Benzene, Butadiene, and Other Carcinogens on the Railroad
Many railroad workers are exposed to benzene and other carcinogens. You may be entitled to compensation if you have developed an illness that is grave, such as leukemia.
railroad injury settlement amounts occur in blood-forming tissue such as bone marrow and lymphatic tissue. Multiple myeloma settlements (chronic lymphocytic Leukemia) is one of the four major types of adult leukemia.
Benzene
Benzene is a chemical that can be absorbed or inhaled through the skin. It is a basic by-product of oil which is used to create nylons, plastics, and synthetic fibers. Colon cancer lawsuit settlements is also used as a constituent in dyes and lubricants. It is a well-known cancerous substance that causes leukemia and other cancers like acute myelogenous lymphoma (AML), myelodysplastic disorders and lymphomas.
Mineral spirits, solvents, and degreasers can be used by railroad workers to expose them to benzene. When working on locomotives or freight cars they are exposed to exhaust fumes and diesel fumes. Railroad workers have a high risk of developing chronic lymphocytic Leukemia because of the exposure.
Numerous epidemiological studies have found a significant increase in leukemia risk due to the increase in exposure to benzene. A recent meta-analysis of 22 studies offered summaries of effects estimates for exposure to benzene as well as the risk of AML or Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL) and Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL).
The results of the meta-analysis suggest that occupational benzene exposure significantly increases the risk of these leukemias. However the results for AML and CLL were weaker than for ALL. This could be due to the lower rate of reporting for these subgroups in addition due to the lack of dose response with increasing exposures. The meta-analysis did not find any evidence of bias in the publication.
Asbestos
Asbestos is a fibrous mineral which has been used in thousands of industrial products. Its resistance to fire, heat and corrosion made it a popular choice for railroads' locomotives and other equipment. Asbestos is a danger for those who work with it. When asbestos fibers are exposed, they can break down into tiny strands that can then can then become airborne. They can then be inhaled and can lodge deep in the lungs of an individual. This can result in various serious illnesses, such as mesothelioma.
When asbestos fibers get into the lungs of an individual, they can irritate the lung's lining. This irritation can cause the formation of collagen which gets harder over time, and forms plaques in the pleura. This condition can cause chest discomfort and breathing issues.
Another type of lung injury caused by asbestos exposure is fibrosis which results in scar tissue that hinders breathing capacity of an individual. This condition could be fatal if not treated.
If you are a railroad employee who was diagnosed with an asbestos-related condition, get in touch with a FELA lawyer immediately. An experienced mesothelioma lawyer will help you file a claim for compensation. To be able to win a claim, you must prove that your exposure to a toxic substance on the job caused your condition. FELA attorneys frequently work with industrial safety experts known as industrial hygienists. They examine the work environment at the railroad workplace and determine if the railroad followed the correct safety procedures.
Diesel Exhaust
Railroad workers frequently encounter carcinogenic substances and fumes while on the job, such as diesel exhaust. The exposure to diesel exhaust has been linked to lung cancer, mesothelioma, and other serious occupational ailments among railroad workers. Inhaling engine exhaust and particulates could lead to long-term health issues that are difficult to treat.
Diesel fuel is used in locomotives and the cab of a locomotive is an incredibly small space that has very little ventilation. Railroad workers can become exposed to diesel exhaust by breathing it in the cab, as well as being able to drag it back over their clothing and themselves when they leave the cab. Diesel exhaust is also an issue for railroad employees who work in yards or shops because they are in contact with locomotives.
Diesel exhaust is a source of mutagenic and cancerous substances that can be absorbed into the bloodstream. These chemicals can affect the blood and bone marrow and cause damage the respiratory tract. Researchers found that people who had been exposed to diesel exhaust for the longest duration of time were at the highest risk of developing lung cancer.
Lung cancer mortality was significantly higher in railroad workers exposed to diesel exhaust, despite eliminating smoking-related deaths and other factors. The Lyon Firm is investigating claims from railroad workers who claim to have been ill-affected by exposure to diesel exhaust and other industrial toxic substances.