Notes

Why Do So Many People Are Attracted To Railroad Settlement Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia?
Railroad Settlements and Asbestos

In 1862, Congress passed the Pacific Railroad Act, which financed two transcontinental railroad companies by providing large grants of lands 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 handed $7.5 million to a former Union Pacific Trackman who died of acute myeloid Leukemia. The man blamed his blood cancer on extensive exposure to creosote at work and benzene. Both were used to protect and waterproof wooden railroad ties.

Creosote

Coal tar creosote, the wood preserver employed to shield railroad ties from heat, sun and cold, rain, and snow. Workers are exposed chemicals and solvents, including benzene during the application of coal tar creosote. Benzene, a known carcinogen is a known carcinogen that can cause leukemia and non-Hodgkin lymphoma as well being associated with other serious issues like heartbeat changes, convulsions liver damage, anemia, and cancers of the lung and the body.

Our attorneys have successfully prosecuted various lawsuits against Union Pacific Railroad involving coal-tar creosote exposure. One of these cases ended with an $7.500,000 verdict. The plaintiff was a track department worker who developed acute myeloidleukemia as a result of exposure to the chemical compound that is toxic during his work for 31 years. The jury found that railroad did not provide any personal protective gear, and exposed him to a variety of toxic chemicals such as coal-tar tar creosote as well as coal tar distillates.

Another claim was the use of copper naphthalenate a replacement for creosote derived from coal. Although it is less harmful to the environment than creosote, can be very dangerous. Copper naphthenate has been identified as a carcinogen and can cause nerve, skin and lung damage to the lung, skin and nerves. It also pollutes groundwater and soil with benzene.

Benzene

A colorless, liquid petroleum hydrocarbon, benzene is used in manufacturing of plastics, resins, nylon and synthetic fibers. It is also found in diesel fuel and exhaust. Virtually all railroad workers are exposed to diesel fumes on a regular basis. Benzene is a known carcinogen is linked to leukemia and the myelodysplastic disorder (MDS).

There is no safe level of exposure to benzene. It can be absorbed through the skin and inhaled. Exposure to benzene for long periods of time can cause blood damage, leading to anemia, irregular periods, and fertility issues. The chemical is also linked to certain types of cancers like breast and lung cancer.

Inhaling benzene is among the most dangerous. Inhaling million settlement may cause headaches, dizziness and nosebleeds. It can also affect your immune system and cause infections.

A recent report highlighted the elevated levels of benzene in the air near two Chicago train stations. Commuters and railroad workers were exposed excessive levels of pollution, which prompted schools to close classes, and cities to instruct residents to take shelter in their homes. Railroad workers, like car department employees as well as locomotive mechanics, electricians and pipefitters, use benzene containing products like Safety-Kleen part washers and CRC Brakleen and paints, thinners, and other products. It is also found in printing solvents.

Asbestos

At first, asbestos was used in the railroad industry. Asbestos is made up of six silicate minerals that are naturally occurring with a fibrous structure. They were previously used in construction because of their the ability to withstand corrosion, fire retardant and insulate characteristics. Inhaling these fibers can cause serious health issues such as lung cancer asbestosis and mesothelioma. These illnesses can last up to 30 years before symptoms begin to manifest.

The EPA has prohibited the mining and processing of asbestos in this country, but it is still used in a variety of products. This includes certain kinds of paper, floor felt, and fake fire embers. When these materials are exposed either to water or heat they may release asbestos fibers. These fibers may also get into the air during demolition of buildings or when homes are renovated.

A recent study found that even a five-year exposure to benzene significantly increases the chance of developing acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Talk to your doctor if you experience symptoms such as night sweats, or a sudden weight loss. They can do tests on your blood to identify AML.

The EPA recently resolved a case against Genesee & Wyoming Railroad Services Inc. (GWRSI). GWRSI uses locomotives that operate on diesel fuel and emit nitrogen oxides (NOx) and fine particulate matter (PM2.5). This EPA settlement requires GWRSI to replace any of its existing locomotives with new ones that meet 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 poisonous mix of chemicals, including carcinogens like benzene as well as carbon monoxide. It also contains particulate matter, polyaromatic hydrocarbons as well as nitrogen oxides.


The International Agency for Research on Cancer has classified diesel exhaust as Group 1 carcinogen. Diesel exhaust can also trigger respiratory illnesses such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or bronchiectasis. A 2006 article published in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives linked railroad worker's employment with COPD rates.

Rail cars and locomotives emit diesel exhaust when they are running and idle in roundhouses and depots as well as yards and shops. The engines and machinery that are idling emit gases in addition to diesel fumes, which include sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides.

Diesel exhaust fumes are frequently unnoticeable in locomotive cabins where conductors and engineers spend up to six hours each day. The equipment and engine emit more exhaust fumes from diesel engines when people enter or leave the cabins. This can cause pulmonary and cancerous conditions.

Moreover, railroad mechanics are heavily exposed to diesel exhausts in poorly ventilated roundhouses and shops. They work with moving locomotives and track equipment in enclosed spaces that frequently produce harmful inhalants, including asbestos-insulated steam pipes and boilers and silica sand.

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