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You'll Never Be Able To Figure Out This Railroad Settlement Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia's Benefits
Railroad Settlements and Asbestos

In 1862, Congress passed The Pacific Railroad Act. This act allowed for the funding of two transcontinental railway companies through large grants for rights of way. Railroad workers who develop cancer as a result of workplace exposures can sue their employers under the Federal Employers' Liability Act (FELA).

An Illinois jury has handed down an $7.5 million verdict to an ex- Union Pacific trackman dying from acute myeloid leukemia. The judge blamed the blood-cancer on exposure to creosote benzene and other chemicals used to protect wooden railroad ties.

Creosote

Coal tar - the wood preserver used to protect railroad tie from heat, sun and cold, rain and snow. Workers are exposed solvents and chemicals, including benzene in the application of coal creosote tar. Benzene, a known carcinogen causes leukemia and non-Hodgkin lymphoma, as being associated with other serious issues like heartbeat changes, convulsions liver damage, anemia, and cancers of the lung and the body.

Our lawyers have successfully prosecuted several lawsuits against Union Pacific Railroad for exposure to coal-tar creosote. One of these cases culminated with the amount of $7.500,000 verdict. The plaintiff was a track staffer who was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia as a result of exposure to the toxic chemical compound on his job over 31 years. The jury determined that the railroad did not provide him with personal protective gear, and exposed him of toxic chemicals that included coal-tar tar creosote and coal tar distillates.

Another argument was the use of copper naphthalenate as an alternative to creosote from coal tar. Copper naphthenate, while less harmful to the environmental than creosote can still be very dangerous. Copper naphthenate is known to cause lung, skin and nerve damage. It also has the potential to contaminate groundwater and soil with benzene.

Benzene

Benzene is a colorless, liquid petroleum hydrocarbon, is used to manufacture plastics, resins and synthetic fibers. It is also used in diesel fuel and exhaust. Diesel fumes are commonly inhaled by nearly all railroad workers. Benzene is a known carcinogen, and has been linked to leukemia as well as myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS).

There is railroad cancer settlements to benzene. It can be inhaled or absorbed through the surface of the skin. Exposure to benzene for long periods of time can harm blood vessels, causing irregular menstrual flow, anemia and fertility issues. Benzene is also associated with certain types of cancers including breast and lung cancer.

Inhaling benzene can be the most hazardous. Inhaling benzene may cause dizziness, headaches or nosebleeds. It can also disrupt the immune system, which can lead to infections.

Recent reports have highlighted the elevated levels benzene near two Chicago train stations. Commuters as well as railroad workers and city residents were exposed to excessive levels of pollution. Schools halted classes, and cities urged residents to shelter in place. Railroad workers, including car department employees, locomotive machinists pipefitters and electricians regularly employ benzene-containing goods like Safety-Kleen parts washers and CRC Brakleen as well as thinners and paints. It is also found in printing solvents.

Asbestos

The use of asbestos in the railroad industry started early. Asbestos comprises six naturally occurring fibrous silicate minerals which were once very popular in construction for their fire retardant resistant, fire-retardant, corrosion resistant and insulate properties. Inhaling these microscopic fibers can cause serious health issues such as lung cancer, asbestosis and mesothelioma. The signs of these health conditions can take anywhere from 15 to 30 years to manifest.

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

A recent study has found that just five years of exposure to benzene can significantly increase the chance of developing acute myeloid leukemia (AML). If you're experiencing symptoms like night sweats, a mysterious weight loss, or a decrease in appetite or loss of appetite visit your doctor right away. They may perform a blood test to check for AML.

The EPA recently concluded a settlement with Genesee & Wyoming Railroad Services Inc. (GWRSI). GWRSI employs locomotives that operate on diesel fuel and emit nitrogen oxides (NOx) and fine particulate matter (PM2.5). This EPA settlement requires that GWRSI replace any of its locomotives with more modern models that comply with EPA emissions standards.

Diesel Exhaust


As long as diesel fuel is used to power railroads, workers will continue to be exposed exhaust. Diesel exhaust is a mixture of toxic chemicals that includes carcinogens such as benzene, carbon monoxide and formaldehyde. It also contains oxides of nitrogen particulate matter, polyaromatic hydrocarbons.

The International Agency for Research on Cancer has classified diesel exhaust as a Group 1 carcinogen. Furthermore, diesel exhaust is a cause of respiratory illnesses in the form of bronchiopulmonary diseases like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and bronchiectasis. A 2006 study published in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives linked railroad worker's work and COPD rates.

When railcars and locomotives are in motion and idle, they emit diesel exhaust. When engines are running, they release gases such as sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides as well as 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 per day. When workers enter and exit the cabs, the engine as well as equipment emit more diesel exhaust fumes which can lead to lung and cancer of the railway.

In roundhouses with poor ventilation as well as workshops and shops railroad mechanics face the risk of being exposed to diesel exhaust. They are exposed to running locomotives and track equipment in closed spaces that are often contaminated with inhalants, like asbestos-insulated steam boilers and steam pipes and silica sand.

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