Railroad Settlements and Asbestos In 1862, Congress passed The Pacific Railroad Act. The act helped fund two transcontinental railway companies through large grants for rights of way. Railroad workers who develop cancer as a result of exposure to their workplaces are able to sue their employers under the Federal Employers' Liability Act (FELA). A jury in Illinois has awarded $7.5 million to an ex- Union Pacific Trackman who died of acute myeloid lymphoma. The man blamed his blood cancer on exposure to creosote the chemical benzene, and other chemicals used to preserve railroad ties made of wood. Creosote Coal tar is a wood preserver used to protect railroad ties from the sun, heat, cold rain and snow. Workers are exposed to toxic chemicals and solvents, like benzene during the application of coal creosote that is tar. Benzene, a known carcinogen, can cause leukemia and non-Hodgkin lymphoma as well being associated with other serious issues like heartbeat changes, convulsions liver damage, anemia and cancers of the lungs and the body. Our lawyers have successfully prosecuted numerous lawsuits against Union Pacific Railroad for exposure to coal-tar creosote. One of these cases was settled with a $7,500,000 verdict. The plaintiff was a track department worker suffered from acute myeloid carcinoma because of exposure to toxic chemical compounds while on the job for 31 years. The jury concluded that the railroad did not provide any personal protective gear, and exposed him to a range of toxic chemicals such as coal-tar tar creosote as well as coal tar distillates. Another claim was about the use of copper naphthenate alternative to creosote from coal tar. Copper naphthenate is less harmful to the environmental than creosote is very dangerous. Copper naphthenate is known to cause lung, skin and nerve damage to the skin and nerves. It also has the potential to contaminate groundwater and soil with benzene. Benzene A colorless liquid petroleum hydrocarbon, benzene is used in the manufacturing of resins, plastics nylon and synthetic fibers. It can also be found in diesel fuels and exhaust. Diesel fumes are frequently inhaled by nearly all railroad workers. railroad cancer settlements is a known carcinogen, and has been linked with leukemia and myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). There is no safe level of exposure to benzene. It can be breathed in or absorbs through the surface of the skin. Exposure to benzene for long periods of time can harm blood vessels, causing irregular menstrual cycles, anemia, and fertility issues. The chemical is also linked to certain types of cancers including lung and breast cancer. The benzene compound can be inhaled orally, but it is most dangerous when inhaled. Inhaling benzene can cause dizziness, headaches nose bleeds, dizziness and loss of consciousness. It can also affect your immune system and trigger infections. A recent report revealed the high levels of benzene found in the air near two Chicago train stations. Commuters railway workers, commuters and city residents were exposed to excessive levels of pollution. Schools closed classes and cities asked residents to shelter in place. Railroad workers, such as car department employees and electricians, locomotive mechanics and pipefitters utilize products containing benzene, such as Safety-Kleen part washers, CRC Brakleen as well as paints, thinners, and other products. The chemical is also used in printing solvents. Asbestos The asbestos usage in the railway industry began in the early days. Asbestos consists of six silicate minerals naturally occurring with a fibrous structure. They were used in construction because they had fire retardant, corrosion resistant, and insulate qualities. Inhaling these tiny fibers could cause serious health problems like lung cancer, asbestosis and mesothelioma. These conditions can take up to 30 years before symptoms begin to manifest. The EPA has stopped asbestos mining and processing in the United States However, asbestos is still found in a wide range of products. This includes various types of paper, flooring felt and fake fireplace embers. When these materials are exposed either to water or heat, they can release asbestos fibers. These fibers could also be released into air during demolition or renovations. A recent study has found that even five years of exposure to benzene can significantly increase the risk of developing acute myeloid leukemia (AML). If you're experiencing symptoms like night sweats that are not explained, weight loss, or a decrease in appetite or loss of appetite, consult your physician immediately. They may perform a blood test to check for AML. The EPA recently resolved a case against Genesee & Wyoming Railroad Services Inc. (GWRSI). GWRSI operates locomotives that operate on diesel fuel and emit nitrogen oxides (NOx) and fine particulate matter (PM2.5). This EPA settlement mandates that GWRSI replace any of its locomotives with more modern models that meet EPA emissions standards. Diesel Exhaust As long as diesel fuel continues to be used to power freight train, railroad workers are exposed to exhaust. Diesel exhaust is a poisonous cocktail of chemicals, including carcinogens such as benzene and carbon monoxide. It also contains oxides of nitrogen, particulate matter and polyaromatic hydrocarbons. In fact the International Agency for Research on Cancer classified diesel exhaust as a Class 1 carcinogen. Moreover, diesel exhaust is a cause of respiratory illnesses in the form of bronchiopulmonary disorders such as chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD) and bronchiectasis. A 2006 article published in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives linked railroad worker employment and COPD rates. Locomotive and rail cars belch diesel exhaust when they are running and idle in roundhouses, depots, shops and yards. When engines are running, they release gases such as sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides along with diesel fumes. The odor of diesel exhaust is often evident in the cabs of locomotives, where conductors and engineers are seated for up to six hours at an time. When workers enter and exit the cabins, the engine and equipment emit more exhaust fumes from diesel engines, creating a hazard for respiratory cancers and other issues. In poorly ventilated roundhouses workshops, shops, and roundhouses railroad mechanics are exposed to high levels of exposure to diesel exhaust. They work with moving locomotives and track equipment in closed spaces that are often contaminated with inhalants, such as asbestos-insulated steam boilers and steam pipes and silica sand.
railroad cancer settlements
