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Railroad Workers: The History Of Railroad Workers In 10 Milestones
Union Pacific Houston Cancer - Is Creosote Still Affecting Houstonians?

Houston's Fifth Ward neighbors have complained for years that the company hasn’t taken the necessary steps to clean up an underground plume that is contaminated rail yard. And now, the most recent tests suggest that the contamination could still be affecting those who live near.

Researchers believe it is due to the high rate of cancers that are found in the area. Two years into a state-wide health investigation, they found higher-than-expected rates of childhood leukemia and adult renal and kidney pelvis cancers in areas around the Union Pacific site.

Creosote

Creosote is a chemical commonly that is used in the treatment of wood. Railroad Injury Settlement Amounts is also a harmful substance that can cause cancer in those exposed to it.

It is a dense oily substance that's black or amber in color and has a smoky scent and a burnt taste. It is a distillation of coal product that has been used for more than 150 years to preserve wood.

It is employed in the United States to treat railroad ties, and other types woods, like fence posts and utility poles, and marine pilings. It is also used to guard log structures and homes from decay and insect infestation.

According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Creosote is an extremely dangerous chemical. When exposed to creosote, even for brief periods may cause skin and eye irritation chemical burns, stomach discomfort, burning of the mouth or throat as well as liver or kidney problems, and even permanent damage.

Exposure for long periods can lead to skin and scrotum cancer. Workers who come into direct contact with it during wood treatment or other manufacturing processes are at risk.

According to the EPA the EPA, it is a likely human cancer-causing agent. It has been linked to a variety kinds of cancers, including esophageal and lung cancer.

Houston's Fifth Ward residents have been exposed for decades to creosote due to a former railroad yard that was close to their homes. They say the chemical has caused soil and homes to be contaminated and continues to spread throughout the underground.

Harris County and Houston have joined forces to fight Union Pacific in federal court. They demand that the company test for contamination regularly and take preventative measures to stop it from spreading.

A group of Fifth Ward neighbors filed an action against Union Pacific in October of 2017. They allege that creosote from the former rail yard is contaminating soil beneath their homes and is causing serious health issues.

They are seeking compensation for their ailments and suffering and also compensation from the railroad for the cost of cleaning and other related costs. They claim they have suffered the effects of environmental racism, discrimination, and other forms of pollution that have affected their families and themselves.

Dioxin

Dioxins are substances that do not break down in the environment in a timely manner and can stay in the air, the soil of the water or in sediment for a long time. They are found in a variety of locations, including natural disasters and industrial accidents, cigarette smoke and incineration, as well as hazardous waste.

Although the effects of dioxin on health in low concentrations aren't known however, there is evidence to suggest that they can cause serious illnesses like cancer. Higher levels of dioxin have been linked to an increased risk for organ cancers, heart disease as well as immune-related issues and endocrine issues like hormonal imbalances. They can also lead to hormonal issues, suppressed immunity as well as diabetes, menstrual problems and weight loss.

According to Railroad Injury Settlement Amounts . Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) the most frequent way that people are exposed to the toxins is through water and food. They are not volatile or water-soluble, so they are more likely to be taken into the body via the consumption of meat, dairy products or fish and other seafood.

However, it is important to keep in mind that the amount of exposure that could have negative effects on your health will depend on several factors, such as the amount you eat or drink, the frequency you drink or eat, and the amount of air you breathe. It is also important to consider your gender and age, your diet, and family characteristics to determine whether you will be exposed to dioxins.

The type of contaminant is also crucial. The EPA says that some toxins are more likely to cause harm effect on human health than others. For example, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are more likely to have a negative effect on your health than creosote.

For example, PCBs can damage a person's eyes, kidneys, and liver. They can also affect the immune system and cause problems with the growth of healthy teeth, bones, and bones.

Houston's Fifth Ward and Kashmere Garden neighbors have complained for years of cluster cancer deaths connected to the Union Pacific rail yard. The yard is located close to their homes. The announcement made by the city's health department said that it discovered cancer-causing chemicals in surface samples near the rail yard. The release said the results weren't encouraging. Mayor Sylvester Turner told FOX 26 that he's going to sue Union Pacific over the matter and also said that a plan that he submitted to Texas environmental regulators won't be sufficient in light of the findings.

Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs)

PCBs, also referred to as polychlorinated biphenylsare harmful chemicals that have been used for more than 60 years in industrial and consumer products. After being found to cause cancer and inhibit the immune system These chemicals were banned in 1979.

PCBs can be harmful to soil and water as well as air in many regions of the globe once they are released into the environment. They are strong binding agents of organic matter and can be transported easily and accumulated in the environment.

In the end, PCBs constitute a major risk for the protection of public health and the environment. The EPA considers them a potential carcinogen for humans and has proven that they can cause cancer in lab animals.

Certain studies also link PCBs to birth defects in children. This is particularly the case for children who've been exposed to these chemicals in the womb.

PCBs are most often ingested through food. Fish are the primary source of exposure, as they are the source of the most PCBs. However, PCBs can also found in beef, dairy products, and other agricultural products.

Showering or drinking PCB-contaminated water is another method of exposure. This can be caused by leaks or spills which could occur in electrical and other equipment.

People can also be exposed to PCBs through breathing in air or coming into contact with skin. These chemicals can cause an illness known as Chloracne. This is small, pale, yellow-colored skin lesions that may last for months or even years.

However the effects of PCBs on the human body are not completely understood. Some researchers have suggested that they may cause liver and the biliary tract cancers in humans, but more research is needed to find out how this impacts us.

The EPA is also studying whether these chemicals may cause birth defects in newborns. The low birth weight of newborns has been linked with insulin resistance or Type II diabetes, high blood pressure and cardiovascular diseases later in life. Two studies showed that children born with higher levels of PCBs in their cord blood had lower birth weights , and/or later in life.

Lead

Lead is a highly toxic metal that is found in many items including paints, pipes and food cans. The body can absorb it via two routes: the respiratory and oral.

It is a powerful oxidizing chemical and can react with other chemicals in your environment. This can lead to it accumulating within the body. This can cause serious health issues such as cancer and other ailments.

Houston residents who live near to the Union Pacific Railroad's creosote facility are at risk of cancer. The city has asked for the federal government's help in the cleanup of the railroad's contaminated facility.

Union Pacific Railroad has a history in which it has affected its Fifth Ward rail yard and Kashmere Garden neighborhood with chemicals that can cause cancer. Residents claim that the railroad has been trying to remove the contamination but the plan presented to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality was not enough.

One of the most significant problems that resulted from the contamination is the plume of groundwater that is located beneath homes in the area. A recent study by health officials has found that soil samples from the rail yard contain more creosote than is recommended for drinking water.

Another major concern is that the creosote is slowly escaping into the air. It causes residents to breathe dangerous levels of vapors which are dangerous for children and adults.

It is also possible that gases are causing cancers in the residents who are breathing them in. To find out more about the effects of the vapors on lives of residents, a door-to-door survey is being conducted in the neighborhood.

This is a major issue for the Fifth Ward communities and Kashmere Gardens. It is a sad situation and must be addressed immediately.

A recent study conducted by the Department of State Health Services discovered that children who lived in the Fifth Ward and Kashmere Garden neighborhoods contracted a form of leukemia that was five times higher rate than expected. The study also revealed that adult cancers were more prevalent in these neighborhoods than in other areas of Texas.


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