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Myelodysplastic Syndrome Caused by Railroad Herbicides

Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) affect bone marrow, the spongy tissue inside bones where new blood cells are created. These cells include red blood cells that transport oxygen, white blood cells that fight infection, and platelets which control bleeding.

Various types of MDS have different characteristics, but all have in common a small amount of normal blood cells. MDS is more likely to happen if you have a variety of risk factors.

Benzene

In a healthy body, bone marrow produces new, immature blood cells that grow over time. Myelodysplastic disorders are caused by DNA mutations that disrupt this process, leading to an increase in the number of blood cells that are immature in the bone marrow, as well as the bloodstream. This can cause fatigue from inadequate red blood cells, infections due to the insufficient amount of healthy white blood cells, and problems with bleeding due to the fact that there aren't enough healthy platelets.

Benzene, a byproduct of gasoline and diesel, can be inhaled or absorbed through the skin. Railroad workers are exposed to benzene in a variety of different ways. Diesel exhaust fumes containing benzene can be inhaled or absorbed through the body. Many railroad workers have been diagnosed with myelodysplastic Syndrome and acute myeloid Leukemia (AML) after inhaling benzene. The chemical is also found in petroleum solvents such as Safety-Kleen parts washer, CRC Brakleen and Liquid Wrench. These solvents were utilized in the shops of railroads by workers in car departments and electricians, locomotive machinists and pipe fitters.

Myelodysplastic syndrome can be treated with chemotherapy, which kills the mature cells that are present in the bone marrow before transplanting healthy stem cells that form blood. Unfortunately, the chance of survival for MDS is very low without this treatment. Under the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA), railroad workers who suffer from these illnesses due to chronic benzene-exposure can sue their employers. Maison Law has made itself available to California families affected by myelodysplastic syndrome and other diseases connected to Camp Lejeune toxic water.

Herbicides

Herbicides can be used to kill weeds but also have an effect on human cells. The chemical is absorbed into bloodstreams and can cause damage to bones, skin nerve system, nervous system and internal organs. Railroad workers who use herbicides are more at risk of developing myelodysplastic Syndrome, which can lead to leukemia.

The conditions known as myelodysplastic syndromes are a class of diseases that manifest when the blood-forming cells of bone marrow become abnormally. These cells normally produce red blood cells white blood cells, as well as platelets -- the parts of the blood that provide oxygen fight infections and stop bleeding. When these cells develop abnormally, the number of normal blood cells decreases.

The subtypes of myelodysplastic disorders are due to the abnormal blood cells that contain. The first form, known as single-lineage dysplasia is characterised by a low number of only one type of blood cell. This can cause anemia which is difficult to treat using blood transfusions or other medications.

Anyone who was exposed to the toxic waters at Camp Lejeune could be eligible for compensation under the new Camp Lejeune Justice Act (CLJA). To qualify, you must show that you lived or worked at the base for a period of 30 days or more between August 1st, 1953 through December 31, 1987. You must also be diagnosed with myelodysplastic syndrome, accelerated myelogenous leukemia or another blood disorder related to the exposure.

Ammonia

If you suffer from myelodysplastic disease, your blood cells will be abnormal. Normal blood cells are created in the bone marrow. They then move through your bloodstream in a liquid known as plasma. These cells include platelets, white blood cells and red blood cells. The platelets in your blood help to control bleeding after a cut. They also form clots to stop bleeding excessively when you are injured or sick.

Myelodysplastic syndrome is different from leukemia, which develops faster and is more likely to develop into cancer. Myelodysplastic patients are at a higher risk of developing leukemia and other blood cancers as the bone marrow doesn't produce healthy blood cells.

Certain chemicals can cause myelodysplastic syndrome, such as benzene, as well as other solvents like perchloroethylene or trichloroethylene. Benzene is a substance found in diesel fuel, gasoline plastics, as well as other products. People who work in the oil and gas industry, such as railroad employees, may be exposed to the vapors of benzene as they refuel vehicles and locomotives.

Cleaning industrial solvents with industrial solvents to clean equipment and get rid of tar and other chemicals from rails can expose people to these harmful chemicals. The CDC reported that benzene has been detected in the Camp Lejeune wells for 35 years.

Mercury

Ingestion of mercury compounds or inhalation of elemental mercury vapors can trigger digestive, neurological and respiratory problems. Mercury can poison the nervous system, lungs kidneys skin and intestines, at high levels of exposure. Infants and children are four to five times more sensitive to mercury poisoning than adults.

Railroad workers have been exposed to mercury and its compounds because of their use of smelting equipment, mining for the metal, locomotive refueling, and other jobs. The chemical is also used in a variety of railroad shop products, such as thinners, paints and mineral spirits. Hostlers and laborers who work in refueling operations have been particularly at risk for developing myelodysplastic syndrome because of exposure to benzene and mercury.

Mercury's surface is heavily cratered, but its northern polar region is characterized by vast plains of smooth terrain. Scientists believe these flat features were formed by the flow of hot lava from volcanic eruptions. Mercury's MESSENGER spacecraft has revealed a number of other peculiar features. They include a narrow channel that leads to a basin, as well as strangely shaped pits that may be vents.

The Camp Lejeune Toxic Water Lawsuit Act allows Marines who have been diagnosed myelodysplastic Syndrome or myelodysplastic syndrome a different blood cancer while they were at the North Carolina military base to make a claim. The same law allows the families of Marines who died from the disease to sue.