Benzene, Butadiene, and Other Carcinogens on the Railroad
Many railroad workers are exposed to benzene butadiene and other carcinogens while on the job. If you developed a serious illness like leukemia, you could be eligible for compensation.
Leukemias can develop in bone marrow or lymphatic tissues. CLL (chronic lymphocytic Leukemia) is one of four major forms of adult leukemia.
Benzene
Benzene is a gas that can be breathed in, or absorbed through the skin. It is a crude oil by-product used in the manufacture of resins, plastics nylons, and synthetic fibers. It is also used as a constituent in dyes and lubricants. It is a carcinogen that can cause leukemia, acute myelogenous leukemia (AML), myelodysplastic syndromes and lymphomas.
Mineral spirits, solvents, and degreasers can be used by railroad workers to expose them to benzene. They are also frequently exposed to diesel fuel and exhaust fumes when working on freight cars, locomotives and other rail equipment. Railroad workers face a high risk of developing chronic lymphocytic Leukemia due to this exposure.
A number of epidemiologic studies have shown a significant increase in risk of leukemia with the increase in exposure to benzene. A meta-analysis of 22 recent studies gave summary estimates on the impact of benzene on AML, Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia(ALL) and Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia(CLL).
The meta-analysis reveals that occupational exposure to benzene increases the risk of developing these leukemias. However, the results for AML and CLL were weaker than for ALL. This could be due to a lower frequency of reporting for the two subgroups, and also due to the absence of dose-response interactions that increase exposure. The meta-analysis didn't find any evidence of bias in publication.
Asbestos
Asbestos, a fibrous rock, has been utilized to make a myriad of industrial products. Its resistance against heat, fire and corrosion makes it a perfect material for railroad locomotives and other equipment. However, asbestos is danger to health when workers handle it. When exposed to the material asbestos fibers, they can be broken down into tiny strands that become airborne. Inhaling them, they can form a swarm in the lungs. These can cause a number of serious diseases, including mesothelioma.
When asbestos fibers enter the lungs of a patient they can cause irritation to the lining of the lungs. This irritation can lead to a buildup in collagen, which hardens with time and creates pleural plaques. This condition can lead to chest pain and trouble breathing.
Fibrosis is a different type of lung damage that can be caused by asbestos exposure. This scar tissue can interfere with the ability to breath. This condition can be fatal if left untreated.
If you are a railroad worker who was diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease, seek out an FELA attorney immediately. A mesothelioma attorney can help you file for compensation. To be successful in a compensation claim you will need to prove that exposure to toxic substances at work caused your condition. FELA lawyers often work with industrial safety experts referred to as industrial hygienists. They review the items in the workplace of railroads and determine if the railroad company followed proper safety guidelines for employees.
railroad injury settlements is among the many carcinogenic fumes, as well as materials that railroad workers are exposed to on a regular basis. Frequent exposure to diesel exhaust has been associated with lung cancer and other serious occupational illnesses in railroad workers, such as mesothelioma, pulmonary fibrosis and others. Inhaling particulates and engine exhaust could cause long-term health issues that are difficult to treat.
Diesel fuel is used in locomotives, and the cabin of a locomotive is a small space with little ventilation. Railroad workers may be exposed to diesel exhaust by breathing it into the cab, and by dragging it back on them and their clothes after they leave the cab. Diesel exhaust can also be a problem for railroad workers who work in shops or yards as they are typically in close proximity to locomotives.
Diesel exhaust is known to contain mutagenic and carcinogenic compounds that can be absorbed into the bloodstream. These chemicals can cause harm to the respiratory system and blood, as well as the bone marrow. In a study that tracked many workers who were regularly exposed to diesel exhaust, scientists found that those with the longest exposure were at the highest risk for lung cancer.
Even after adjusting for smoking and other risk factors, lung cancer mortality was significantly higher in railroad workers exposed to diesel exhaust. The Lyon Firm is investigating claims from railroad workers who have been sickened by exposure to diesel exhaust and other industrial toxic substances.