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The Story Behind Railroad Settlement Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Can Haunt You Forever!
Railroad Settlements and Asbestos

In 1862, Congress passed the Pacific Railroad Act which provided funding for two transcontinental railroad companies by providing large grants of lands for rights-of-way. Railroad workers who contract cancer because of 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 an ex- Union Pacific Trackman who died of acute myeloid lymphoma. The man blamed his blood cancer on exposure to creosote as well as other chemicals used to protect wooden railroad ties.

Creosote

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

Our lawyers have successfully defended several lawsuits against Union Pacific Railroad involving coal-tar creosote exposure. One of these cases was settled with a $7,500,000 verdict. The plaintiff was a track department worker who developed acute myeloid leukemia as a result of exposure to the toxic chemical compound during his work for 31 years. The jury concluded that the railroad did not provide any personal protection equipment and regularly exposed him wide variety of toxic chemicals, including coal-tar creosote, coal distillates, carbolineum and naphtha and other cleaning solvents.

railroad injury settlement amounts involved the use of copper naphthenate alternative to coal tar creosote. While copper naphthenate isn't as harmful to the environment than creosote, it could nevertheless be extremely dangerous. Copper naphthenate is a cancer-causing agent and can cause skin, nerve and lung damage. It can also contaminate the soil and groundwater with benzene.

Benzene

A colorless liquid petroleum hydrocarbon benzene is used in the manufacturing of plastics, resins nylon and synthetic fibers. It is also present in diesel fuel and exhaust. Diesel fumes are commonly inhaled by virtually all railroad workers. Benzene, a known carcinogen is linked to leukemia and the myelodysplastic disorder (MDS).

There is no safe level of exposure to benzene. It can be breathed in or taken in through the surface of the skin. Long-term exposure to the benzene compound can damage the blood, causing irregular periods, anemia and fertility issues. It is also associated with certain types of cancers, including lung and breast cancer.

Benzene is a substance that can be consumed orally, but it is most dangersome when inhaled. Inhaling benzene may cause headaches, dizziness, or nosebleeds. The benzene fumes can also affect the immune system and trigger infections.

A recent report has highlighted the high levels of benzene found in the air around two Chicago train stations. Commuters railroad workers as well as city residents were exposed to high levels of pollution. Schools were closed for classes and cities demanded residents to take shelter. Railroad workers, such as car department employees as well as locomotive mechanics, electricians and pipefitters utilize benzene containing products like Safety-Kleen part washers, CRC Brakleen as well as paints thinners, paints, and other products. Benzene can also be found in printing solvents.

Asbestos

The use of asbestos in the railroad industry was discovered early. Asbestos is made up of six silicate minerals that are naturally occurring with fibrous structure. They were once used in the construction industry due to their the ability to withstand corrosion, fire retardant, and insulate qualities. Inhaling these particles can lead to serious health issues such as lung cancer and asbestosis. These illnesses can last up to 30 years before symptoms show up.

railroad injury settlement amounts has stopped asbestos mining and processing in the United States However, asbestos is still found in a wide range of products. This includes certain types of flooring felt, paper and fake fire embers. However, if these materials are exposed to water or heat they could release harmful asbestos fibers. These fibers may also get into the air when buildings are being demolished or when homes are remodeled.


A recent study found that just five years of exposure to benzene significantly increases a person's risk for developing acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Talk to your doctor if you experience symptoms such as sleepiness, night sweats, or unprovoked weight loss. They may perform tests on your blood to test for AML.

The EPA reached a settlement in a recent case against Genesee & Wyoming Railroad Services Inc. railroad injury settlement amounts 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 current locomotives with new ones that meet EPA emission standards.

Diesel Exhaust

As long diesel fuel continues to be used to power freight train railroad workers are exposed exhaust. Diesel exhaust is a harmful mix of chemicals, including carcinogens like benzene and 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 a Group 1 carcinogen. Diesel exhaust is also a cause of respiratory diseases like chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD) or bronchiectasis. A 2006 study published in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives linked railroad worker's employment with COPD rates.

When locomotives and railcars are running and idle, they emit diesel exhaust. Engines that are idle emit gases, such as sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides as well as diesel fumes.

Diesel exhaust fumes are frequently similar to those in locomotive cabs in which conductors and engineers are seated for at least six hours a day. When people enter or leave the cabs, the engine and equipment release more diesel exhaust fumes which can lead to respiratory cancers and other issues.

In poorly ventilated roundhouses or workshops, railroad mechanics face the risk of being exposed to diesel exhaust. They are exposed to running locomotives and track equipment in enclosed areas that often produce harmful inhalants, including asbestos-insulated steam boilers and steam pipes and silica sand.

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