Benzene, Butadiene, and Other Carcinogens on the Railroad
Many railroad employees are exposed to benzene, butadiene and other carcinogens while on the job. If you have developed a serious disease such as leukemia, then you may be entitled to compensation.
Leukemias develop in blood-forming tissues like bone marrow or lymphatic tissue. CLL (chronic lymphocytic Leukemia) is one of the four major types of adult leukemia.
Benzene
The chemical Benzene can be inhaled or absorbed through the skin. It is a crude oil by-product utilized in the manufacture of resins, plastics, nylons and synthetic fibers. It is also used in lubricants, dyes paints, detergents, pesticides and pharmaceuticals. It is a recognized carcinogen that can cause leukemia, acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) myelodysplastic syndromes and lymphomas.
Mineral spirits, solvents and degreasers are used by railroad workers to expose them to benzene. They are also frequently exposed to exhaust fumes and diesel fuel when working on locomotives, freight cars and other rail equipment. Because of this exposure, railroad workers are at a greater risk of developing chronic leukemia.
Numerous epidemiologic studies have demonstrated that exposure to benzene increases the risk of developing leukemia. A recent study that was a meta-analysis provided an overview of the effects of benzene exposure and the risk of AML and Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL) and Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL).
The results of the meta-analysis indicate that occupational benzene exposure significantly increases the risk of developing these leukemias. The results for AML, CLL and ALL were lower. railroad back injury settlements may be due to a lower level of reporting for the two subgroups, and also due to a lack of dose-response effects that increase exposure. railroad back injury settlements -analysis did not find any evidence of bias in publication.
Asbestos
Asbestos, a fibrous mineral has been utilized to make a myriad of industrial products. Its resistance against heat, fire and corrosion makes it a perfect material for railroad locomotives and other equipment. However, asbestos can pose a health risk when workers work with it. When asbestos fibers are exposed they can break down into microscopic strands which can then become airborne. Inhaled, they can lodge in the lungs. They can trigger various serious illnesses, such as mesothelioma.
Asbestos fibers could cause irritation to the lining of the lung when they enter the lung. This irritation can lead to an increase in collagen which becomes harder over time and creates plaques in the pleura. This condition can cause chest pain and breathing difficulties.
union pacific settlements is another type of lung injury that can be caused by asbestos exposure. This scar tissue interferes with breathing. If not treated, this condition can be fatal.
If you are a railroad worker who was diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease then get in touch with a FELA attorney right away. A mesothelioma lawyer with experience can assist you in filing claims for compensation. To win a claim, you must prove that your exposure to a toxic substance while on the job led to your condition. FELA lawyers often collaborate with industrial safety experts called industrial hygienists. They review the substances in the workplace of railroads and determine whether the railroad company followed the proper workplace safety procedures.
Diesel Exhaust
Railroad workers are often exposed to carcinogenic substances and fumes in their work environment, including diesel exhaust. The exposure to diesel exhaust has been linked with mesothelioma, lung cancer and other serious occupational diseases among railroad workers. Inhaling the engine exhaust and particulates could cause chronic health issues that may be difficult to treat.
Locomotives run on diesel fuel and the cab of the locomotive is a small space with a limited amount of ventilation. Diesel exhaust is inhaled by railroad workers, and it may be dragged onto their clothing and the workers when they exit the locomotive cab. Railroad workers working in shops, yards, and yards could also be exposed to diesel exhaust as they frequently come into contact with train and locomotive equipment.
Diesel exhaust is full of mutagenic and cancerous compounds that may enter the bloodstream. These chemicals can alter the blood and bone marrow and cause damage to the respiratory tract. In a research study that analyzed many workers who were regularly exposed to diesel exhaust, researchers found that those with the longest time of exposure were at risk for the most lung cancer.
Even after controlling for smoking and other factors lung cancer mortality was significantly higher in railroad workers exposed to diesel exhaust. The Lyon Firm is investigating claims from railroad workers who claim to have been ill-affected by exposure to diesel exhaust and other industrial toxic substances.