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Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia and the Railroad Asthma

CLL (chronic lymphocytic Leukemia) is a cancer that affects bone marrow and blood. It is a slow-growing type of cancer that can result in a low blood platelet count (thrombocytopenia), swelling of lymph nodes or growths of the liver and/or the spleen.

Studies have linked long-term exposure to benzene, which is a chemical that is present in diesel exhausts and fumes and employed by railway workers on trains to an increased risk of developing CLL. CLL has been linked to exposure to certain pesticides.

Benzene

The chemical benzene can be harmful to humans and can cause leukemia among people who are exposed over long periods of time. Benzene is found in gasoline and industrial solvents like varnish, glue and paint. It can also be used to create other chemicals like aniline, phenol, and dodecylbenzene that are used for dyes as well as degreasing of metal. The most serious complication of benzene exposure are blood cancers, particularly leukemia. It is known that benzene damages cells in the bone marrow. This damage could lead to chronic myeloid (CML). The disease begins in the bones, and later it spreads to the blood. It can also lead to different types of blood cancers, such as myelodysplastic or non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

Workers who are frequently exposed to benzene at the workplace have a higher chance of developing this disease. Researchers analyzed 15 studies as part of a 2010 Environmental Health study and found that workers who were regularly exposed at work had a 40 percent greater risk of developing leukemia.

Benzene exposure is dangerous for any person, but it's particularly hazardous for workers at rubber factories, oil refineries, gas stations and shoe manufacturing plants. Other occupations affected by benzene include mechanics truck drivers and Railroad Interstitial Lung Disease employees. In addition to its effects on bone marrow, benzene may harm the eyes and skin. It can be inhaled as well as taken in by workers.

Butadiene

It is no secret that Railroad Blood Cancer workers are exposed various dangerous chemicals, such as benzene and butadiene, every day. These chemicals are present in the exhaust of diesel that trains emit on tracks. Exposure to these harmful chemicals can have grave consequences for the health of railroad workers and their families. Diesel exhaust is a source of chemicals that have been linked to CLL and other cancers.

Butadiene, a synthetic chemical, is used to make synthetic rubber and other plastics. It is also a constituent of some fungicides as well as latex adhesives. 1,3-Butadiene is also a byproduct of petroleum processing as well as extraction of gas and oil. It is released into the atmosphere from industrial workplaces as well as bush and forest fires.

Short term exposure to BD can cause irritation to the eyes, nose throat, and the lungs. It can also cause drowsiness as well as blurred vision. The long-term exposure to the substance can cause kidney and liver damage, as well as anemia. It is a recognized cancer-causing drug and has a moderate acute as well as a slight chronic toxicity for aquatic life.

Butadiene may evaporate quickly if released into the air. The half-life of the substance in the air is around one day. When exposed to sunlight, it decomposes quickly. Inhalation is the most popular method of exposing humans to butadiene.

Pesticides

Many Railroad Lymphoma workers were exposed to benzene, butadiene, and pesticides on a regular basis. These chemicals are present in the exhaust fumes from diesel engines, that railroad workers breathed in through their noses and mouths. Railroad Interstitial Lung Disease workers also often used insecticides and herbicides on rail tracks, railway crossings, as well as inside the rail yards to control the growth of vegetation. Some of these chemicals, like paraquat and 2,4-D have been linked to chronic lymphocytic leukemia.

Other factors that increase a person's risk of developing chronic lymphocytic cancer are age (this kind of cancer is most often in older adults), and the family history of bone marrow cancers, which includes other kinds of lymphoma. A small portion of people with chronic leukemia might develop an aggressive form of the disease, called diffuse large B cell lymphoma. This is often associated with other health issues such as hemolyticanemia autoimmune and low platelet count.

The National Cancer Institute (NCI) recommends that anyone with chronic lymphocytic lung cancer discuss their work history and Railroad Interstitial Lung Disease any other health conditions with a physician. This is particularly important if they were exposed to benzene or butadiene or other carcinogens on the job. This PDQ cancer summary was drafted by NCI Staff and is based on scientific evidence from human research. It is meant to help patients, their families, and caregivers make informed choices regarding their treatment.

Genetics

A person's risk of getting chronic lymphocytic leukemia is based on several factors. It's more prevalent in older people, particularly those in their 70s. People with an ancestor with the disease also have an increased risk. The exposure to certain chemicals, like benzene for instance, can increase the risk. Railroad workers are at higher likelihood of developing CLL and other blood cancers.

In certain cases, the B cells that make antibodies change and grow into cancerous cells. The cancerous cells then increase in size faster than healthy ones. The cancerous cells encircle healthy ones from the bone blood and marrow and can cause other health issues.

If the cancerous cells are Ig-unmutated, it will grow slower than Ig mutant. They can trigger different symptoms based on their growth and spread.

Anemia (low red blood cell count) as well as thrombocytopenia (low platelet count) and recurrent infection are all signs. The slow-growing type of disease may also cause lymph nodes to grow larger, which may interfere with the functions of nearby organs.

Researchers are investigating whether a genetic factor may be linked to a person's risk of developing railroad chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Participants in genetic research are required to provide a DNA or saliva sample, and Railroad Interstitial Lung Disease also their medical and family histories.