The Next Big New Railroad Settlement Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Industry
Railroad Settlements and Asbestos
In 1862, Congress passed The Pacific Railroad Act. This law helped fund two transcontinental railway companies through large grants for rights-of-way. Railroad workers who develop cancer as a result of workplace exposures can sue their employers under the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA).
An Illinois jury awarded a $7.5 million verdict to an ex- Union Pacific trackman dying from acute myeloid leukemia. He blamed his blood cancer on a massive workplace exposures to creosote and benzene. Both were used to protect and waterproof railroad ties made of wood.
Creosote
Coal tar - an organic wood preserver, is used to shield railroad ties from the sun, heat and cold, rain and snow. Workers are exposed to toxic chemicals and solvents, including benzene, in the process of applying of coal creosote. Benzene is a known carcinogen, and can cause leukemia, myelodysplastic disease and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma as with other serious side effects like convulsions, changes in your heartbeat, liver damage anemia and bone marrow damages. cancer of the skin and lungs.
Our lawyers have successfully defended multiple lawsuits against Union Pacific Railroad for exposure to coal-tar creosote. One of these cases was settled with a $7,500,000 verdict. The plaintiff was a track department employee who was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia as a result of exposure to the chemical compound that is toxic on his job over 31 years. The jury found that railroad did not provide any personal protective gear and exposed him of toxic chemicals, including coal-tar tar creosote and coal tar distillates.
Another claim involved the use of copper naphthenate as alternative to creosote derived from coal. While copper naphthenate isn't as hazardous to the environment than creosote, it can still be extremely dangerous. Copper naphthenate has been identified as a carcinogen and can cause skin, nerve and lung damage to the lung, skin and nerves. It can also contaminate the groundwater and soil with benzene.
Multiple myeloma settlements , which is used in the manufacturing of resins, plastics, nylon and synthetic fibers. It is also present in diesel fuel and exhaust. Nearly all railroad workers are exposed to diesel fumes on a regular basis. Benzene is a well-known carcinogen that has been linked with leukemia and myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS).
There is no safe level of exposure to benzene. It can be breathed in or absorbs through the surface of the skin. Long-term exposure can damage the blood and cause various health issues, including menstrual cycle irregularities, anemia and fertility issues. railroad back injury settlements is also linked to certain types of cancers, including breast and lung cancer.
The benzene compound can be inhaled orally but it is the most dangerous when inhaled. Inhaling benzene can cause dizziness, headaches or nosebleeds. The benzene compound can also impair the immune system, which can result in infections.
Recent reports have highlighted the high levels of benzene at two Chicago train stations. Commuters and railroad employees were exposed to these pollutant levels, that led to schools closing classes and cities to ask residents to stay in shelters. 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, and other products. It is also used as printing solvents.
Asbestos
The use of asbestos in the railroad industry began in the middle of the century. Asbestos comprises 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 tiny fibers can cause serious health issues like lung cancer, asbestosis and mesothelioma. These diseases can last up to 30 years before symptoms begin to manifest.
The EPA has been able to ban asbestos mining and processing in the United States however, it is still present in many products. This includes certain kinds of flooring felt, paper and fake fire embers. But, if these items are exposed to heat or water they could release toxic asbestos fibers. They can also be released into the air when buildings are demolished or when homes are renovated.
A recent study has found that exposure to benzene just for five years significantly increases the chance of developing acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Contact your doctor if experience symptoms such as sleepiness, night sweats, or unprovoked weight loss. They may perform an analysis of your blood to determine AML.
The EPA recently settled a case with Genesee & Wyoming Railroad Services Inc. (GWRSI). GWRSI employs locomotives that run on diesel fuel and emit nitrogen oxides (NOx) and fine particulate matter (PM2.5). This EPA settlement mandates that GWRSI replace any of its locomotives with more modern models that conform to EPA emissions standards.
Diesel Exhaust
As long as diesel fuel is used to power railroad workers, they will remain exposed to exhaust. Colon cancer lawsuit settlements is a mixture of toxic chemicals which include carcinogens such benzene monoxide and formaldehyde. It also includes particulate matter, polyaromatic hydrocarbons as well as nitrogen oxides.
The International Agency for Research on Cancer has classified diesel exhaust as a Group 1 carcinogen. Diesel exhaust can also trigger respiratory diseases like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or bronchiectasis. Multiple myeloma settlements published in Environmental Health Perspectives in 2006 linked railroad worker employment to COPD rates.
When locomotives and railcars are running and idle, they emit diesel exhaust. The engines and machinery that are idling emit gases in addition to the diesel fumes, which include nitrogen oxides and sulfur dioxide.
The smell of diesel exhaust is frequently present in locomotive cabs, where engineers and conductors sit for up to six hours at one time. The engine and equipment emit more diesel exhaust fumes when workers enter or leave the cabs. This can cause lung and cancerous problems.
Moreover railroad mechanics are exposed to diesel exhausts in poorly ventilated roundhouses and shops. They work in enclosed areas with locomotives, track equipment and asbestos-insulated steam boilers.