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Five Things You Don't Know About Railroad Settlement Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
Railroad Settlements and Asbestos

In 1862, Congress passed The Pacific Railroad Act. This law allowed for the funding of two transcontinental railway companies through large grants for rights-of way. Railroad workers who contract cancer due to exposure to work-related hazards can sue their employers under the Federal Employers' Liability Act (FELA).

A jury in Illinois awarded $7.5 million to an ex- Union Pacific Trackman who died of acute myeloid lymphoma. He blamed his blood cancer on a massive exposure to creosote and benzene. Both were used to protect and waterproof railroad ties made of wood.

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

Our lawyers have successfully defended several lawsuits against Union Pacific Railroad involving coal-tar creosote exposure. One of these cases resulted in the amount of $7.500,000 verdict. The plaintiff was a track staffer who contracted acute myeloidleukemia due to exposure to the chemical compound that is toxic during his employment for over 31 years. The jury found that the railroad did not provide any personal protective equipment, and exposed him to a wide range of toxic chemicals such as coal-tar tar creosote and coal distillates.

Another argument was the use of copper naphthalenate an alternative to creosote made from coal. Although copper naphthenate isn't more hazardous to the environment than creosote, it could nevertheless be extremely dangerous. Copper naphthenate is a cancer-causing agent and can cause skin, nerve and lung damage. It also contaminates groundwater and soil with benzene.

Benzene

Benzene is a colorless petroleum hydrocarbon, is used to manufacture resins, plastics, and synthetic fibers. It is also used in diesel fuels and exhaust. Diesel fumes are frequently inhaled by almost all railroad workers. Benzene is a known 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 inhaled or absorbed through the surface of the skin. Exposure to benzene for long periods of time can cause blood loss, which can lead to irregular menstrual cycles, anemia, and fertility issues. The chemical benzene has been linked to certain types of cancer, including breast and lung cancer.

Inhaling benzene is among the most hazardous. Inhaling benzene may cause headaches, dizziness or nosebleeds. Benzene can also interfere with the immune system, which may lead to infections.

A recent report highlighted elevated levels of benzene in the air near two Chicago train stations. Commuters and railroad workers were exposed excessive levels of pollution, which led to schools having to stop classes and cities to require residents to stay in shelters. Railroad workers, which includes car department employees, locomotive machinists pipefitters and electricians, often utilize benzene-containing products, like Safety-Kleen parts washers and Brakleen as well as paints and thinners. The chemical is also used in printing solvents.

Asbestos

The asbestos use in the railroad industry started early. Asbestos is made up of six silicate minerals naturally occurring with fibrous structure. They were used in construction because they had the ability to withstand corrosion, fire retardant and insulate characteristics. Inhaling these tiny fibers can cause serious health issues such as lung cancer mesothelioma and asbestosis. Symptoms of these health conditions can take anywhere from 15 to 30 years to show.

The EPA has banned asbestos mining and processing in the US However, asbestos is still found in a variety of products. This includes various types of paper, flooring felt, and fake fireplace embers. When these materials are exposed to heat or water they may release asbestos fibers. These fibers may also be released into air during demolition or remodeling.

A recent study has shown that exposure to benzene even for five years significantly increases the chance of developing acute myeloid leukemia (AML). If you are suffering from symptoms such as night sweats, unexplained weight loss and suppression or loss of appetite, seek out your doctor immediately. They may perform an analysis of your blood to determine AML.

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

Diesel Exhaust

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

In fact, the International Agency for Research on Cancer classified diesel exhaust as a group 1 carcinogen. Moreover, diesel exhaust is an underlying cause of respiratory disease in the form of bronchiopulmonary conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and bronchiectasis. A study published in Environmental Health Perspectives in 2006 connected the work of railroad workers to COPD rates.

When railroad cars and locomotives are running and idle, they emit diesel exhaust. Engines that are idle emit gases, like sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxidants along with diesel fumes.


Diesel exhaust fumes are often unnoticeable in locomotive cabins where engineers and conductors spend up to six hours a day. The engine and equipment emit more diesel exhaust fumes when workers enter and leave the cabins. This could cause lung and cancerous problems.

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

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