, saving railroad companies money by reducing the cost of replacing wood. Creosote is currently used to treat wood products. It can also be used to protect log homes and marine pilings.It is a toxic chemical and has been linked to various cancers. Some of them include lung, esophageal, and larynx cancers.The health risks associated with creosote-related exposure are especially significant for those working in the wood preservation, coke-production and asphalt industries. Chimney sweeps, and workers who do physical work, such as rail track maintenance and construction, could also be exposed creosote.Creosote exposure can cause eyelid irritation, skin spasms and convulsions, as also chemical burns, convulsions, chemical burns and unconsciousness. It can also affect the lungs and cause respiratory problems over time, similar to smoking.Creosote chemical is made from coal tar . It is able to be absorbed through the skin. It is also absorption through food or water.Railroad workers are exposed to creosote when they work close to hazardous waste sites. These sites typically contain large amounts of creosote which can contaminate soil, water and air.Rail workers can also be exposed to the poison if they work in the wood-treatment industry. Many wood products such as fences and lumber are treated with creosote.Workers in these sectors are usually not provided with protective equipment, which can expose them to creosote and poisons. This can result in serious health issues, such as cancer and chronic fatigue syndrome.Creosote is an oily liquid that is amber to black in color and possesses the taste of burning and caustic. It isn't buoyant in water and has specific gravity of 1.037 to 1.087. It is a mix of aromatic polycyclic hydrocarbons, phenolic compounds, and other chemicals. Railroad Cancer Lawyer -known creosote type is coal tar, but different forms are also utilized.Diesel ExhaustDiesel exhaust is a byproduct of combustion of fuel that is released into the air when you operate vehicles with diesel engines. It is also released from diesel locomotives, farm and construction equipment generators, ships, and other industrial equipment.Diesel exhaust workers may be at a higher risk of developing cancer. This is due to the fact that they are more likely to be exposed than those who work in other sectors.Some studies show that exposure to diesel exhaust can cause lung cancer in lab animals such as rats. Diesel exhaust can trigger DNA changes in cells , which make them more prone to cancerous growth.Studies of diesel exhaust in humans have also revealed that prolonged exposure to diesel exhaust can cause a variety of health problems, including respiratory disorders like chronic bronchitis or emphysema as well as blood system diseases such as bladder cancers and larynx (voice box) and stomach, esophagus and pancreas. Certain cancers of the prostate, breast and stomach have been connected to 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).Excessive exposure to diesel exhaust could pose a significant risk to people who work with huge engines and machines, including truck drivers or operators of toll booths. They may be at risk too in the event that they spend too much time in areas where heavy diesel traffic occurs (e.g. cities or highways).Railroad workers who manage and construct tracks and yards can also be exposed to diesel fumes when they work near diesel engines or other machinery. The fumes could be harmful when they enter the cabins of locomotives and other equipment.A study in laboratory rats revealed that exposure to diesel exhaust triggered several lung tumors and the development of inflammatory changes. Certain of these tumors appeared like a kind of cancer known as a lung adenocarcinoma. The condition occurs when the cells of the lungs become malignant and multiply rapidly.