This History Behind Railroad Settlement Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Is One That Will Haunt You Forever!

Railroad Settlements and Asbestos

In 1862, Congress passed the Pacific Railroad Act, which provided funding for two transcontinental railroads by providing large grants of lands for rights-of-way. Railroad workers who contract cancer due to workplace exposures may file lawsuits against their employers under the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA).

An Illinois jury has handed down an $7.5 million verdict to a former Union Pacific trackman dying from acute myeloid leukemia. The man blamed his blood cancer on massive exposure to creosote in the workplace and benzene. Both were used to protect and waterproof wooden railroad ties.

Creosote

Coal tar Creosote is the wood preserver used to shield railroad ties from heat, sun and cold, rain and snow. During the process of applying coal tar creosote workers are exposed to a variety of toxic chemicals and solvents like benzene.  bnsf settlement  is a well-known carcinogen, can cause leukemia and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, as being associated with other serious issues like heartbeat and convulsions, liver damage, anemia and cancers of the lung and body.

Our lawyers have successfully defended several lawsuits against Union Pacific Railroad for exposure to coal-tar creosote. One of these cases resulted with an $7.500,000 verdict. The plaintiff was a track department employee suffered from acute myeloid carcinoma as a result exposure to harmful chemical compounds on working for over 31 years. The jury found that the railroad failed to provide any personal protective equipment, and regularly exposed him to a large number of toxic chemicals like coal-tar creosote, coal distillates, naphtha, carbolineum and other cleaning solvents.

Another argument was the use of copper naphthalenate a replacement for coal tar creosote. Copper naphthenate, although less harmful to the environment than creosote, is very dangerous. Copper naphthenate can cause skin, lung and nerve damage to nerves, skin and the lung. It also contaminates soil and groundwater with benzene.

Benzene

A colorless, liquid petroleum hydrocarbon, benzene is used in the manufacturing of plastics, resins nylon and synthetic fibers. It is also found in diesel fuels and exhaust. Most railroad workers are exposed to diesel fumes regularly on a basis. Benzene is a known carcinogen has been linked to leukemia and the myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS).

There is no limit of exposure to benzene. It is taken in through the skin and inhaled. Long-term exposure to benzene may cause blood loss, which can lead to irregular periods, anemia and fertility issues. Benzene can also be linked to certain types of cancers, including breast and lung cancer.

Inhaling benzene inhalation is the most hazardous. Inhaling benzene could cause headaches, dizziness nose bleedings, and loss of consciousness. Benzene may also affect the immune system and trigger infections.

Recent reports have revealed the high levels of benzene at two Chicago train stations. Commuters railroad workers as well as city residents were exposed to the high levels of pollution. Schools shut down classes and cities asked residents to seek shelter. Railroad workers, such as car department employees, locomotive machinists pipefitters and electricians, frequently use benzene-containing products like Safety-Kleen parts washers, CRC Brakleen as well as thinners and paints. The chemical is also used in printing solvents.

Asbestos

The use of asbestos in the railroad industry began in the early days. Asbestos is a class of six naturally occurring fibrous silicate minerals which were once very popular in construction for their fire retardant resistant, fire-retardant, corrosion resistant and insulate properties. Inhaling these fibers can cause serious health issues such as lung cancer and asbestosis. The signs of these health conditions can take 15 to 30 years to manifest.

The EPA has stopped asbestos mining and processing in the United States however, it can be found in a number of products. This includes certain types of flooring felt, paper and fake fire embers. However, when these materials are exposed to water or heat they can release toxic asbestos fibers. These fibers could also be released into the air during demolition or remodeling.

A recent study has discovered that exposure to benzene for just five years significantly increases the likelihood of developing acute myeloid cancer (AML). Talk to your doctor if you are experiencing symptoms such as night sweats, or a sudden weight loss. They can perform a blood test to check for AML.

The EPA resolved a recent case against Genesee & Wyoming Railroad Services Inc. GWRSI utilizes locomotives that operate on diesel fuel and emit nitrogen oxides (NOx) and fine particulate matter (PM2.5). This EPA settlement requires that GWRSI replace any of its current locomotives with newer models that conform to EPA emissions standards.

Diesel Exhaust

As long diesel fuel continues to be used to power freight trains, railroad workers are exposed exhaust. Diesel exhaust is a poisonous mixture of chemicals, which includes carcinogens such as benzene and carbon monoxide. It also contains oxides of nitrogen, particulate matter and polyaromatic hydrocarbons.

The International Agency for Research on Cancer has classified diesel exhaust as a Group 1 carcinogen. Furthermore, diesel exhaust is an important cause of respiratory illness in the form of bronchiopulmonary illnesses such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and bronchiectasis. A 2006 article published in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives linked railroad worker's work and COPD rates.

When  railroad settlement  and railcars are running and idle, they emit diesel exhaust. The machines and engines that are idle emit gases in addition to diesel fumes, which include sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides.

Diesel exhaust fumes are frequently not distinguishable in locomotive cabs, where conductors and engineers work up to six hours each day. When workers enter or exit the cabs, the engine and equipment release more diesel exhaust fumes which can lead to respiratory cancers and other issues.

Moreover, railroad mechanics are heavily exposed to diesel exhaust in poorly ventilated roundhouses and shops.  csx settlement  work with running locomotives and track equipment in closed areas that often produce harmful inhalants, such as asbestos-insulated steam pipes and boilers and silica sand.