Why Railroad Settlement Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Is A Must At The Very Least Once In Your Lifetime

Railroad Settlements and Asbestos

In 1862, Congress passed the Pacific Railroad Act, which financed two transcontinental railroads by granting large grants of lands for rights-of-way. Railroad workers who contract cancer because of exposures at work can sue 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 his blood-cancer on exposure to creosote, compounds like benzene and others used to preserve wooden railroad ties.

Creosote

Coal tar Creosote, a wood preserver, can be employed to shield railroad ties from the sun, heat and cold, rain and snow. Workers are exposed to harmful solvents and chemicals, such as benzene, in the process of applying of coal tar creosote. Benzene is a well-known carcinogen causes leukemia and non-Hodgkin lymphoma, as well in other serious side effects such as convulsions, heartbeat changes, liver damage, anemia, and cancers of the lungs and the body.

Our attorneys have successfully prosecuted numerous lawsuits against Union Pacific Railroad for exposure to coal-tar creosote. One of these cases led to the settlement of $7,500,000. The plaintiff, a track department worker was diagnosed with acute myeloid cancer due to exposure harmful chemical compounds on working for over 31 years. The jury found that the railroad did not provide any personal protective equipment, and exposed him to a range of toxic chemicals including coal-tar-tar creosote, as well as coal distillates.

Another argument was the use of copper naphthalenate an alternative to creosote derived from coal. Although it is less harmful to the environment than creosote is extremely dangerous. Copper naphthenate is known to cause skin, lung and nerve injury to the nerves, skin and lung. It also pollutes soil and groundwater with benzene.

Benzene

Benzene, a colorless liquid petroleum hydrocarbon used in the production of resins, plastics and synthetic fibers. It is also found in diesel fuels and exhaust. Diesel fumes are inhaled regularly by almost all railroad workers. Benzene is a carcinogen that has been linked to leukemia as well as myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS).

There is no limit to the amount of exposure to benzene. It can be taken in through the skin and inhaled.  union pacific lawsuit settlements  to benzene for long periods of time can cause blood loss, which can lead to irregular menstrual flow, anemia and fertility issues. It is also associated with certain types of cancers, such as breast and lung cancer.

Inhaling benzene can be the most hazardous. Inhaling benzene could cause headaches, dizziness or nosebleeds. The benzene compound can also impair the immune system, which can result in infections.

A recent report revealed the increased levels of benzene in the air near two Chicago train stations. Commuters railroad workers as well as city residents were exposed to high levels of pollution. Schools shut down classes and cities asked residents to seek shelter. Railroad workers, such as car department employees, locomotive machinists, pipefitters and electricians, often make use of benzene-containing items such as Safety-Kleen parts washers and CRC Brakleen as well as thinners and paints. It is also used as printing solvents.

Asbestos

The asbestos use in the railroad industry began in the early days. Asbestos is a class of six naturally occurring fibrous silicate minerals that were very popular in construction for their fire retardant, fire-retardant, corrosion-resistant and insulate properties. Inhaling these fibrous materials can cause serious health issues such as lung cancer and asbestosis. These illnesses can last up to 30 years before symptoms appear.

The EPA has prohibited asbestos mining and processing in the United States However, asbestos is still found in a wide range of products. This includes certain types of paper, flooring felt, and fake fireplace embers. But, if these items are exposed to heat or water they could release harmful asbestos fibers. They can also be released into the air when buildings are destroyed or when homes are remodeled.

A recent study showed that even five years of exposure to benzene can significantly increase the chance of developing acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Consult your physician if you have symptoms such as night sweats or an unprovoked weight loss. They can do an analysis of your blood to determine AML.

The EPA recently settled a case with Genesee & Wyoming Railroad Services Inc. (GWRSI). GWRSI operates locomotives that emit nitrogen oxides and fine particulates (PM2.5) when they are running on diesel fuel. This EPA settlement requires that GWRSI replace any of its current locomotives with newer models that comply with EPA emissions standards.

Diesel Exhaust

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

The International Agency for Research on Cancer has classified diesel exhaust as a group 1 carcinogen. Diesel exhaust is also a cause of respiratory ailments like chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD) or bronchiectasis. A 2006 study published in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives linked railroad worker's employment with COPD rates.

When locomotives and railcars are in motion and idle, they emit diesel exhaust. The engines that are idling emit gases, like sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxidants along with diesel fumes.

The odor of diesel exhaust is usually visible in the cabs of locomotives where conductors and engineers are seated for up to six hours at a time. The equipment and the engine emit more diesel exhaust fumes when workers enter and leave the cabins. This can cause lung and cancerous issues.

Furthermore railroad mechanics are also exposed to diesel exhaust in poorly ventilated roundhouses and shops. They work in enclosed areas with track equipment, locomotives and asbestos-insulated steam boilers.