Benzene, Butadiene, and Other Carcinogens on the Railroad
Many railroad employees are exposed to benzene butadiene and other carcinogens on the job. If you've developed a severe illness, such as leukemia for instance, you could be eligible for compensation.
Leukemias are caused by blood-forming tissues like bone marrow, and lymphatic tissue. CLL (chronic lymphocytic Leukemia) is one of the four primary types of adult leukemia.
Benzene
It is a chemical that can be breathed in or absorbed through the skin. It is an oil-based by-product that is utilized in the production of resins, plastics, synthetic fibers and nylons. It is also used as a component in dyes and lubricants. It is a cancer-causing substance that causes leukemia as well as other cancers such as acute myelogenous lymphoma (AML), myelodysplastic disorders, and lymphomas.
Mineral spirits, solvents, and degreasers can be used by railroad workers to expose them to benzene. They also are exposed to diesel fuel and exhaust fumes when working on freight cars, locomotives and other rail equipment. Railroad workers are at a greater risk of developing chronic lymphocytic Leukemia due to the exposure.
A number of epidemiologic studies have demonstrated a significant increase in leukemia risk due to the increase in exposure to benzene. A recent meta-analysis of 22 studies gave summaries of effects estimates for exposure to benzene and the risk of AML and 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 less than those for ALL. This could be due to a lower frequency of reporting for the two subgroups, and also due to a lack of dose-response interactions with increasing exposures. Colon cancer lawsuit settlements -analysis found no evidence of publication bias.
Asbestos
Asbestos, a fibrous rock is used to make thousands of industrial products. Its resistance to heat, fire and corrosion makes it an ideal material for railroad locomotives and other machinery. Asbestos can pose a threat to those who handle it. When exposed to the substance asbestos fibers, they can break down into tiny strands that become airborne. They are then inhaled and can become lodged in the lungs of an individual. These can lead to a variety of serious diseases, including mesothelioma.
Asbestos fibers may cause irritation to the lining of the lung when they enter the lung. union pacific settlements could lead to an increase in collagen which becomes harder over time and forms plaques called pleural. This condition can cause chest pain and breathing problems.
Another form of lung damage resulting from asbestos exposure is fibrosis, which causes scar tissue that affects the ability of a person to breathe. If railroad injury settlement amounts untreated the condition can become fatal.
If you are a railroad worker who was diagnosed with an asbestos-related condition then seek out a FELA attorney right away. An experienced mesothelioma lawyer will assist you in filing an application for compensation. To win a claim, you must prove that your exposure to a toxic substance during the job contributed to your illness. FELA lawyers often work with industrial safety experts, also known as industrial hygienists. They examine the products used in the railroad workplace and determine if the company followed the proper workplace safety procedures.
Diesel Exhaust
Railroad workers are frequently exposed to carcinogenic substances and fumes while during their work, including diesel exhaust. Excessive exposure to diesel exhaust has been linked to mesothelioma, lung cancer, and other serious occupational diseases among railroad workers. Inhaling particulates and engine exhaust could cause long-term health issues that are difficult to treat.
Diesel fuel is used in locomotives, and the cabin of a locomotive tiny with no ventilation. Diesel exhaust can be inhaled by railroad workers, and it could be dragged back on themselves and their clothing when they leave the cab of the locomotive. Diesel exhaust can also be a problem for railroad workers who work in shops or yards, since they are often near to locomotives.
Diesel exhaust is a source of mutagenic and cancerous substances that can be absorbed into the bloodstream. These chemicals can cause harm to the respiratory system and blood, as well as the bone marrow. Researchers discovered that people who had been exposed to diesel exhaust for the longest amount of time were at the highest risk of developing lung cancer.
Lung cancer mortality was significantly higher in railroad workers exposed to diesel exhaust, even after controlling for smoking-related death rates and other factors. The Lyon Firm is investigating claims from railroad workers who claim to have been exposed to diesel exhaust and other industrial toxic substances.