Notes

Ten Railroad Settlement Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Myths You Shouldn't Post On Twitter
Railroad Settlements and Asbestos

In 1862, Congress passed The Pacific Railroad Act. This law helped fund two transcontinental railway companies by providing large grants for rights of way. Railroad workers who contract cancer due to exposures at work can sue 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 leukemia. He blamed his blood cancer on a massive exposure to creosote and benzene. Both were used to preserve and waterproof railroad ties made of wooden.

Creosote

Coal tar creosote, an organic wood preserver, is used to shield railroad tie from the sun, heat and cold, rain, and snow. In the process of applying coal tar creosote workers are exposed to a variety of toxic chemicals and solvents, including benzene. Benzene is a known carcinogen, and can cause leukemia, myelodysplastic disorder and non-Hodgkin's lupus as well in other serious adverse effects such as convulsions, changes to your heartbeat, liver damage, anemia and bone marrow damages. cancer of the skin and lungs.

Our lawyers have successfully prosecuted multiple lawsuits against Union Pacific Railroad for exposure to coal-tar creosote. One of these cases culminated with an $7.500,000 verdict. The plaintiff was a track staffer who was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia due to exposure to the toxic chemical compound in his work over 31 years. The jury found that the railroad failed to provide any personal protection equipment and regularly exposed him to a diverse range of toxic chemicals including coal-tar creosote as well as coal tar distillates, carbolineum, naphtha and other cleaning solvents.

Another instance involved the use of copper naphthenate as an alternative to creosote derived from coal. Copper naphthenate is less harmful to the environment than creosote, can be extremely hazardous. Copper naphthenate can cause cancer and can cause nerve, skin and lung damage. It also has the potential to contaminate soil and groundwater with benzene.

Benzene

Benzene is a colorless, liquid petroleum hydrocarbon used in the production of resins, plastics and synthetic fibers. It is also used in diesel fuels and exhaust. The majority of railroad workers are exposed to diesel fumes regularly on a basis. Benzene, a known carcinogen, has been linked with leukemia and the myelodysplastic disorder (MDS).

There is no safe level of exposure to benzene. It can be taken in through the skin and inhaled. Long-term exposure to it can damage the bloodstream and cause various health issues, including anemia, irregular menstrual cycles and fertility problems. The chemical benzene has been linked to certain types of cancer which include lung and breast cancer.

Inhaling benzene inhalation is the most dangerous. Inhaling benzene may cause headaches, dizziness nose bleeds, dizziness and loss of consciousness. The benzene fumes can also affect the immune system and trigger infections.


A recent report revealed the higher levels of benzene that were found in the air near two Chicago train stations. Commuters and railroad workers were exposed to the high levels of pollution, which prompted schools to close classes, and cities to instruct residents to shelter-in-place. Railroad workers, such as car department employees, locomotive machinists, pipefitters and electricians regularly employ benzene-containing goods such as Safety-Kleen parts washers and Brakleen as well as paints and thinners. Also, benzene is found in printing solvents.

Asbestos

Early on, asbestos was used in the railroad industry. Asbestos comprises six naturally occurring fibrous silicate minerals which were once extremely popular in construction due to their fire-retardant corrosion-resistant, fire-retardant, and insulate properties. Inhaling these fibers could cause serious health issues such as lung cancer or asbestosis. railroad cancer settlements of these illnesses can take anywhere from 15 to 30 years to show.

The EPA has prohibited the mining and processing of asbestos in the United States however it is used in many of the products. This includes certain types of flooring felt, paper and fake fireplace embers. However, when these products are exposed to water or heat they can release toxic asbestos fibers. They can also be released into the air when buildings are destroyed or when homes are renovated.

A recent study revealed that just five years of exposure to benzene significantly increases the risk of developing acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Consult your doctor if you have symptoms such as night sweats or unexplained weight loss. They can perform a blood test to look for AML.

The EPA recently concluded a settlement with Genesee & Wyoming Railroad Services Inc. (GWRSI). 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 existing locomotives with new ones that meet EPA emission standards.

Diesel Exhaust

As long diesel fuel is used to power railroad workers, they will continue to be exposed exhaust. Diesel exhaust is a harmful mix of chemicals that includes carcinogens like benzene and carbon monoxide. It also contains particulate matter, polyaromatic hydrocarbons, and nitrogen oxides.

The International Agency for Research on Cancer has classified diesel exhaust as a group 1 carcinogen. Diesel exhaust may also cause respiratory illnesses like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or bronchiectasis. bnsf settlement published in Environmental Health Perspectives in 2006 related the employment of railroad workers to COPD rates.

When railroad cars and locomotives are running and idling they emit diesel exhaust. Idling engines emit gases, like sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxidants along with diesel fumes.

Diesel exhaust fumes are usually similar to those in locomotive cabs in which conductors and engineers are seated for up to six hours each day. When employees enter or exit the cabins, the engine and equipment produce more diesel exhaust fumes which can lead to lung and cancer of the railway.

In roundhouses with poor ventilation, shops and workshops, railroad mechanics face a high level of exposure to diesel exhaust. They work in enclosed areas with locomotives, track equipment and asbestos-insulated steam boilers.

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