5 Lessons You Can Learn From Railroad Settlement Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
Railroad Settlements and Asbestos
In 1862, Congress passed the Pacific Railroad Act which helped fund two transcontinental railroad companies by providing large grants of lands for rights-of-way. union pacific settlements who develop cancer as a result of workplace exposures can sue their employers under the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA).
An Illinois jury has handed down a $7.5 million verdict to a former Union Pacific trackman dying from acute myeloid leukemia. He blamed his blood-cancers on exposure to creosote benzene and other chemicals used to preserve wooden railroad ties.
Creosote
Coal tar creosote, a wood preserver, can be used to shield railroad tie from heat, sun and cold, rain and snow. Workers are exposed chemicals and solvents, like benzene, in the process of applying of coal creosote. Benzene is a well-known carcinogen, can cause leukemia and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, as in other serious side effects such as heartbeat fluctuations, convulsions, liver damage, anemia and cancers of the lungs and body.
Our attorneys have successfully prosecuted several lawsuits against Union Pacific Railroad for exposure to coal-tar creosote. One of these cases resulted with the settlement of a $7.500,000 verdict. The plaintiff was a track department worker who was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia as a result of exposure to the chemical compound that is toxic on his job over 31 years. The jury found that the railroad did not provide him with personal protective gear, and exposed him of toxic chemicals, including coal-tar tar creosote, as well as coal distillates.
Multiple myeloma settlements was about the use of copper naphthenate substitute for creosote derived from coal. Copper naphthenate, while less harmful to the environmental than creosote is extremely dangerous. Copper naphthenate has been identified as a carcinogen and can cause nerve, skin and lung damage to the lung, skin and nerves. It also contaminates the soil and groundwater with benzene.
Benzene
Benzene is a colorless liquid petroleum hydrocarbon that is used to make resins, plastics, and synthetic fibers. It is also used in diesel fuels and exhaust. Most railroad workers are exposed to diesel fumes on a regular basis. Benzene, a known carcinogen, has been linked with leukemia as well as the myelodysplastic disease (MDS).
There is no limit of exposure to benzene. It can be inhaled or taken in through the surface of the skin. Long-term exposure to the benzene compound can damage the blood, causing anemia, irregular periods, and fertility issues. It has also been linked to certain types of cancer, including breast and lung cancer.
Inhaling benzene can be the most hazardous. Inhaling benzene may cause headaches, dizziness or nosebleeds. Benzene can also affect the immune system and trigger infections.
Recent reports have revealed the high levels of benzene near two Chicago train station. Commuters, railroad workers and city residents were exposed to excessive levels of pollution. Schools closed classes and cities urged residents to shelter in place. Railroad workers, such as car department employees and electricians, locomotive mechanics and pipefitters work with products that contain benzene like Safety-Kleen part washers and CRC Brakleen and paints, thinners and other products. Benzene can also be found in printing solvents.
Asbestos
The use of asbestos in the railway industry began in the middle of the century. Asbestos is a class of six naturally occurring fibrous silicate minerals which were once widely used in construction due to their fire-retardant, fire-retardant, corrosion-resistant and insulate properties. Inhaling union pacific settlements can cause serious health problems such as lung cancer, mesothelioma and asbestosis. These illnesses can last up to 30 years before symptoms are evident.
The EPA has prohibited asbestos mining and processing in the United States however, it can be found in many products. This includes certain types of flooring felt, paper and fake fire embers. However, when these products are exposed to water or heat they can release toxic asbestos fibers. These fibers can also enter the air during demolition of buildings or when homes are remodeled.
A recent study has shown that exposure to benzene even for five years significantly increases the likelihood of developing acute myeloid cancer (AML). If you are suffering from symptoms like night sweats, a mysterious loss of weight and suppression or loss of appetite, consult your physician immediately. They can perform tests on your blood to test for AML.
The EPA reached a settlement in a recent case against Genesee & Wyoming Railroad Services Inc. GWRSI uses locomotives that run on diesel fuel and emit nitrogen oxides (NOx) and fine particulate matter (PM2.5). This EPA settlement requires GWRSI to replace any of its existing locomotives with new ones that comply with EPA emission standards.
Diesel Exhaust
As long as diesel fuel continues be used to power freight train railroad workers are exposed exhaust. Diesel exhaust is a cocktail of toxic chemicals that includes carcinogens like benzene and carbon monoxide, and formaldehyde. It also includes particulate matter, polyaromatic hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxides.
In fact, the International Agency for Research on Cancer classified diesel exhaust as a Group 1 carcinogen. Furthermore, diesel exhaust is a source of respiratory illness in the form of bronchiopulmonary diseases like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and bronchiectasis. An article published in Environmental Health Perspectives in 2006 connected the work of railroad workers to COPD rates.
When railroad cars and locomotives are running and idling, they emit diesel exhaust. The engines and machinery that are idling emit gasses in addition to the diesel fumes. These include sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides.
The odor of diesel exhaust is often visible in the cabs of locomotives where conductors and engineers sit for up to six hours at an time. The engine and equipment emit more exhaust fumes from diesel engines when workers enter or leave the cabins. This could cause lung and cancerous problems.
Moreover railroad mechanics are also exposed to diesel exhausts in poorly ventilated roundhouses and shops. union pacific settlements work with running locomotives and track equipment in enclosed spaces that frequently produce harmful inhalants like asbestos-insulated steam pipes and boilers and silica sand.