Searching For Inspiration? Check Out Railroad Settlement Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia

Railroad Settlements and Asbestos

In 1862, Congress passed The Pacific Railroad Act. This act helped fund two transcontinental railway 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. The judge blamed the blood-cancer on exposure to creosote the chemical benzene, and other chemicals used to preserve wooden railroad ties.

Creosote

Coal tar Creosote, an organic wood preserver, is used to shield railroad ties from heat, sun and cold, rain, and snow. During the process of applying coal tar creosote workers are exposed to a range of toxic chemicals as well as solvents like benzene. Benzene is a known carcinogen and can cause myelodysplastic syndrome, leukemia and non-Hodgkin's lupus as well in other serious adverse consequences like convulsions changes to your heartbeat, liver damage anemia as well as bone marrow damage. cancer of the skin and lungs.

rail settlement plan  have successfully defended numerous lawsuits against Union Pacific Railroad for exposure to coal-tar creosote. One of these cases landed an award of $7,500,000. The plaintiff was a track department worker suffered from acute myeloid carcinoma as a result exposure to toxic chemical compounds while on the job for over 31 years. The jury concluded that the railroad did not provide any personal protective equipment, and regularly exposed him to a broad range of toxic chemicals like coal-tar creosote and coal tar distillates, carbolineum and naphtha and other cleaning solvents.

Another argument was the use of copper naphthalenate an alternative to coal tar creosote. Although copper naphthenate may be less damaging to the environment than creosote, it can nevertheless be extremely hazardous. Copper naphthenate is a carcinogen and can cause nerve, skin and lung damage to the lung, skin and nerves. It can also contaminate the groundwater and soil with benzene.

Benzene

Benzene is a colorless, liquid petroleum hydrocarbon that is used to make resins, plastics, and synthetic fibers. It is also found in diesel fuels and exhaust. Virtually all railroad workers are exposed to diesel fumes on an ongoing basis. Benzene is a carcinogen, and has been linked to leukemia as well as myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS).

There is no safe level of exposure to benzene. It can be absorbed through the skin and inhaled. Long-term exposure could damage the blood supply and trigger different health issues, including menstrual irregularities, anemia and fertility issues. The chemical benzene has been linked to certain types of cancer such as lung and breast cancer.

Inhaling benzene is the most dangerous. Inhaling benzene can cause dizziness, headaches nose bleeds, headaches, and loss of consciousness. Benzene can also interfere with the immune system, which could lead to infections.

Recent reports have revealed the high levels of benzene at two Chicago train stations. Commuters railroad workers as well as city residents were exposed to extreme levels of pollution. Schools shut down classes and cities urged residents to stay in their homes. Railroad workers, which includes car department employees, locomotive machinists, electricians and pipefitters, regularly utilize benzene-containing products, like Safety-Kleen parts washers and Brakleen as well as paints and thinners. Benzene can also be found in printing solvents.

Asbestos

In the beginning asbestos was utilized in the railroad industry. Asbestos comprises six naturally occurring fibrous silicate minerals that were once highly sought-after in construction due to their fire retardant, fire-retardant, corrosion-resistant and insulate properties. Inhaling these microscopic fibers can cause serious health problems such as lung cancer asbestosis and mesothelioma. These illnesses can last up to 30 years before symptoms appear.

The EPA has prohibited asbestos mining and processing in the US However, asbestos is still found in many products. This includes some types of paper, flooring felt and fake fireplace embers. But, if these items are exposed to water or heat they could release harmful asbestos fibers. These fibers could also be released into air during demolition or remodeling.

A recent study revealed that even five years of exposure to benzene can significantly increase a person's risk for developing acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Talk to your doctor if you are experiencing symptoms such as sleepiness, night sweats, or unprovoked weight loss. They can conduct a blood test to look for AML.

The EPA recently settled a case against Genesee & Wyoming Railroad Services Inc. (GWRSI). GWRSI uses locomotives that run 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 Exhaust

As long as diesel fuel continues to be used to power freight train railroad workers are exposed exhaust. Diesel exhaust is a poisonous mix of chemicals that includes carcinogens like benzene and carbon monoxide. It also includes particulate matter, polyaromatic hydrocarbons as well as nitrogen oxides.

In reality the International Agency for Research on Cancer classified diesel exhaust as a class 1 carcinogen. Diesel exhaust is also a cause of respiratory ailments like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or bronchiectasis. A study published in Environmental Health Perspectives in 2006 related railroad worker employment to COPD rates.

Rail cars and locomotives emit diesel exhaust when they are running and are idling in roundhouses, depots, shops and yards. The engines that are idling emit gases, such as sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides, in addition to diesel fumes.

Diesel exhaust fumes can be similar to those in locomotive cabs where conductors and engineers spend at least six hours a day. The engine and equipment emit more exhaust fumes from diesel engines as workers enter or leave the cabins. This can lead to pulmonary and cancerous conditions.

Furthermore railroad mechanics are also exposed to diesel exhausts in poorly ventilated roundhouses and shops. They work with running locomotives and track equipment in enclosed areas that often produce harmful inhalants, like asbestos-insulated steam boilers and steam pipes and silica sand.