Revision as of 15:50, 12 April 2023 by 81.92.195.11 (talk) (Created page with "Union Pacific Houston Cancer - Is Creosote Still Affecting Houstonians?<br /><br />Houston's Fifth Ward neighbors have complained for years that the company hasn't done enough...")(diff) ← Older revision | Latest revision (diff) | Newer revision → (diff)Union Pacific Houston Cancer - Is Creosote Still Affecting Houstonians?Houston's Fifth Ward neighbors have complained for years that the company hasn't done enough to clean up an underground plume that is contaminated rail yard. And now, the latest tests have revealed that the contamination may still be affecting those who live nearby.Researchers believe it could be related to elevated cancer rates in the area. Two years into a state-wide health investigation and they found higher than expected levels of childhood lymphoblastic leukemia as well as adult kidney and pelvis cancers in the neighborhoods around the Union Pacific site.CreosoteCreosote which is a common chemical used to treat wood is also a popular one. It is also a toxic substance and can cause cancers in those exposed to it.It is a thick oily substance, from amber to black in color. It has a smokey smell and a bitter taste. It is a distillation of coal product that has been used for over 150 years to preserve wood.It is employed in the United States to treat railroad ties, as well as other types of woods, like fence posts, utility poles, as well as pilings from marine construction. It can also be used to guard log houses and other structures from rot and insect infestation.According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Creosote is a chemical that could be dangerous. When exposed to creosote, even for short periods can result in irritation to the eyes and skin chemical burns, stomach discomfort, burning of the throat or mouth and liver or kidney issues and even permanent damage.Long-term exposure may cause skin and scrotum cancer. This is a major concern for workers who have direct contact with it during wood treatment or in other manufacturing processes.It is thought to be a probable human carcinogen according to the EPA. It has been linked with various cancers, including esophageal as well as lung cancer.Houston's Fifth Ward residents have been exposed for decades to creosote due to a railroad yard near their homes. They claim that the chemical has affected their soil, homes, and continues to spread underground.Harris County and Houston have joined forces to fight Union Pacific in federal court. They demand that the company test regularly for contamination and take steps to prevent the spread of the disease.In October of 2017 the group of Fifth Ward neighbors sued Union Pacific. They claim that creosote from the former rail yard is contaminating soil beneath their homes and is causing serious health issues.They are seeking compensation for their ailments and suffering, as well as damages from the railroad to cover the cost of cleanup and other associated costs. They claim that they have suffered the effects of environmental racism, discrimination, and other forms of pollution that affected them and their families.DioxinDioxins are chemical compounds that do not break down in the environment quickly , and can remain in the air, soil or sediment for a lengthy period. They can come from diverse sources, such as natural disasters, industrial accidents, smoking cigarettes, and incineration of hazardous waste.The effects of dioxin on health aren't clear at low levels, but there is evidence to suggest that they may cause cancer as well as other serious diseases. Patients who are exposed at higher levels of dioxin are found to be at greater risk of organ cancers, heart disease, immune system problems and endocrine disorders like hormonal imbalances. They can also lead to reproductive issues, a weak immune system, menstrual and diabetes issues weight loss, hair growth and facial cysts known as chloracne.According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA), the most prevalent way people are exposed to the toxins is through food and water. They aren't water-soluble or volatile, therefore they are more likely to be absorbed into the body through the consumption of dairy products, fish, and other seafood.It is crucial to keep in mind that exposure to dioxins could be detrimental to your health, based on numerous factors such as how much you consume, drink, and how often you breathe. It is also important to take into account your gender and age, as well as your nutrition and family characteristics to determine if you will be exposed to dioxins.The kind of contaminant is also important. According to Railroad Cancer are more dangerous than others for the health of humans. For instance, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are more likely to have a detrimental impact on your health than creosote.PCBs can cause damage to the eyes as well as the liver, kidneys and kidneys. They also can harm the immune system and cause problems with the development of healthy teeth, bones and bones.Houston's Fifth Ward and Kashmere Garden neighbors have complained for years of cluster of cancers that have been connected to the Union Pacific rail yard. The yard is right close to their homes. The announcement made by the city's health department stated that it had identified cancer-causing chemicals in samples of the rail yard. The release noted that the results were not encouraging. Mayor Sylvester Turner told FOX 26 that he's going to take legal action against Union Pacific over the matter, and said a plan presented to Texas environmental regulators won't be adequate given the findings.Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs)Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) are harmful chemicals that have been used in industrial and household products for more than 60 years. These chemicals were banned in 1979, after being proven to cause cancer, suppress the immune system, and hinder learning.Once released into the natural environment, PCBs contaminate air, water, and soil in a variety of areas around the world. They are strong binders of organic matter, and are transported easily and accumulated in the environment.PCBs are a significant concern for the protection of the environment and public health. The EPA considers them to be a possible human carcinogen and has proved that they can cause cancer in laboratory animals.Additionally certain studies have found a link between PCBs to birth defects in children. This is especially applicable to children who have been exposed to these chemicals during the pregnancy.The primary route of exposure to PCBs is through food. Fish is the most common source of exposure, since they contain the most PCBs. But, PCBs can also be present in beef and dairy and other agricultural products.Another way to be exposed to PCBs is by drinking or showering with water that has been affected by PCBs. This could be due to spills or leaks that may be caused by electrical or other equipment.People may also be exposed to PCBs by breathing in the air or by skin contact. These chemicals can trigger the condition known as Chloracne. This is a mild pale, yellow-colored lesions that last for months or even years.The effects of PCBs on the human body are not fully understood. Some researchers have suggested they may cause liver and the biliary tract cancers in humans, but further studies are needed to discover how this affects us.The EPA is also investigating whether these chemicals could cause birth defects in newborn babies. The low birth weight of newborns has been linked to insulin resistance or Type II diabetes, high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease later in the course of. In two studies, children born with higher levels of PCBs in their cord blood had lower body weight at birth and/or later in childhood.LeadLead is a toxic metal that is found in a variety of items like paints pipes and food containers. It can be absorbed by the body via two main routes: respiratory and oral.It is an extremely chemical that oxidizes and reacts with other chemicals present in your environment. It can build up within the body and can lead to serious health issues like cancer and other ailments.Houston residents who reside near the Union Pacific Railroad's creosote legacy plant have a high rate of cancer. The city has requested assistance from the federal government in the cleanup of the railroad's toxic site.Union Pacific Railroad has a history in which it has caused harm to its Fifth Ward rail yard and Kashmere Garden neighborhood with chemicals that can cause cancer. Residents have claimed that the company has been trying to get rid of the pollution, but the plan presented to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality was not sufficient.The plume of groundwater that flows below the homes in the affected area is among the most grave effects of the contamination. A recent study by health officials has shown that soil samples from the rail yard have a higher concentration of creosote than is recommended for drinking water.Another concern is the slow evaporation of creosote from the atmosphere. It can cause residents to breathe harmful levels of vapors which can be fatal for children and adults.It is possible that the vapors cause cancer among those who inhale them. To learn more about the impact of the vapors on the lives of residents the neighborhood, a door-to-door survey being conducted in the neighborhood.This is a serious issue for the Fifth Ward communities and Kashmere Gardens. This is a tragic situation that must be addressed immediately.A Department of State Health Services study found that leukemia incidences were five times higher in children living in the Fifth Ward and Kashmere Gardens areas than was expected. The study also revealed that adult cancers were more frequent in the neighborhood than they were elsewhere in Texas.