Benzene, Butadiene, and Other Carcinogens on the Railroad
Many railroad workers are exposed on the job to carcinogens such as benzene, and other compounds. You could be entitled to compensation in the event that you develop leukemia, a serious illness.
Leukemias can be found in lymphatic or bone marrow. CLL (chronic lymphocytic Leukemia) is one of the four major types of adult-specific leukemia.
Benzene
Benzene is a chemical that can be inhaled or absorbed through the skin. csx settlement is a contaminant of oil that is used to make nylons, plastics, and synthetic fibers. It is also used as a component in lubricants and dyes. It is a known carcinogen that can cause leukemia, acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) and myelodysplastic diseases and lymphomas.
Railroad workers are exposed to benzene through the use of mineral spirits, solvents and degreasers. When working on locomotives and freight cars, they are exposed to exhaust and diesel fumes. Railroad workers face a high risk of developing chronic lymphocytic leukemia due to this exposure.
Numerous epidemiologic studies have shown that exposure to benzene increases the risk of developing leukemia. A meta-analysis of 22 recent studies reveals summary estimates on the impact of benzene on AML and Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia(ALL) and Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia(CLL).
The results of the meta-analysis indicate that exposure to occupational benzene significantly increases the risk of developing these leukemias. However, the results for AML and CLL were weaker than for ALL. This could be due to the lower rate of reporting for these subgroups, but also due to the absence of dose-response with increasing exposures. The meta-analysis found no evidence of bias in publication.
Asbestos
Asbestos, a fibrous rock has been used to make thousands of industrial products. Its resistance against heat, fire and corrosion made it a perfect material for railroad locomotives and other machinery. Asbestos is a danger to workers who handle it. When exposed to asbestos asbestos fibers, they break down into microscopically thin pieces that then become airborne. Inhaling them, they may form a hole in the lung. These can lead to a variety of serious illnesses, such as mesothelioma.
When asbestos fibers enter the lungs of a patient 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 problem can cause chest discomfort and breathing problems.
Fibrosis is another type of lung damage that could be caused by asbestos exposure. This scar tissue can interfere with the ability to breath. If left untreated this condition can turn fatal.
If you are a railroad employee who was diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease then contact an FELA lawyer immediately. A mesothelioma lawyer with experience can help you file an action for compensation. In order to win a compensation claim, you will need to prove that exposure to toxic substances while working caused your condition. FELA attorneys often collaborate with industrial safety specialists called industrial hygienists. They review materials at the railroad workplace and determine if the railroad company adhered to the proper safety practices.
Diesel Exhaust
Diesel exhaust is among the numerous carcinogenic fumes and materials that railroad workers are exposed to on a regular basis. Diesel exhaust exposure has been linked to mesothelioma, lung cancer, and other serious occupational ailments among railroad workers. Inhaling the exhaust of engines and particulates can lead to chronic health issues that can be difficult to treat.
Locomotives run on diesel fuel and the cab of the locomotive is a closed space with a limited amount of ventilation. Railroad workers are exposed to diesel exhaust by breathing it into the cab, and then pulling it back onto themselves and their clothes when they leave the cab. Diesel exhaust can also be an issue for railroad workers who work in shops or yards as they are frequently in contact with locomotives.
Diesel exhaust is known to contain carcinogenic and mutagenic substances that can be absorbed into bloodstream. These chemicals can cause damage to the respiratory system as well as blood and bone marrow. Researchers discovered that people who had been exposed to diesel exhaust for a long period of time were at the highest risk of developing lung cancer.
Even after adjusting for smoking and other risk factors the mortality rate for lung cancer was significantly higher in railroad workers exposed to diesel emissions. The Lyon Firm is investigating claims from railroad workers who claim to have been ill from exposure to diesel exhaust and other industrial toxic substances.
