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Ten Myths About Railroad Settlement Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia That Aren't Always True
Railroad Settlements and Asbestos

In 1862, Congress passed the Pacific Railroad Act which provided funding for two transcontinental railroad companies through giving large grants of land for rights-of-way. Railroad workers who contract cancer due to exposure in the workplace may sue their employers under the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA).


A jury in Illinois gave $7.5 million to a former Union Pacific Trackman who died of acute myeloid Leukemia. He blamed his blood-cancers on exposure to creosote compounds like benzene and others used to protect wooden railroad ties.

Creosote

Coal tar creosote, a wood preserver, can be used to protect railroad tie from heat, sun and cold, rain, and snow. During the process of applying coal tar creosote, workers are exposed to a range of toxic chemicals and solvents like benzene. Benzene is a well-known carcinogen causes leukemia and non-Hodgkin lymphoma, as well in other serious side effects such as heartbeat and convulsions, liver damage, anemia, and cancers of the lungs and the body.

Our attorneys have successfully prosecuted several lawsuits against Union Pacific Railroad involving coal-tar creosote exposure. One of these cases landed an award of $7,500,000. The plaintiff was a track staffer who developed acute myeloid leukemia as a result of exposure to the chemical compound that is toxic on his job over 31 years. The jury concluded that the railroad did not provide him with personal protective gear and exposed him to a variety of toxic chemicals including coal-tar-tar creosote and coal distillates.

Another theory was the use of copper naphthalenate an alternative to creosote from coal tar. Copper naphthenate, while less harmful to the environment than creosote, is extremely dangerous. Copper naphthenate is known to cause lung, skin and nerve damage to the skin and nerves. It also contaminates the groundwater and soil with benzene.

Benzene

A colorless liquid petroleum hydrocarbon, benzene is a component in the manufacture of plastics, resins nylon, synthetic fibers and other. It is also found in diesel fuel and exhaust. Most railroad workers are exposed to diesel fumes on a daily basis. Benzene is a well-known carcinogen that has been linked to leukemia as well as myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS).

There is no safe level of exposure to benzene. It can be taken in through the skin and inhaled. Long-term exposure to benzene may cause blood damage, leading to irregular menstrual flow, anemia and fertility issues. It has also been linked to certain types of cancers, including breast and lung cancer.

Inhaling benzene can be the most hazardous. Inhaling benzene can cause headaches, dizziness, or nosebleeds. Benzene can also affect the immune system and cause infections.

A recent report highlighted elevated levels of benzene in the air around two Chicago train stations. Commuters railway workers, commuters and city residents were exposed to excessive levels of pollution. Schools shut down classes and cities asked residents to shelter in place. Railroad workers, for instance car department employees as well as locomotive mechanics, electricians and pipefitters work with products containing benzene, such as Safety-Kleen part washers, CRC Brakleen as well as paints thinners, paints and other items. Benzene can also be found in printing solvents.

Asbestos

In the beginning, asbestos was used in the railroad industry. Asbestos is a class of six naturally occurring fibrous silicate minerals that were highly sought-after in construction due to their fire-retardant, fire-retardant, corrosion-resistant and insulate properties. Inhaling these particles can cause serious health issues including lung cancer and asbestosis. These diseases can last up to 30 years before symptoms appear.

The EPA has been able to ban the mining and processing of asbestos in this country, but it is still used in many of the products. This includes certain types of paper, floor felt, and fake fire embers. However, if these materials are exposed to heat or water they could release toxic asbestos fibers. They can also be released into the air when buildings are being demolished or when homes are being renovated.

A recent study showed that just five years of exposure to benzene significantly increases the chance of developing acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Contact your doctor if experience symptoms such as night sweats or unexplained weight loss. They can do a blood test to detect AML.

The EPA settled a recent case against Genesee & Wyoming Railroad Services Inc. GWRSI operates locomotives that emit nitrogen oxides and fine particulates (PM2.5) when they are running on diesel fuel. This EPA settlement requires that GWRSI replace any of its locomotives with newer models that meet EPA emissions standards.

Diesel Exhaust

As long as diesel fuel continues be used to power freight trains, railroad workers are exposed exhaust. Diesel exhaust is a poisonous mix of chemicals, including carcinogens such as benzene and carbon monoxide. It also includes particulate matter, polyaromatic hydrocarbons as well as nitrogen oxides.

In reality the International Agency for Research on Cancer classified diesel exhaust as a Class 1 carcinogen. Diesel exhaust may also cause respiratory ailments like chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD) or bronchiectasis. union pacific settlements published in Environmental Health Perspectives in 2006 connected the work of railroad workers to COPD rates.

Rail and locomotives emit diesel exhaust when they run and are idling in roundhouses, depots, yards and shops. The engines and machinery that are idling emit gases in addition to the diesel fumes. These include nitrogen oxides and sulfur dioxide.

The smell of diesel exhaust is frequently present in locomotive cabs, in which conductors and engineers can sit for up to six hours at a time. When workers enter and exit the cabs, the engine as well as equipment release more exhaust fumes from diesel engines, creating a hazard for lung and cancer of the railway.

In poorly ventilated roundhouses or workshops, railroad mechanics face a high level of exposure to diesel exhaust. They work in enclosed spaces equipped with track equipment, locomotives and asbestos-insulated steam boilers.

Website: https://www.dalecarver.uk/how-to-solve-issues-with-railroad-settlement-colon-cancer/