Benzene, Butadiene, and Other Carcinogens on the Railroad
Many railroad employees are exposed to benzene butadiene and other carcinogens while on the job. Multiple myeloma settlements could be eligible for compensation in the event that you develop a serious disease like leukemia.
Leukemias can be found in lymphatic tissues or bone marrow. CLL (chronic lymphocytic Leukemia) is one of the four main forms of adult leukemia.
Benzene
It is a chemical that can be inhaled or absorbed through the skin. It is a crude oil by-product utilized in the production of resins, plastics nylons, and synthetic fibers. It is also used as a component in lubricants and dyes. It is a carcinogen which causes leukemia, acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) myelodysplastic syndromes and lymphomas.
Mineral spirits, solvents, and degreasers are utilized by railroad workers to expose them to benzene. When working on locomotives and freight cars, they are exposed to exhaust fumes and diesel fumes. Railroad workers have a high risk of developing chronic lymphocytic cancer because of this exposure.
Numerous epidemiologic studies have demonstrated that exposure to benzene increases the risk of leukemia. A recent meta-analysis of 22 studies gave summaries of effects estimates for exposure to benzene and the risk of AML and Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL) and Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL).
The meta-analysis indicates that exposure to benzene during work increases the chance of developing these leukemias. However the results for AML and CLL were less than those for ALL. This could be due to a lower percentage of reporting for the two subgroups, and also due to a lack of dose-response relationships that increase exposure. The meta-analysis found no evidence of bias in the publication.
Asbestos
Asbestos is a mineral that is fibrous that is used in a myriad of industrial products. Its resistance to fire, heat, and corrosion was a major reason for its use for railroads' locomotives and other equipment. However, asbestos poses danger to health when workers work with it. When asbestos fibers are exposed, they can break down into tiny strands, which then become airborne. They can then be inhaled and can become lodged in the lungs of people. These can cause a number of serious diseases, including mesothelioma.
When asbestos fibers get into a person's lungs they can cause irritation to lung's lining. This irritation can lead to an accumulation of collagen that gets harder over time, and forms plaques in the pleural cavity. railroad back injury settlements can cause chest discomfort and breathing problems.
Another form of lung damage that is caused by asbestos exposure is fibrosis which creates scar tissue that affects the ability of a person to breathe. If left untreated, this condition can be fatal.
If you are a railroad worker who was diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease then seek out a FELA attorney immediately. An experienced mesothelioma lawyer can assist you in filing claims for compensation. In order to win a compensation claim you must prove that exposure to toxic substances at work resulted in your illness. FELA lawyers often work with industrial safety experts called industrial hygienists who review the items in the workplace of railroads and determine whether the railroad company followed proper safety guidelines for employees.
Diesel Exhaust
Railroad workers frequently encounter carcinogenic substances and fumes while on the job, such as diesel exhaust. Excessive exposure to diesel exhaust has been linked to mesothelioma, lung cancer and other serious occupational diseases among railroad workers. Inhaling Multiple myeloma settlements from engine exhaust can cause long-term health problems that are difficult to treat.
Diesel fuel is used in locomotives, and the cabin of a locomotive is a small space with little ventilation. Diesel exhaust can be breathed in by railroad workers, and it may be dragged back onto themselves and their clothing when they exit the locomotive cab. Railroad workers working in shops and yards may also be exposed to diesel exhaust as they frequently come into contact with train and locomotive equipment.
Diesel exhaust is believed to contain mutagenic and carcinogenic substances that can be absorbed into bloodstream. These chemicals can alter the blood and bone marrow and cause damage the respiratory tract. In a study that followed many workers who were regularly exposed to diesel exhaust, scientists found that those with the longest exposure were at the highest risk for lung cancer.
Even after controlling for smoking and other risk factors, lung cancer mortality was significantly higher in railroad workers exposed to diesel exhaust. The Lyon Firm is investigating a variety of claims from railroad workers who were sickened by exposure to diesel exhaust, solvents and other industrial toxic exposures.