Benzene, Butadiene, and Other Carcinogens on the Railroad
Many railroad workers are exposed to benzene and other carcinogens. If you've developed a severe illness like leukemia, you may be entitled to compensation.
Leukemias can occur in the bone marrow or lymphatic tissues. CLL (chronic lymphocytic Leukemia) is one of the four major types of adult leukemia.
Benzene
Benzene is a gas that can be breathed in, or absorbed through the skin. It is a by-product of oil which is used to create plastics, nylons, and synthetic fibers. It is also used as a component in dyes and lubricants. It is a carcinogen which causes leukemia, acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) myelodysplastic syndromes and lymphomas.
Railroad workers are exposed benzene from the use of 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 greater risk of developing chronic lymphocytic leukemia because of this exposure.
A number of epidemiologic studies have found an increased leukemia risk with increasing exposure to benzene. A recent meta-analysis of 22 studies provided summary estimates of the effect of exposure to benzene as well as the risk of AML and Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL) and Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL).
The meta-analysis reveals that exposure to benzene during work increases the chance of developing these leukemias. However the results for AML and CLL were less than those for ALL. This could be due to the lower reporting rate for these subgroups but also due to the absence of dose-response with increasing exposures. The meta-analysis did not find any evidence of bias in publication.
Multiple myeloma settlements , a fibrous mineral, has been used to create a variety of industrial products. Its resistance to fire, heat and corrosion made it a preferred choice for railroad locomotives and other equipment. However, asbestos poses a health risk when workers handle it. When exposed to the material asbestos fibers, they be broken down into tiny particles that are then airborne. Inhaled, they can lodge in the lung. These can cause a number of serious diseases, including mesothelioma.
Asbestos fibers could cause irritation to the lung lining when they enter the lung. This irritation can result in an accumulation of collagen that hardens over time, forming pleural plaques. This condition can lead to chest pain and trouble breathing.
Fibrosis is yet another form of lung damage that can be caused by asbestos exposure. This scar tissue can interfere in the ability to breathe. If not treated this condition could be fatal.
If you are a railroad employee who was diagnosed with an asbestos-related condition or condition, you should seek out a FELA attorney right away. A mesothelioma lawyer can help you file a claim for compensation. To be successful, you must prove that your exposure to a toxic substance on the job caused your condition. FELA lawyers often work with industrial safety experts, also known as industrial hygienists. They examine the materials in the railroad workplace and determine if the company adhered to proper occupational safety practices.
Diesel Exhaust
Diesel exhaust is just one of the numerous carcinogenic fumes and substances that railroad workers are exposed to on a daily basis. Excessive exposure to diesel exhaust has been linked to mesothelioma and lung cancer and other serious occupational illnesses among railroad workers. Inhaling the engine exhaust and particulates could cause long-term health problems that may be difficult to treat.
Locomotives are powered by diesel fuel and the cab for locomotives is a confined space with a limited amount of ventilation. Railroad workers are exposed to diesel exhaust by breathing it in the cab, and by pulling it back onto themselves and their clothes when they leave the cab. railroad injury settlement amounts can also be a problem for railroad workers who work in shops or yards because they are close to locomotives.
Multiple myeloma settlements is believed to contain carcinogenic and mutational compounds that can be absorbed into the bloodstream. Multiple myeloma settlements can cause harm to the respiratory system and blood, as well as the bone marrow. In a research study that analyzed hundreds of workers repeatedly exposed to diesel exhaust, researchers discovered that those who had the longest exposure time had the highest risk of developing lung cancer.
Lung cancer mortality was significantly higher in railroad workers exposed to diesel exhaust, despite taking into account smoking-related mortality 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.