Benzene, Butadiene, and Other Carcinogens on the Railroad
Many railroad workers are exposed on the job to carcinogens like benzene and. If railroad injury settlement amounts developed a serious illness like leukemia, you may be entitled to compensation.
Leukemias can be found in bone marrow or lymphatic tissues. Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is one of four main types of leukemia in adults.
Benzene
Inhaling Benzene is possible, or absorbed by the skin. It is a crude oil by-product utilized in the production of resins, plastics synthetic fibers and nylons. It is also used in dyes and lubricants. It is a well-known carcinogen that causes leukemia, acute myelogenous leukemia (AML), myelodysplastic syndromes and lymphomas.
Mineral spirits, solvents, and degreasers are employed by railroad workers to expose them to benzene. When working on locomotives or freight cars and other vehicles, they are exposed exhaust fumes from diesel engines and. Due to this exposure, railroad workers are at a higher chance of developing chronic leukemia.
A number of epidemiologic studies have found a significant increase in risk of leukemia with increasing exposure to benzene. A recent meta-analysis of 22 studies provided summary effect estimates for exposure to benzene and the risk of AML and Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL) and Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL).
The meta-analysis suggests that occupational exposure to benzene increases the risk of developing these leukemias. The results for AML, CLL and ALL were weaker. This could be due to the lower rate of reporting for these subgroups, but also to an absence of dose-response with increasing exposures. The meta-analysis did not reveal evidence of publication bias.
Asbestos
Asbestos, a fibrous rock is used to create a variety of industrial products. Its resistance to fire, heat and corrosion was a major reason for its use for railroad locomotives and other equipment. Asbestos can pose a threat to workers who handle it. When exposed to Multiple myeloma settlements , asbestos fibers can break down into microscopic pieces that then become airborne. They can then be breathed in and can lodge deep in a person's lungs. They can lead to a range of serious illnesses, such as mesothelioma.
If asbestos fibers infiltrate a person's lungs they can cause irritation to lining of the lungs. This irritation can cause a buildup of collagen that gets harder over time, and forms plaques in the pleura. This condition can cause chest pain and breathing problems.
Fibrosis is yet another form of lung damage that could be caused by asbestos exposure. The scar tissue interferes in the ability to breathe. If not treated this condition could be fatal.
If you are a railroad worker who was diagnosed with an asbestos-related illness and you are concerned about it, get in touch with an FELA attorney immediately. A mesothelioma lawyer can help you file for compensation. To be able to claim compensation you must prove that exposure to toxic substances on the job led to your illness. FELA lawyers often work with industrial safety experts known as industrial hygienists to review items in the workplace of railroads and determine if the railroad company followed the proper safety guidelines for employees.
Diesel Exhaust
Diesel exhaust is one of the many carcinogenic fumes and materials that railroad workers are exposed to on a regular basis. Frequent exposure to diesel exhaust has been linked to lung cancer and other serious occupational diseases that affect railroad workers, such as mesothelioma and pulmonary fibrisis. Inhaling the exhaust of engines and particulates may cause long-term health issues that are difficult to treat.
Diesel fuel is used in locomotives and the interior of a locomotive's cab is a small space with little ventilation. Diesel exhaust can be inhaled by railroad workers, and it could be dragged onto themselves and their clothing when they leave the cab. railroad injury settlement amounts is also an issue for railroad workers who work in yards or shops as they are frequently in contact with locomotives.
Diesel exhaust contains mutagenic and cancerous compounds that can enter the bloodstream. These chemicals can harm the bone marrow and blood and cause damage the respiratory tract. Researchers discovered that people who were exposed to diesel exhaust for the longest amount of time were at the highest risk of developing lung cancer.
Even after controlling for smoking and other causes the mortality rate for lung cancer was significantly higher among railroad workers exposed to diesel exhaust. The Lyon Firm is investigating claims from railroad workers who have been ill from exposure to diesel exhaust and other industrial toxic substances.