The Story Behind Railroad Settlement Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Can Haunt You Forever!

Railroad Settlements and Asbestos

In 1862, Congress passed The Pacific Railroad Act. The act aids in the financing of two transcontinental railway companies by providing large grants to rights-of-way. Railroad workers who develop cancers from exposure to their work environment may file lawsuits against their employers under the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA).

A jury in Illinois has awarded $7.5 million to an ex- Union Pacific Trackman who died of acute myeloid Leukemia. He blamed his blood cancer on extensive exposure to creosote in the workplace and benzene. These chemicals were used to preserve and waterproof wooden railroad ties.

Creosote

Coal tar is a wood preservative that is used to protect railroad ties from the sun, cold, heat and snow. Workers are exposed to toxic chemicals and solvents, including benzene during the application of coal creosote tar. Benzene is a well-known carcinogen causes leukemia and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, as as other serious effects like convulsions, heartbeat changes, liver damage, anemia and cancers of the lung and the body.

Our lawyers have successfully prosecuted multiple lawsuits against Union Pacific Railroad for exposure to coal-tar creosote. One of these cases resulted with a $7.500,000 verdict. The plaintiff was a track employee who was diagnosed with acute myeloid tumors because of exposure to harmful chemical compounds on working for over 31 years. The jury found that the railroad did not provide him with personal protective equipment and exposed him to a range of toxic chemicals such as coal-tar tar creosote as well as coal tar distillates.

Another theory was the use of copper naphthalenate as an alternative to creosote derived from coal. Copper naphthenate, while less harmful to the environment than creosote, can be extremely dangerous.  railroad settlement amounts  is known to cause lung, skin and nerve damage to nerves, skin and the lung. It can also contaminate the groundwater and soil with benzene.

Benzene

Benzene is a colorless petroleum hydrocarbon, is used to manufacture plastics, resins and synthetic fibers. It is also found in diesel fuels and exhaust. Diesel fumes are frequently inhaled by the majority of railroad workers. Benzene is a carcinogen that is well-known has been linked to leukemia and the myelodysplastic disorder (MDS).

There is no limit of exposure to benzene. It can be inhaled or absorption through the surface the skin. Long-term exposure can damage the blood and cause many different health issues, including menstrual cycle irregularities, anemia and fertility issues. The chemical benzene has been linked to certain types of cancers, including breast and lung cancer.

Benzene is a substance that can be consumed orally however it is most hazardous when inhaled. Inhaling benzene can cause dizziness, headaches or nosebleeds. The benzene compound can also impair the immune system, which can cause infections.

Recent reports have highlighted the high levels of benzene near two Chicago train station. Commuters and railroad workers were exposed to the pollutant levels, which prompted schools to close classes and cities to require residents to take shelter. Railroad workers, for instance car department employees and electricians, locomotive mechanics and pipefitters utilize products that contain benzene like Safety-Kleen part washers CRC Brakleen, as well as paints thinners, paints, and other products. Also, benzene is found in printing solvents.

Asbestos

The asbestos usage in the railroad industry started in the early years. Asbestos is comprised of six silicate minerals naturally occurring with a fibrous structure. They were used in the construction industry due to their fire retardant, corrosion resistant and insulate properties. Inhaling these particles can cause serious health problems such as lung cancer and asbestosis. These conditions can take up to 30 years before symptoms begin to manifest.

The EPA has banned asbestos mining and processing in the United States however, it can be found in a wide range of products. This includes some types of paper, flooring felt, and fake fireplace embers. However, when these materials are exposed to heat or water they can release toxic asbestos fibers. These fibers may also get into the air during demolition of buildings or when homes are renovated.

A recent study has found that even a five-year exposure to benzene can significantly increase the risk of developing acute myeloid leukemia (AML). If you're suffering from symptoms such as night sweats, unprovoked loss of weight and suppression or loss of appetite, visit your doctor right away. They can perform an examination of your blood to look for AML.

The EPA resolved a recent case against Genesee & Wyoming Railroad Services Inc. GWRSI operates locomotives which emit nitrogen oxides as well as fine particulates (PM2.5) when they operate on diesel fuel. This EPA settlement requires that GWRSI replace any of its locomotives with more modern models that conform to EPA emissions standards.

Diesel Exhaust

As long diesel fuel continues to be used to power freight train railroad workers are exposed exhaust. Diesel exhaust is a harmful mix of chemicals that includes carcinogens like benzene as well as carbon monoxide. It also includes particulate matter, polyaromatic hydrocarbons, and nitrogen oxides.

In reality, the International Agency for Research on Cancer classified diesel exhaust as a Group 1 carcinogen. Diesel exhaust may also cause respiratory illnesses such as chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD) or bronchiectasis. An article published in Environmental Health Perspectives in 2006 linked railroad worker employment to COPD rates.

Rail and locomotives emit diesel exhaust when they run and are idling in roundhouses, depots yards and shops. The idling engines and machinery emit gases in addition to the diesel fumes. These include sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides.

Diesel exhaust fumes are usually similar to those in locomotive cabs where conductors and engineers work up to six hours a day. The equipment and the engine emit more exhaust fumes from diesel engines when people enter or leave the cabs. This can cause pulmonary and cancerous issues.

In roundhouses with poor ventilation or workshops railroad mechanics have to contend with an extreme risk of exposure to diesel exhaust. They work in enclosed spaces that contain track equipment, locomotives and asbestos-insulated steam boilers.