Benzene, Butadiene, and Other Carcinogens on the Railroad
Many railroad workers are exposed on the job to benzene and other carcinogens. If you develop a serious illness such as leukemia, you may be entitled to compensation.
Leukemias can occur in the bone marrow or lymphatic tissues. CLL (chronic lymphocytic Leukemia) is one of the four main types of adult leukemia.
Benzene
The chemical Benzene can be inhaled or absorbed through the skin. It is a by-product of oil that is used in the production of nylons, plastics and synthetic fibers. It is also used in lubricants and dyes. It is a recognized carcinogen that can cause leukemia, acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) and myelodysplastic diseases and lymphomas.
Mineral spirits, solvents and degreasers are utilized by railroad workers to expose them to benzene. When working on locomotives and freight cars they are exposed to exhaust and diesel fumes. Due to this exposure railroad workers are at a higher chance of developing chronic leukemia.
Numerous epidemiological studies have demonstrated an increase in the risk of leukemia with increasing exposure to benzene. A recent meta-analysis of 22 studies offered an overview of the effects of exposure to benzene and the risk of AML, Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL) and Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL).
The meta-analysis indicates that occupational exposure to benzene increases the chance of developing these leukemias. The results for AML, CLL and ALL were less convincing. This may be due to a lower percentage of reporting for these subgroups, or to a lack of dose-response relationships with increasing exposures. The meta-analysis found no evidence of publication bias.
Asbestos
Asbestos, a fibrous mineral is used to create a variety of industrial products. railroad back injury settlements to heat, fire and corrosion made it a perfect material for railroad locomotives and other equipment. Asbestos can pose a threat to those who handle it. If exposed to the material asbestos fibers, they be broken down into tiny pieces that then become airborne. They can then be breathed in and can get trapped deep within the lungs of people. They can cause a variety of serious illnesses, such as mesothelioma.
Asbestos fibers may cause irritation to the lining of the lung when they enter the lungs. This irritation could lead to a buildup in collagen, that hardens over time and creates plaques called pleural. This condition can cause chest pain and breathing problems.
Fibrosis is another kind of lung injury that can be caused by asbestos exposure. The scar tissue interferes with breathing. If left union pacific settlements could be fatal.
If you are a railroad worker who was diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease, seek out an FELA attorney immediately. A mesothelioma lawyer can help you file for compensation. To win a claim, you must prove that exposure to a toxic substance during the job contributed to the development of your disease. FELA lawyers frequently work with industrial safety experts referred to as industrial hygienists to review substances in the workplace of railroads and determine if the company followed the proper safety guidelines for employees.
Diesel Exhaust
Railroad workers are often exposed to carcinogenic substances and fumes while in their work environment, including diesel exhaust. railroad injury settlement amounts to diesel exhaust has been linked to lung cancer as well as other serious occupational illnesses in railroad workers, including mesothelioma, pulmonary fibrosis and others. Inhaling particulates and engine exhaust may cause long-term health issues that are difficult to treat.
Locomotives run on diesel fuel and the cab for locomotives is a closed space with a limited amount of ventilation. Railroad workers can become exposed to diesel exhaust by breathing it in the cab, and by pulling it back onto themselves and their clothes when they leave the cab. Railroad workers who work in shops, yards, and yards could also be exposed to diesel exhaust since they are often in contact with locomotives and train equipment.
Diesel exhaust is known to contain carcinogenic and mutational substances that can be absorbed into bloodstream. These chemicals can cause harm to the respiratory system as well as blood, as well as the bone marrow. In a study that followed dozens of workers who were frequently exposed to diesel exhaust, scientists discovered that those who had the longest time of exposure experienced the highest risk of lung cancer.
Lung cancer mortality was significantly higher among railroad workers exposed to diesel exhaust, despite eliminating smoking-related deaths and other factors. The Lyon Firm is investigating claims from railroad workers who have been ill-affected by exposure to diesel exhaust and other industrial toxic substances.