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Railroad Lawsuit - Aplastic Anemia

Aplastic anemia is a condition in which blood cells are not produced in the bone marrow. This condition can have dangerous and life-threatening outcomes that include infections as well as a weak immune system, and uncontrolled bleeding.

Workers exposed to toxic chemical substances in their work environment could be more at risk of developing aplastic anemia. Exposure to benzene as an instance, could trigger the likelihood of having this diagnosis.

Benzene

Benzene, a colorless and sweet-smelling gas, is one of the constituents of crude oil. It is also present in tobacco smoke. The toxic effects of Benzene can cause harm to the body. It is a carcinogen that has no limit on exposure. Benzene exposure can cause blood disorders, including anemia that is aplastic. Benzene can also lead to leukemia and other cancers. It can be absorbed through the skin, or inhaled directly into the lung. Benzene can damage DNA and hinder the growth of new cells within bone marrow.

Aplastic anemia, which is caused by constant exposure to benzene can result in life-threatening symptoms. The condition is defined by the low levels of red and white blood cells and platelets. The condition can be treated with chemotherapy, as well as other drugs.

The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry reports that aplastic anemia is most often associated with exposure to relatively high levels of benzene. This kind of exposure happens most often in the workplace.

People who frequently use solvents and inks that contain the chemical benzene are more at risk of developing aplastic anemia. These workers include railroad yard workers, pipefitters, and pressmen. They are exposed to the use of cleaning products such as disinfectants, degreasers and disinfectants. These chemicals contain benzene as well as other compounds that could cause an increased risk for anemia with multiple Myeloma aplastic Anemia.

Diesel Exhaust

The chemicals found in diesel exhaust could lead to diseases of railroad workers such as leukemia, myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and lung cancer. The exposure to this kind of pollution is common when railroad workers work in the engine rooms or yards. The chemicals are released by the exhaust stacks of older trains. They are also absorbed by the skin after exposure to soot.

Although it is widely acknowledged that diesel particles cause pulmonary cancer, lung disease, and other adverse health effects in humans, the precise mechanisms involved aren't fully known. The results of studies that have been conducted on various occupational cohorts have demonstrated that diesel emissions can increase lung cancer risk. Epidemiologic studies do not provide enough information to quantify the risk.

Diesel engine emissions can produce ground-level ozone that damages the plant life and human-made structures. It can also lead to acid rain, which affects lakes, soils and streams. The pollutants can enter the food chain and negatively impact human health through the use of water, produce, meat and fish.

In bioassays on animals diesel emissions can cause lung tumors when exposed large amounts over the course of a lifetime. Our understanding of the potential for lung cancer from diesel exhausts is limited because of the absence of clinical and epidemiologic data from humans and precise modeling methods. Nevertheless, the HEI Diesel Working Group has identified a list of crucial issues that have to be addressed to assess the carcinogenicity of diesel emissions.

Organic Solvents

Organic solvents are volatile, organic chemical compounds that dissolve or suspend other materials in liquid form. They are used to create processes, clean, and process rubbers, textiles, leathers and plastics, printing inks and agricultural products. A variety of organic solvents are made as blends or mixtures. These include aliphatic and cyclic hydrocarbons as well as aromatic hydrocarbons.

Inhalation of solvent vapors may cause irritation to the throat, nose, and eyes. It can cause nausea, headaches fatigue, coughs as well as pulmonary congestion. even death depending on the amount of the solvent vapors.

The exposure to certain organic solvents can alter psychomotor performance. Experimental exposure to methyl chloroform (1,1,1-trichloroethane), styrene, and toluene impaired simple or choice reaction time and perceptual and sensory motor speed in human subjects (Gamberale 1976).

To prevent worker exposures, closed-system operations should be used as often as is feasible to store and manage organic solvents. Ventilation must be planned in order to prevent the liquid vapors from recirculating when open systems aren't feasible. In laboratories which prepare samples for analysis exhaust ventilation systems must be designed to capture solvent vapors released from pressurized containers. Workers must be instructed on the proper handling of equipment and how to utilize it. Direct skin contact with organic solvents should be prevented by using chemical-resistant gloves, aprons, and work suits. Clothing that has been dirty should be removed and cleaned before being re-used.

Paint Thinners

Long-term exposure to paint removers and paint thinners that contain benzene, toluene, and other organic solvents may cause Aplastic anemia. Railroad yard workers and locomotive engineers may be at risk from these chemicals if they work near or on trains. Paint thinners that are used for recreational purposes may also lead to addiction. Those abusing this chemical often experience withdrawal symptoms that require medical detox and multiple myeloma Aplastic anemia rehab programs to overcome. A high with paint thinner can cause drowsiness, or a brief period of pleasure.