Benzene, Butadiene, and Other Carcinogens on the Railroad
Many railroad workers are exposed to carcinogens such as benzene, and other compounds. You could be entitled to compensation in the event that you develop an illness that is serious, such as leukemia.
Leukemias originate in blood-forming tissues like bone marrow, and lymphatic tissue. Chronic lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) is one of the four major types of leukemia in adults.
Benzene
Inhaling Benzene is possible, or absorbed by the skin. It is a contaminant of oil that is used to create plastics, nylons, and synthetic fibers. It is also used in lubricants dyes paints, detergents pesticides, and other drugs. It is a known cancerous substance that causes leukemia as well as other cancers like acute myelogenous lymphoma (AML), myelodysplastic disorders and lymphomas.
Railroad workers are exposed to benzene by using mineral spirits, solvents, and degreasers. They are also often exposed to exhaust fumes and diesel fuel when working on freight cars, locomotives and other rail equipment. Railroad workers are at a higher chance of developing chronic lymphocytic cancer due to the exposure.
Numerous epidemiologic studies have shown that exposure to benzene increases the risk of leukemia. A meta-analysis of 22 studies gave summary estimates of the impact of benzene on AML and Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia(ALL) and Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia(CLL).
The results from the meta-analysis suggest that exposure to occupational benzene significantly increases the risk of these leukemias. However, the results for AML and CLL were less than those for ALL. This may be due to a lower frequency of reporting for these subgroups, in addition to a lack of dose-response responses with increasing exposures. The meta-analysis could not find any evidence of bias in the publication.
Asbestos
Asbestos is an amorphous mineral which has been used in a multitude of industrial products. railroad injury settlement amounts to fire, heat and corrosion made it a popular choice for railroad locomotives and other equipment. However, asbestos also poses the risk of health hazards when workers handle it. When asbestos fibers are exposed, they break down into microscopic strands that turn into airborne. They are then inhaled and can lodge deep in the lungs of an individual. They can trigger a variety of serious illnesses, including mesothelioma.
When asbestos fibers enter the lungs of a person they may cause irritation to the lining of the lungs. This irritation could lead to the formation of collagen which gets harder over time, and forms pleural plaques. This condition can lead to chest pain and breathing problems.
Fibrosis is yet another form of lung damage that could be caused by asbestos exposure. This scar tissue interferes with breathing. If not treated this condition could be fatal.
If union pacific settlements are a railroad employee who was diagnosed with an asbestos-related condition and you are concerned about it, seek out an FELA attorney right away. A knowledgeable mesothelioma lawyer can help you file an application for compensation. In order to win a compensation claim, you will need to prove that exposure to toxic substances while working resulted in your illness. FELA lawyers often work with industrial safety experts, also known as industrial hygienists. They review the materials in the railroad workplace and determine if the company adhered to proper occupational safety practices.
Multiple myeloma settlements encounter carcinogenic substances and fumes on the job, including diesel exhaust. The frequent exposure to diesel exhaust has been associated with lung cancer and other serious occupational diseases that affect railroad workers, including mesothelioma and pulmonary fibrisis. Inhaling the exhaust of engines and particulates could lead to long-term health issues that are difficult to treat.
Locomotives run on diesel fuel and the cab for locomotives is a confined space with a limited amount of ventilation. Diesel exhaust can be inhaled by railroad workers, and it could be dragged back on them and their clothing after they leave the cab. Diesel exhaust can also be an issue for railroad employees who work in shops or yards because they are in close proximity to locomotives.
Diesel exhaust is known to be a source of carcinogenic and mutagenic substances that can be absorbed into bloodstream. These chemicals can cause damage to the respiratory system and blood and bone marrow. In a study that tracked dozens of workers who were regularly exposed to diesel exhaust, scientists discovered that those who had the longest exposure were at risk for the most lung cancer.
Lung cancer mortality was significantly higher among railroad workers exposed to diesel exhaust, despite controlling for smoking-related death rates and other factors. The Lyon Firm is investigating claims from railroad workers who claim to have been exposed to diesel exhaust and other industrial toxic substances.