공지사항

How Railroad Exposures Increase the Risk of Lung Cancer

The railroad industry transports different types of freight which include grain, food vehicles, crude oil, and lumber. Unfortunately, some railroad workers are exposed to harmful chemicals and fumes that increase their risk of developing cancers, including mesothelioma and lung cancer.

Lung cancer is usually caused by breathing in toxins, such as benzene or fibers such as asbestos. Exposure to these toxins can cause a condition that takes 10-40 years to be seen in the lungs.

Diesel Exhaust

When diesel fuel is combusted it releases particulates as a gas. These particles are so small that they can get deep into the lungs, where they can cause irritation and eventually damage. Diesel fumes contain carcinogens such as arsenic and dioxin, as well as benzene.

Since World War II when diesel engines replaced steam-powered locomotives the Railroad Myelodysplastic Syndrome industry has been exposed to carcinogens each day. The railroad industry is among the highest rates of lung cancers among all major industries in America.

Research suggests that exposure to diesel exhaust is linked to lung cancer. In lab studies, high diesel exhaust exposure can cause DNA changes in cells that could lead to cancer. This is also true for human studies, even though it is difficult to manage other factors that could influence the risk of lung cancer such as smoking.

Studies peer-reviewed by peer-reviewers show that inhalation exposure to diesel exhaust increases the likelihood of developing COPD and lowers lung function. These studies comprise cohort mortality studies as well as cases-control studies that are nested. After adjusting the results to include asbestos and tobacco, people who had over 20 years of exposure to diesel were more likely to develop lung cancer.

Asbestos

In the 1930s asbestos was used to construct railroad cars and industrial equipment. It was insulating, fire retardant and corrosion resistant. However, it also presented an health risk. It can trigger serious lung conditions like asbestosis and mesothelioma as well as Pleural effusions.

Asbestos breaks into microscopic fibers which are easily inhaled. Ingested, they can cause stomach colon, rectum, and stomach tumors. After exposure to asbestos, symptoms of these diseases may take up to 30 years to manifest. This is known as a latency phase.

Conductors, engineers and yardmasters that work in the railroad industry face the greatest risk of developing asbestos-related diseases. They handled asbestos during manufacturing, shipping and installation. They often threw up asbestos fibers in the course of maintenance, repairs and cleaning. They also run the risk of inhaling these harmful substances while working in railway yards and other industrial areas.

Regardless of the kind of carcinogen, Railroad Reactive Airway Disease Laryngeal Cancer - check out this one from Makehope Paylog, workers should adhere to certain safety guidelines to reduce their risk. This includes washing and disinfecting their clothes, removing wet rags from PPE (personal protective equipment) in a specific order and double bagging all waste for disposal. This can ensure that workers do not come in contact with diesel exhaust or asbestos. Railroad companies should employ industrial hygiene experts to review their workplace for asbestos exposure or other hazards.

Benzene

Benzene is a chemical which is found in the fumes of diesel locomotives and in a number of degreasing solvents. Exposure for long periods to these chemicals increases the risk of lung cancer and other respiratory diseases. The exposure to benzene can also increase the chance of developing leukemia. Leukemia is a type of blood cancer that starts in the bone marrow, and then spreads to other parts of the body. There are chromosome-related mutations caused by benzene in bone marrow. These chromosome mutations are common in leukemia patients.

Many international and national organizations analyze the environmental effects of certain substances to determine whether they cause cancer or aid in its grow. If they are, these substances are classified as cancerous and need to be controlled in the workplace. Benzene has been tested extensively and has been shown to be a carcinogen both for humans and animals.

Inhaling benzene may cause irritation to the nose, eyes and throat. It can cause headaches, dizziness, and shaking. If benzene gets on the skin, it could cause burning, redness and blisters. Ingestion of benzene can cause lung and heart issues, a coma, or even death.

Exposure for a long time can lead to other health problems such as reproductive organ damage, a weak immune system, and anemia. Studies have revealed that pregnant women who breathe high levels of benzene during their pregnancy may suffer from low birth weights and premature babies. Children exposed to benzene are more likely to develop serious health problems, Railroad laryngeal cancer such as leukemia. People who lived at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, and worked there were exposed to high levels of benzene.

Other Carcinogens

Railroad Throat Cancer workers are exposed for a long time to carcinogens both physical and chemical. This can have a negative impact on their health. They are at a higher than average risk of developing cancer and other chronic diseases. A few of these ailments include mesothelioma and non-Hodgkin's lympho bladder cancer, esophageal and mesothelioma cancer. Many people have died due to their exposure to diesel exhaust fumes and asbestos.

Some of these carcinogens have been listed in lists prepared by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) and the National Toxicology Program (NTP). If a substance or exposure is listed, it indicates that there is evidence that it causes cancer in humans. Certain substances or exposures could cause cancer only when they are exposed to specific person or in certain circumstances.

The body responds in three different ways to carcinogens in three ways. The body may try to repair the damage, some cells might die, or DNA could change. These mutations can encourage cell growth, which could result in cancer. The type of cancer that develops and the degree of exposure to the carcinogen will determine the form and type of the cancer. Exposure to these substances may also cause other medical conditions, such as COPD and fibrosis. Railroad workers who believe that their health issues are related to their exposure to carcinogens may be eligible for compensation.