Benzene, Butadiene, and Other Carcinogens on the RailroadMany railroad employees are exposed to benzene butadiene, and other carcinogens on the job. If you have developed a serious illness, such as leukemia for instance, you may be entitled to compensation.Leukemias can develop in the bone marrow or lymphatic tissues. Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is one of four types of leukemia that are prevalent in adults.BenzeneBenzene is a chemical that can be absorbed through inhalation or through the skin. It is a crude oil by-product utilized in the manufacture of plastics, resins, synthetic fibers and nylons. It is also a component in lubricants and dyes. It is a cancer-causing substance that causes leukemia and other cancers such as acute myelogenous lymphoma (AML) and myelodysplastic diseases and lymphomas.Mineral spirits, solvents and degreasers are employed by railroad workers to expose them to benzene. When working on locomotives or freight cars they are exposed to exhaust fumes from diesel engines and. Railroad workers are at a greater risk of developing chronic lymphocytic Leukemia because of the exposure.Numerous epidemiologic studies have shown that exposure to benzene can increase the risk of developing leukemia. A meta-analysis of 22 recently published studies provided summary estimates of the impact of benzene on AML, Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia(ALL) and Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia(CLL).The meta-analysis indicates that occupational exposure to benzene increases the risk of developing these leukemias. However, the results for AML and CLL were weaker than for ALL. This may be due to a lower frequency of reporting for these subgroups, or to a lack of dose-response interactions with increasing exposures. The meta-analysis did not find any evidence of bias in publications.AsbestosAsbestos is a fibrous rock that is used in a myriad of industrial products. Its resistance to fire, heat, and corrosion was a major reason for its use for railroad locomotives as well as other equipment. Asbestos is a danger to workers who handle it. When asbestos fibers are exposed, they break down into tiny strands that can then become airborne. They can then be breathed in and can lodge deep in the lungs of people. This can result in various serious illnesses, such as mesothelioma.When asbestos fibers enter a person's lungs they can cause irritation to lung's lining. This irritation could lead to the formation of collagen which will harden over time, forming plaques in the pleura. This problem can cause chest discomfort and breathing issues.Fibrosis is another kind of lung injury that can be caused by asbestos exposure. The scar tissue interferes in the ability to breathe. This condition could be fatal if it is not treated.Contact bnsf settlement if are a railroad worker who has been diagnosed with a condition that is related to asbestos. A mesothelioma lawyer can help you file for compensation. To be successful, you must prove that exposure to a toxic substance on the job contributed to your illness. FELA attorneys frequently work with industrial safety specialists known as industrial hygienists to examine the materials used at the railroad's workplace and determine if the railroad company adhered to the proper safety practices.Diesel ExhaustRailroad workers often encounter carcinogenic materials and fumes in their work environment, including diesel exhaust. railroad settlement has been linked to lung cancer, mesothelioma, and other serious occupational ailments among railroad workers. Inhaling the exhaust of engines and particulates can cause long-term health problems that are difficult to treat.Diesel fuel is used in locomotives and the interior of a locomotive's cab is tiny with no ventilation. Railroad workers may be exposed to diesel exhaust through breathing it into the cab, and then pulling it back onto themselves and their clothes when they leave the cab. Railroad workers who work in shops, yards, and yards could also be exposed to diesel exhaust because they often come into contact with train and locomotive equipment.Diesel exhaust is believed to contain mutagenic and carcinogenic compounds that can be absorbed into the bloodstream. These chemicals can harm the bone marrow and blood, and cause damage to the respiratory tract. In bnsf settlement that followed dozens of workers who were regularly exposed to diesel exhaust, researchers found that those with the longest duration of exposure had the highest risk of developing lung cancer.Even after controlling for smoking and other causes, lung cancer mortality was significantly higher in railroad workers exposed to diesel exhaust. The Lyon Firm is investigating a number of complaints from railroad workers who became sick from frequent exposure to diesel exhaust, solvents and other industrial toxic exposures.