The Unspoken Secrets Of Railroad Settlement Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia

Railroad Settlements and Asbestos

In 1862, Congress passed The Pacific Railroad Act. This law helped to fund two transcontinental railroad companies by providing large grants for rights of way. Railroad workers who develop cancers due to workplace exposures may bring lawsuits against their employers under the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA).





An Illinois jury awarded a $7.5 million verdict to an ex- Union Pacific trackman dying from acute myeloid leukemia. He blamed the cause of his blood cancer to massive workplace exposures to creosote and benzene, which were used to protect and waterproof wooden railroad ties.

Creosote

Coal tar Creosote, the wood preserver employed to shield railroad ties from the sun, heat and cold, rain and snow. Workers are exposed to toxic chemicals and solvents, including benzene, in the process of applying of coal creosote tar. Benzene is a known carcinogen and can cause leukemia, myelodysplastic disorder and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma as as other serious side consequences like convulsions changes to your heartbeat, liver damage, anemia, bone marrow damage and cancer of the skin and lungs.

Our lawyers have successfully defended multiple lawsuits against Union Pacific Railroad for exposure to coal-tar creosote. One of these cases ended with the amount of $7.500,000 verdict. The plaintiff was a track staffer who developed acute myeloid leukemia due to exposure to the chemical compound that is toxic during his employment for over 31 years. The jury concluded that the railroad did not provide any personal protective equipment and exposed him to a wide range of toxic chemicals including coal-tar-tar creosote and coal distillates.

Another reason for this was the use of copper naphthalenate as a replacement for creosote derived from coal. Although it is less harmful to the environmental than creosote, can be extremely hazardous. Mesothelioma settlements can cause skin, lung and nerve injury to the nerves, skin and lung. It also has the potential to contaminate soil and groundwater with benzene.

Benzene

Benzene is a colorless liquid petroleum hydrocarbon that is used to create resins, plastics and synthetic fibers. It is also found in diesel fuels and exhaust. Virtually all railroad workers are exposed to diesel fumes on a daily basis. Benzene is a known carcinogen, has been linked with leukemia and myelodysplastic disorder (MDS).

There is no safe level of exposure to benzene. It can be inhaled or taken in through the surface of the skin. injury settlements -term exposure to benzene can cause blood loss, which can lead to irregular periods, anemia and fertility issues. The chemical is also linked to certain types of cancers including lung and breast cancer.

Benzene is a substance that can be consumed orally, but it is most dangerous when breathed. Inhaling benzene may cause headaches, dizziness or nosebleeds. Benzene may also affect the immune system, which may result in infections.

Recent reports have revealed the high levels of benzene near two Chicago train stations. Commuters, railroad workers and city residents were exposed to excessive levels of pollution. Schools were closed for classes and cities urged residents to seek shelter. Railroad workers, for instance car department employees and electricians, locomotive mechanics, and pipefitters use benzene containing products like Safety-Kleen part washers and CRC Brakleen as well as paints thinners, paints, and other products. Benzene is also used in printing solvents.

Asbestos

At first asbestos was utilized in the railroad industry. Asbestos is comprised of six silicate minerals that naturally occur with a fibrous structure. They were used in construction because of their fire retardant, corrosion resistant and insulate properties. Inhaling these fibers could cause serious health issues such as lung cancer and asbestosis. These diseases can last up to 30 years before symptoms show up.

The EPA has banned asbestos mining and processing in the United States however, it is still present in a wide range of products. This includes certain types of floor felt, paper and fake fire embers. When these materials are exposed to heat or water, they can release asbestos fibers. They can also be released into the air during demolition of buildings or when homes are being renovated.

A recent study showed that even a five-year exposure to benzene can significantly increase a person's risk for developing acute myeloid leukemia (AML). If you are suffering from symptoms like night sweats, a mysterious loss of weight and suppression or loss of appetite, visit your doctor right away. They may perform tests on your blood to test for AML.

The EPA resolved a recent case against Genesee & Wyoming Railroad Services Inc. GWRSI utilizes locomotives that operate on diesel fuel and emit nitrogen oxides (NOx) and fine particulate matter (PM2.5). This EPA settlement requires that GWRSI replace any of its current locomotives with more modern models that comply with EPA emission standards.

Diesel Exhaust

As long as diesel fuel continues be used to power freight trains, railroad workers are exposed to exhaust. Diesel exhaust is a cocktail of toxic chemicals which include carcinogens such as benzene, carbon monoxide, and formaldehyde. It also contains nitrogen oxides, particulate matter and polyaromatic hydrocarbons.

injury settlements for Research on Cancer has classified diesel exhaust as a group 1 carcinogen. In addition, diesel exhaust can be an underlying cause of respiratory disease in the form of bronchiopulmonary diseases like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and bronchiectasis. A study published in Environmental Health Perspectives in 2006 linked railroad worker employment to COPD rates.

Locomotive and rail cars belch diesel exhaust when they run and are idling in roundhouses, depots shops and yards. The machinery and engines that idle emit gasses in addition to the diesel fumes, which include nitrogen oxides and sulfur dioxide.

Diesel exhaust fumes are usually indistinguishable in locomotive cabs where engineers and conductors spend at least six hours a day. When workers enter and exit the cabs, the engine and equipment produce more exhaust fumes from diesel engines which can lead to lung and cancer of the railway.

In roundhouses that are not well ventilated workshops, shops, and roundhouses railroad mechanics are exposed to the risk of being exposed to diesel exhaust. They work with moving locomotives and track equipment in closed spaces that frequently produce harmful inhalants like asbestos-insulated steam boilers and steam pipes and silica sand.