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15 Things You Don't Know About Railroad Settlement Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
Railroad Settlements and Asbestos

In 1862, Congress passed the Pacific Railroad Act which helped fund two transcontinental railroads by the granting of large amounts of lands for rights-of-way. Railroad workers who contract cancer because of exposure to their workplaces are able to sue their employers under the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA).

A jury in Illinois has awarded $7.5 million to an ex- Union Pacific Trackman who died of acute myeloid Leukemia. He blamed his blood-cancer on exposure to creosote, the chemical benzene, and other chemicals used to protect wooden railroad ties.

Creosote

Coal tar Creosote, a wood preserver, is used to protect railroad tie from heat, sun and cold, rain, and snow. Workers are exposed to toxic solvents and chemicals, including benzene, during the application of coal tar creosote. Benzene is a well-known carcinogen, and can cause myelodysplastic syndrome, leukemia and non-Hodgkin's lupus as well other serious side consequences like convulsions changes to your heartbeat, liver damage, anemia, bone marrow damage and cancer of the lungs and skin.

Our lawyers have been successful in prosecuting numerous lawsuits against Union Pacific Railroad for exposure to coal-tar creosote. One of these cases landed a $7,500,000 verdict. The plaintiff was a track department employee who contracted acute myeloidleukemia as a result of exposure to the chemical compound that is toxic on his job over 31 years. The jury found that the railroad did not provide any personal protective equipment, and frequently exposed him diverse range of harmful chemicals such as coal-tar creosote, coal distillates, carbolineum and naphtha and other cleaning solvents.

Another argument was the use of copper naphthalenate a replacement for creosote made from coal. Although it is less harmful to the environment than creosote, is extremely hazardous. Copper naphthenate is a carcinogen and can cause nerve, skin and lung damage to the lung, skin and nerves. It also contaminates the soil and groundwater with benzene.

Benzene

A colorless, liquid petroleum hydrocarbon, benzene is a component in the manufacture of plastics, resins nylon and synthetic fibers. It is also used in diesel fuels and exhaust. Virtually all railroad workers are exposed to diesel fumes regularly on a basis. Benzene is a known carcinogen that has been linked to leukemia and myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS).

There is no safe exposure to benzene. It can be inhaled or absorbed through the surface of the skin. Long-term exposure could damage the blood and cause health problems, including menstrual irregularities, anemia and fertility issues. Benzene has also been linked to certain types of cancers including lung and breast cancer.

The benzene compound can be inhaled orally however it is most dangerous when inhaled. Inhaling benzene may cause headaches, dizziness nose bleeds, dizziness and loss of consciousness. It can also affect your immune system and trigger infections.

Recent reports have highlighted the elevated levels benzene near two Chicago train station. Commuters railway workers, commuters and city residents were exposed to the high levels of pollution. Schools halted classes and cities demanded residents to take shelter. Railroad workers, such as car department employees and locomotive mechanics, electricians and pipefitters work with products that contain benzene such as Safety-Kleen part washers and CRC Brakleen as well as paints, thinners and other products. Benzene is also used in printing solvents.

Asbestos

At first asbestos was employed in the railroad industry. Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma lawsuit settlement comprises six naturally occurring fibrous silicate minerals that were highly sought-after in construction due to their fire retardant resistant, fire-retardant, corrosion resistant and insulate properties. Inhaling these fibers could cause serious health issues like lung cancer and asbestosis. The symptoms of these diseases can take anywhere from 15 to 30 years to manifest.

The EPA has been able to ban asbestos mining and processing in the United States however, it is still present in many products. This includes certain kinds of floor felt, paper and fake fire embers. But, if these items are exposed to water or heat, they may release toxic asbestos fibers. These fibers may also get into the air when buildings are destroyed or when homes are renovated.

A recent study showed that even a five-year exposure to benzene can significantly increase a person's risk for developing acute myeloid leukemia (AML). If you're experiencing symptoms such as night sweats, unprovoked weight loss, and a lack of appetite or loss of appetite see your doctor immediately. They can do a blood test to detect AML.

The EPA recently resolved a case against Genesee & Wyoming Railroad Services Inc. (GWRSI). GWRSI utilizes locomotives that run 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 comply with EPA emission standards.


Diesel Exhaust

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

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.

Rail cars and locomotives emit diesel exhaust when they run and are idling in depots, roundhouses, yards and shops. Idling engines emit gases, like sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides in addition to diesel fumes.

The smell of diesel exhaust is frequently evident in the cabs of locomotives, where conductors and engineers are seated for up to six hours at one time. When people enter or leave the cabs, the engine and equipment release more exhaust fumes from diesel engines, creating a hazard for railway cancer and pulmonary problems.

Furthermore railroad mechanics are exposed to diesel exhaust in roundhouses that are not ventilated and shops. They work in enclosed spaces equipped with track equipment, locomotives and asbestos-insulated steam boilers.

Here's my website: https://www.cardea.icu/five-people-you-need-to-know-in-the-railroad-settlement-leukemia-industry/