Railroad Settlements and AsbestosIn 1862, Congress passed the Pacific Railroad Act which helped to fund two transcontinental railroad companies through granting large grants of lands for rights-of-way. Railroad workers who contract cancer because of exposure to work-related hazards could bring lawsuits against their employers under the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA).An Illinois jury has handed down an $7.5 million verdict to a former Union Pacific trackman dying from acute myeloid leukemia. The man blamed the cause of his blood cancer to massive exposure to creosote at work and benzene. These chemicals were used to protect and waterproof wooden railroad ties.CreosoteCoal tar creosote is an organic wood preservative used to protect railroad ties from sun, cold, heat and snow. During bnsf settlement of applying coal tar creosote, workers are exposed to a wide range of toxic chemicals as well as solvents including benzene. Benzene is a well-known carcinogen, can cause leukemia and non-Hodgkin lymphoma, as being associated with other serious issues like convulsions, heartbeat changes, liver damage, anemia, and cancers of the lungs and the body.Our lawyers have successfully prosecuted numerous lawsuits against the Union Pacific Railroad involving coal-tar creosote exposure. One of these cases ended with an $7.500,000 verdict. The plaintiff was a track staffer who developed acute myeloid leukemia due to exposure to the toxic chemical compound in his work over 31 years. The jury determined that the railroad did not provide him with personal protective gear and exposed him of toxic chemicals, including coal-tar tar creosote and coal tar distillates.Another claim was the use of copper naphthalenate as a replacement for creosote derived from coal. Copper naphthenate, while less harmful to the environment than creosote, can be extremely dangerous. Copper naphthenate may cause lung, skin and nerve injury to the nerves, skin and lung. It also contaminates groundwater and soil with benzene. railroad cancer settlements , which is used in the manufacturing of resins, plastics nylon and synthetic fibers. It is also used in diesel fuel and exhaust. Virtually all railroad workers are exposed to diesel fumes on an ongoing basis. railroad cancer settlement amounts is a known carcinogen is linked to leukemia and myelodysplastic disorder (MDS).There is no limit to the amount of exposure to benzene. It is absorbed through the skin and inhaled. Exposure to benzene for long periods of time can damage the blood, causing irregular menstrual flow, anemia and fertility issues. There is also a link between benzene to certain types of cancer, including breast and lung cancer.Inhaling benzene inhalation is the most hazardous. Inhaling benzene could cause headaches, dizziness or nosebleeds. Benzene can also interfere with the immune system, which can cause infections.Recent reports have revealed the high levels of benzene near two Chicago train station. Commuters and railroad employees were exposed to these high levels of pollution which caused schools to shut down classes, and cities to instruct residents to stay in shelters. Railroad workers, which includes car department employees, locomotive machinists, pipefitters and electricians regularly use benzene-containing products like Safety-Kleen parts washers and CRC Brakleen as well as paints and thinners. It is also used as printing solvents.AsbestosThe asbestos usage in the railroad industry was discovered in the early days. Asbestos is a class of six naturally occurring fibrous silicate minerals which were once widely used in construction due to their fire-retardant as well as their corrosion-resistant, fire-retardant and insulate properties. Inhaling these tiny fibers could cause serious health problems such as lung cancer, asbestosis and mesothelioma. These health conditions can take up to 30 years before symptoms appear.The EPA has prohibited asbestos mining and processing in the US However, asbestos is still found in a wide range of products. This includes certain types of paper, floor felt, and fake fire embers. However, when these products are exposed to heat or water they can release toxic asbestos fibers. These fibers can also be released into air during demolition or home renovations.A recent study found that even a five-year exposure to benzene significantly increases the risk of developing acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Consult your doctor if you have symptoms such as night sweats, or a sudden weight loss. They can conduct the test of blood to check for AML.The EPA recently settled a case with Genesee & Wyoming Railroad Services Inc. (GWRSI). GWRSI utilizes locomotives that operate on diesel fuel and emit nitrogen oxides (NOx) and fine particulate matter (PM2.5). This EPA settlement requires GWRSI to replace any of its existing locomotives with new ones that meet EPA emission standards.Diesel ExhaustAs long diesel fuel is used to power railroads, freight trains will remain exposed to exhaust. Diesel exhaust is a cocktail of harmful chemicals that include carcinogens like benzene, carbon monoxide and formaldehyde. It also contains particulate matter, polyaromatic hydrocarbons, and nitrogen oxides.In fact, the International Agency for Research on Cancer classified diesel exhaust as a group 1 carcinogen. Furthermore, diesel exhaust is a cause of respiratory illnesses in the form of bronchiopulmonary disorders such as chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD) and bronchiectasis. A 2006 article published in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives linked railroad worker's employment with COPD rates.Rail cars and locomotives emit diesel exhaust when they are running and are idling in roundhouses, depots, shops and yards. The machinery and engines that idle emit gases in addition to diesel fumes. These include nitrogen oxides and sulfur dioxide.The odor of diesel exhaust is often visible in the cabs of locomotives where conductors and engineers are seated for up to six hours at the same time. When employees enter or exit the cabins, the engines and equipment emit more exhaust fumes from diesel engines that pose a risk for lung and cancer of the railway.In poorly ventilated roundhouses or workshops, railroad mechanics face high levels of exposure to diesel exhaust. They work in enclosed areas with track equipment, locomotives and asbestos-insulated steam boilers.