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Benzene, Butadiene, and Other Carcinogens on the Railroad
Many railroad workers are exposed to benzene butadiene, and other carcinogens on the job. If you have developed a serious illness, such as leukemia for instance, you could be eligible for compensation.
Leukemias develop in blood-forming tissues like bone marrow or lymphatic tissue. Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is one of four major types of leukemia in adults.
Benzene
It is a chemical that can be absorbed through inhalation or through the skin. It is a contaminant of oil that is used to create nylons, plastics and synthetic fibers. It is also used in lubricants and dyes. It is a well-known cancerous substance that causes leukemia as well as other cancers, including acute myelogenous lymphoma (AML) and myelodysplastic diseases, and lymphomas.
Railroad workers are exposed to benzene from the use of mineral spirits, solvents and degreasers. They are also often exposed to exhaust fumes and diesel fuel when working on locomotives, freight cars and other rail equipment. Railroad workers are at a greater chance of developing chronic lymphocytic Leukemia due to the exposure.
Numerous epidemiologic studies have shown that exposure to benzene raises the risk of developing leukemia. A meta-analysis of 22 studies gave summary estimates on the impact of benzene on AML and Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia(ALL) and Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia(CLL).
The meta-analysis indicates that exposure to benzene in the workplace increases the chance of developing these leukemias. Pancreatic cancer settlement for AML, CLL and ALL were less convincing. This could be due to a lower percentage of reporting for these subgroups, in addition to a lack of dose-response responses with increasing exposures. The meta-analysis did not find any evidence of bias in publication.
Asbestos
Asbestos, a fibrous rock that has been used to create thousands of industrial products. Its resistance against heat, fire and corrosion made it a perfect material for railroad locomotives and other machines. However, asbestos poses an health risk for those who work with it. When asbestos fibers are exposed, they break down into tiny strands that can then are then airborne. They are then inhaled and can get trapped deep within the lungs of a person. They can cause a variety of serious illnesses, including mesothelioma.
If asbestos fibers infiltrate a person's lungs they may cause irritation to the lining of the lungs. This irritation can lead to an accumulation of collagen that becomes harder over time, creating pleural plaques. This condition can lead to chest discomfort and breathing problems.
Fibrosis is another type of lung damage that could be caused by asbestos exposure. This scar tissue interferes with the ability to breath. This condition could be fatal if untreated.
If you are a railroad worker who was diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease and you are concerned about it, get in touch with an FELA attorney right away. An attorney for mesothelioma can help you file for compensation. To be successful, you must prove that your exposure to a toxic substance on the job led to the development of your disease. FELA attorneys often collaborate with industrial safety experts, also known as industrial hygienists in order to examine the materials used at the railroad workplace and determine if the railroad company adhered to proper occupational safety procedures.
Diesel Exhaust
Railroad workers often encounter carcinogenic substances and fumes while on the job, such as diesel exhaust. The frequent exposure to diesel exhaust has been linked to lung cancer, as well as other serious occupational diseases among railroad workers, including mesothelioma, pulmonary fibrosis and others. Inhaling the exhaust of engines and particulates may cause long-term health issues that are difficult to treat.
Locomotives run on diesel fuel and the cab of the locomotive is a cramped space with limited ventilation. Railroad workers may be exposed to diesel exhaust by breathing it in the cab, and then dragging it back on their clothing and on themselves after they leave the cab. Diesel exhaust can also be an issue for railroad workers who work in shops or yards as they are frequently near to locomotives.
Diesel exhaust is known to contain carcinogenic and mutagenic compounds that can be absorbed into the bloodstream. These chemicals can cause harm to the respiratory system as well as blood, as well as the bone marrow. Researchers found that workers who were exposed to diesel exhaust for a long period of time were at the highest risk of developing lung cancer.
Even after controlling for smoking and other factors lung cancer mortality was significantly higher among railroad workers exposed to diesel emissions. The Lyon Firm is investigating claims from railroad workers who claim to have been exposed to diesel exhaust and other industrial toxic substances.
