5 Laws Anybody Working In Cancer Lawsuits Should Know
Railroad Cancer
Railroads burn millions of gallons of diesel fuel in order to run freight trains over long distances. The highly toxic diesel exhaust contains carcinogens such as arsenic, dioxin and benzene.
If you are an ex- or current railroad worker who has been diagnosed with cancer, you may be eligible for compensation under the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA). Our Houston railroad cancer lawyers will assist you get fair financial compensation for your suffering.
Benzene
Benzene, an industrial solvent, can be found in diesel fuel exhaust. Many railroad workers, including conductors, engineers, machinists and electricians, work in areas where they are exposed to diesel fumes.
One exposure to benzene could cause cancer in some people. Particularly, it is known to cause acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The cancer starts in the bone marrow and it spreads to the blood. It is more prevalent in men than it is in women , and can be fatal if left untreated.
The immune system is susceptible to damage from benzene, which is why it is a threat. This can cause various health issues such as infections and a decreased capacity to fight off germs. Benzene can also weaken bones and increase the risk of arthritis.
Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is a more serious consequence of benzene. This type of cancer starts in the bone marrow and expands into the blood. It can be a threat to the spleen, or other parts of your body.
A 2015 study found that even low levels of benzene can raise the risk of leukemia by one-third. Researchers looked at the medical documents of 25000 Norwegian oil-rig workers who been on the job for more than 20 days.
Benzene is still utilized in a wide variety of industrial and commercial operations despite the risks of exposure to it. There are, however, ways to reduce exposure to benzene and prevent poisoning.
One way to do this is to wear appropriate clothes and eyewear that is protected. This will prevent benzene from getting in the nose and eyes. Also, you should wear a respirator whenever you can.
If you suspect that you've been exposed to benzene, you must immediately call your doctor. This will allow you to detect any signs and decrease the chance of dying from poisoning caused by benzene.
Alongside a myriad of different cancer types, benzene can also affect the brain. It can cause loss of memory and confusion. This condition can cause an impairment in the quality of life, making it difficult to function at work or at home.
Asbestos
Asbestos is an extremely toxic mineral that has been found to cause serious diseases including lung cancer as well as mesothelioma. It is found in a variety materials that are used in construction, such as pipe insulation and floor tiles.
As the result asbestos exposure is among of the greatest health risks to those who work in the railroad industry. Railroad workers are exposed to asbestos in a variety ways. Here are a few of the most frequent:
One exposure to asbestos may cause mesothelioma, among other cancers that can be life-threatening. The cancers, which form in the lungs or the membrane that covers the lungs as well as the abdominal cavity (the mesothelium) usually cause death.
Most people who have been exposed to asbestos fibers don't be affected by any of the health issues associated with this substance. The majority of asbestos fibers are eliminated through coughing or as mucus. This helps protect the lung. However there are certain types of asbestos fibers that will cling to your lung tissue and stay there for years or even decades.
The effects of this condition differ from person to person but it can result in shortness of breath or chest pain, difficulty breathing, or a tight feeling in the chest. Other symptoms include difficulty swallowing and weight loss.
Children who have been exposed to asbestos are at a greater chance of developing mesothelioma or another type of cancer as they are more likely to inhale asbestos-related fibers through their mouths and noses. The reason for this is that their lungs are still developing.
They breathe in more asbestos fibers because they breathe at a higher speed and have a larger surface area to volume ratio than adults.
Since they are more prone to inhaling the dangerous fibers, young children are at a high risk of developing mesothelioma, especially if they've been in close contact with railroad vehicles. If they have a relative who is suffering from mesothelioma are at greater chance of developing the disease.
Creosote
Creosote was developed in the 19th century to shield wood from damage caused by insects and rot. Railroad companies were able to save money by reducing the expense of replacing wood. Today, creosote is still used to treat wood products. It is also used to protect log homes and marine pilings.
It is a toxic substance and has been linked to numerous cancers. These include lung, esophageal and larynx cancers.
Workers in the asphalt, wood preservation, and coke-production industries are at particular risk. Chimney sweeps and those who work physically like rail track maintenance and construction could also be exposed to creosote.
Creosote exposure can cause skin irritation, eyelid spasms and convulsions as along with chemical burns chemical burns, convulsions and even unconsciousness. It can also affect the lungs and cause respiratory problems over time, similar to smoking.
Creosote, a substance derived from coal tar, may be absorbed through skin. It can also enter the body through contaminated food and water.
Railroad workers are exposed to the toxins of creosote when they work near hazardous waste sites. These sites typically contain huge amounts of creosote. It can infect water, soil and even air.
Rail workers can also be exposed to the poison if they work in the wood treatment industry. Many wood products, like fences and lumber are treated with creosote.
Those who work in these fields are typically not equipped with safety equipment, which can expose them to creosote , as well as other toxins. Railroad Cancer Settlements can cause serious health issues like chronic fatigue syndrome and cancer.
Creosote, an oily liquid that has a bitter, burning taste, is amber-black in color. It is not buoyant in water and has specific gravity of 1.037 to 1.087. It is a mix of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and phenolic compounds as well other chemicals. While coal is the most well-known form, various forms of creosote are also available.
Diesel Exhaust
Diesel exhaust is a by-product of combustion of fuel that is released into the air when you operate vehicles with diesel engines. Diesel exhaust can also be released by diesel locomotives as well as construction equipment, farm equipment generators, as well as other industrial equipment.
Diesel exhaust workers could be at greater risk of developing cancer. This is due to the fact that they are typically exposed to more of this substance than people who work in other industries.
Exposure to diesel exhaust for a long time can cause lung cancer in laboratory animals, such as rats. Diesel exhaust can trigger DNA modifications in cells, making them more prone to cancerous growth.
Studies on the effects of diesel exhaust on humans have also shown that exposure to heavy amounts can lead to many health problems such as respiratory diseases like chronic bronchitis, emphysema and blood system diseases , such as cancers of the bladder and larynx (voice box) and stomach, esophagus and the pancreas. Certain cancers of the prostate, stomach, and breast have been linked to diesel exhaust.
Diesel exhaust is considered carcinogens according to the American Cancer Society. It is classified as carcinogenic by the International Agency for Research on Cancer that is part of the World Health Organization.
People who work with large machines and engines, such as truck drivers and toll booth operators, could be at a high risk of developing cancer because of exposure to diesel exhaust. They may be at risk too for cancer if they spend a significant amount of time in areas that see a lot of diesel traffic (e.g. cities or highways).
Railroad workers who maintain and build tracks and yards may be exposed to diesel fumes if they work near diesel engines or other machines. These fumes are particularly dangerous when they get into the cabins of locomotives or other machinery.
A study conducted on laboratory animals showed that long-term exposure to diesel exhaust resulted in numerous lung tumors and inflammation changes. Certain of these tumors appeared like a particular type of cancer known as a lung adenocarcinoma. It occurs when the cells of the lungs become malignant and multiply rapidly.