공지사항

Benzene, Butadiene, and Other Carcinogens on the Railroad

Many railroad settlement copd workers are exposed on the job to carcinogens, including benzene. If you have developed a serious disease such as leukemia, then you could be eligible for compensation.

Leukemias occur in blood-forming tissue like bone marrow and lymphatic tissue. Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is one of the four main types of leukemia in adults.

Benzene

The chemical Benzene can be inhaled or absorbed through the skin. It is a crude by-product of oil which is used to create nylons, plastics and synthetic fibers. It is also used in lubricants dyes, detergents, paints, pesticides, and other drugs. It is a recognized carcinogen that can cause leukemia, acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) myelodysplastic disorders and lymphomas.

Mineral spirits, solvents, and degreasers are utilized by railroad settlement acute myeloid leukemia workers to expose them to benzene. When working on locomotives and freight cars and other vehicles, they are exposed exhaust fumes and diesel fumes. Due to this exposure railroad workers are at a greater chance of developing chronic leukemia.

Numerous epidemiologic studies have revealed an increase in the leukemia risk with increasing exposure to benzene. A meta-analysis of 22 recent studies gave summary estimates on the impact of benzene on AML, Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia(ALL) and Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia(CLL).

The results of the meta-analysis suggest that exposure to occupational benzene significantly increases the risk of these leukemias. The results for AML, CLL and ALL were less favourable. This could be due to a lower level of reporting for the two subgroups, and also due to the lack of dose-response interactions that increase exposure. The meta-analysis found no evidence of bias in publication.

Asbestos

Asbestos, a fibrous mineral has been utilized to make a myriad of industrial products. Its resistance to heat, fire and corrosion made it an ideal material for railroad locomotives and other machinery. However, asbestos can pose the risk of health hazards when workers work with it. When asbestos fibers are exposed, they can break down into microscopic strands which become airborne. They are then inhaled and can become lodged in the lungs of a person. They can trigger a variety of serious illnesses, such as mesothelioma.

When asbestos fibers get into a person's lungs they can cause irritation to lining of the lungs. This irritation can lead to an increase in collagen that hardens over time and forms pleural plaques. This condition can lead to chest discomfort and breathing issues.

Fibrosis is yet another form of lung damage that can be caused by asbestos exposure. The scar tissue interferes with the ability to breath. If not treated this condition could be fatal.

Contact an FELA lawyer right away if are a railroad employee who has been diagnosed with a disease related to asbestos. A mesothelioma lawyer with experience can help you file a claim for compensation. To be able to win a claim, you must prove that your exposure to a toxic substance during the job caused the development of your disease. FELA attorneys often work with industrial safety experts, also known as industrial hygienists. They examine the work environment at the railroad's workplace, and determine if the railroad adhered to proper occupational safety procedures.

Diesel Exhaust

Diesel exhaust is among the many carcinogenic fumes, as well as substances that railroad workers are exposed to on a regular basis. The exposure to diesel exhaust has been linked with lung cancer, mesothelioma, and a variety of other serious occupational diseases among railroad settlement rad workers. Inhaling particulates from engine exhaust may cause long-term health issues that are difficult to treat.

Diesel fuel is used in locomotives, and railroad settlement rad the cab of a locomotive is tiny with no ventilation. Railroad workers can become exposed to diesel exhaust by breathing it into the cab, and then dragging it back on them and their clothes after they leave the cab. Railroad workers working in yards and shops can also be exposed to diesel exhaust, as they frequently come into contact with locomotives and train equipment.

Diesel exhaust is known to contain carcinogenic and mutagenic substances that can be absorbed into bloodstream. These compounds can affect the bone marrow and blood and cause damage to the respiratory tract. Researchers discovered that those who had been exposed to diesel exhaust for the longest period of time were at the greatest risk of developing lung cancer.

Even after controlling for smoking and other causes, lung cancer mortality was significantly higher among railroad settlement pulmonary fibrosis workers exposed to diesel exhaust. The Lyon Firm is investigating claims from railroad workers who claim to have been sickened by exposure to diesel exhaust and other industrial toxic substances.