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Union Pacific Houston Cancer - Is Creosote Still Affecting Houstonians?

For decades, neighbors in Houston's Fifth Ward have argued the company hasn't done enough to clean up the creosote sludge that is buried at its rail yard that is contaminated. And now, the latest tests have revealed that the contamination may continue to affect those who live near.

Researchers believe that it could be due to the large number of cancers in the region. Two years after the launch of an all-state health investigation Researchers found that there were higher than expected rates of childhood lymphoblastic and adult pelvis and kidney cancers in the vicinity of the Union Pacific site.

Creosote

Creosote is one of the most common chemicals used to treat wood. It can also cause cancer in those who are exposed to it.

It is a heavy oily substance, amber to black in color. It has a smoky smell and a burnt taste. It is a distillation of coal product that has been used for over 150 years as a wood preserver.

It is utilized in the United States to treat railroad ties, as well as other types of woods, such as fence posts and utility poles, and pilings from marine construction. It is also used to guard log homes and other structures against decay and insect infestation.

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) declares creosote is a risky chemical. Exposure to creosote for brief periods may cause skin and eye irritation, chemical burns, stomach pains, burning of throat or mouth and liver or kidney problems and even permanent damage.

Exposure for long periods can lead to skin and scrotum cancer. This is a major concern for workers who are in direct contact with it during wood treatment or in other manufacturing processes.

It is regarded as a possible human carcinogen according to the EPA. It has been linked to several cancers such as esophageal cancer as well as lung cancer.

Residents of Houston's Fifth Ward neighborhood have been exposed to creosote for decades, thanks to a former rail yard near their homes. They say the chemical has contaminated their homes and soil, and it continues to spread throughout the underground.

The city of Houston and Harris County have joined the effort to sue Union Pacific in federal court. They would like the company to test frequently for contamination and take measures to prevent it from spreading.

A group of Fifth Ward neighbors filed an action against Union Pacific in October of 2017. They claim that creosote contaminated their soil and caused significant health problems as a result of the former rail yard.

They are seeking compensation for their illnesses and suffering and also damages from railroads for the cost of cleanup and other associated costs. They claim that they have been harmed by environmental racism, discrimination, and other forms of pollution that affected their families as well as them.

Dioxin

Dioxins are chemical compounds that don't break down in the environment quickly and can remain in the air, the soil of the water or sediment for a lengthy period. They are found in a variety of places such as natural disasters, industrial accidents, cigarette smoke, and incineration or hazardous waste.

Although the effects of dioxin on health at low levels are not yet known but there is evidence that they can cause serious diseases like cancer. The people who are exposed to higher levels of dioxin are found to be at a higher risk of heart disease, organ cancers, immune system problems and endocrine changes, such as hormonal imbalances. They can also trigger hormonal problems, suppressed immunity as well as diabetes, menstrual problems and weight loss.

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency the most common method people are exposed to dioxin is through drinking water or food. They are not volatile or water-soluble, so they are easily absorbed by the body through the intake of dairy products, meat fish, and other seafood.

It is crucial to keep in mind that exposure to dioxins could have a detrimental effect on your health based on a variety of factors like how much you drink, eat, and the frequency with which you breathe. You should also consider your gender and age, your diet, and family characteristics to determine if you will be exposed to dioxins.

Additionally, the type of contaminant can be an important factor. According to the EPA certain toxins are more dangerous than others to human health. For instance, polychlorinated benzene (PCBs) are more likely to have a negative effect on your health than creosote.

For instance, PCBs can damage a person's eyes, kidneys, and liver. They also can harm a person's immune system and hinder the growth of healthy teeth and bones.

Houston's Fifth Ward and Kashmere Garden neighbors have complained for a long time about cluster of cancers that have been connected to the Union Pacific rail yard. The yard is situated close to their homes. The city's health department announced Friday that it had found cancer-causing chemical compounds in surface samples near the rail yard. The release said that the findings were "not encouraging." Mayor Sylvester Turner told FOX 26 that he's planning to take legal action against Union Pacific over the matter and also said that a plan that he submitted to Texas environmental regulators won't be adequate in light of the findings.

Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs)

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

Once released into the natural environment, PCBs contaminate air, water, and soil across the world. They are powerful binders of organic matter and can be easily transported and accumulated into the environment.

PCBs are a major issue to protect the environment and public health. The EPA considers them a probable carcinogen for humans and has proven that they can cause cancer in lab animals.


Some studies also link PCBs to birth defects in children. This is especially the case for children exposed these chemicals in the womb.

PCBs are most often ingested through food items. Since they are the most abundant in PCBs, fish is the main source of exposure. However, PCBs can also be found in beef and dairy and other agricultural products.

Drinking and showering with Railroad Cancer Lawyer -contaminated water is another way to be exposed. This could be due to spills or leaks that may be caused by electrical or other equipment.

Similar to this, people may be exposed to PCBs through breathing air or through skin. These chemicals can cause an illness known as chloracne which is small, pale, yellow skin lesions that can last from a few weeks to a few years.

The effects of PCBs upon human health are still not fully understood. Researchers have suggested that they may cause liver and biliary cancers in humans. However further research is required to understand how this affects us.

The EPA is also examining whether these chemicals may cause birth defects in newborns. Low birth weight has been associated with insulin resistance or Type II diabetes, high blood pressure and cardiovascular diseases later in life. In two studies, children born with higher levels of PCBs in their cord blood had lower body weight at birth, and/or later in childhood.

Lead

Lead is a highly toxic metal that can be found in a variety of items, such as paints, pipes and food cans. It is absorbed by the body via two main routes: respiratory and oral.

It is a strong chemical that oxidizes and reacts with other chemicals present in your environment. This can cause it to accumulate within the body and cause serious health issues like cancer, among other ailments.

Houston residents who reside near the Union Pac Railroad's legacy creosote plant have a high incidence of cancer. The city has asked for the federal government's assistance in cleaning up the railroad's contaminated facility.

Union Pacific Railroad has a history of having been a source of contamination for its Fifth Ward rail yard and Kashmere Garden neighborhood with chemicals that could cause cancer. The railroad has been trying to get rid of the mess, but the plan submitted to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality is not enough residents say.

One of the biggest issues that resulted from the contamination is the groundwater plume under the homes in the area. A recent study conducted by health officials has shown that soil samples taken from the rail yard contain more creosote than that recommended for drinking water.

Another concern is the slow release of creosote to the atmosphere. It is causing residents to breathe dangerous levels of vapors, which can be fatal for both children and adults.

It is possible that the vapors cause cancer among those who breathe them. A door-to door health survey is being conducted in the area to find out more about the effects of the vapors on the lives of residents.

This is a major problem for the Fifth Ward and Kashmere Garden communities. This is a very sad situation that must be addressed immediately.

A Department of State Health Services study discovered that leukemia rates were five times higher among children who lived in the Fifth Ward and Kashmere Gardens areas than was expected. The study also found that adult cancers were more prevalent in the neighborhoods than they were elsewhere in Texas.

Website: https://sites.google.com/view/railroadcancersettlements