Railroad Settlements and Asbestos
In 1862, Congress passed The Pacific Railroad Act. This act helped fund two transcontinental railway companies through large grants for rights-of-way. Railroad workers who contract cancer due to workplace exposures may file lawsuits against their employers under the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA).
A jury in Illinois gave $7.5 million to an ex- Union Pacific Trackman who died from acute myeloid leukemia. The man blamed his blood cancer on extensive exposure to creosote and benzene. Both were used to preserve and waterproof wooden railroad ties.
Creosote
Coal tar Creosote, the wood preserver used to shield railroad ties from heat, sun and cold, rain, and snow. Workers are exposed to harmful chemicals and solvents, like benzene, during the application of coal creosote tar. Benzene is a well-known carcinogen, and can cause leukemia, myelodysplastic disease and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma as well as other serious side consequences like convulsions changes to your heartbeat, liver damage, anemia as well as bone marrow damage. cancer of the skin and lungs.
Our lawyers have successfully defended numerous lawsuits against the Union Pacific Railroad involving coal-tar creosote exposure. One of these cases resulted with the amount of $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 during his employment for over 31 years. The jury found that the railroad did not provide him with personal protective equipment, and exposed him to a variety of toxic chemicals including coal-tar-tar creosote and coal distillates.
Another argument was the use of copper naphthalenate as a replacement for creosote from coal tar. While copper naphthenate isn't as environmentally harmful than creosote is, it can nevertheless be extremely dangerous. Copper naphthenate is a cancer-causing agent and can cause skin, nerve and lung damage to the lung, skin and nerves. It also contaminates the soil and groundwater with benzene.
Benzene
A colorless, liquid petroleum hydrocarbon, benzene is used in manufacture of plastics, resins, nylon and synthetic fibers. It is also present in diesel fuel and exhaust. Diesel fumes are inhaled regularly by nearly all railroad workers. Benzene is a known carcinogen, and has been linked to leukemia as well as myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS).
There is no safe level of exposure to benzene. It can be breathed in or absorption through the surface the skin. Long-term exposure to the benzene compound can cause blood damage, leading to irregular periods, anemia and fertility issues. There is also a link between benzene to certain types of cancer, including breast and lung cancer.
The benzene compound can be inhaled orally however it is most dangerous when inhaled. Inhaling benzene can cause dizziness, headaches nose bleeds, dizziness and loss of consciousness. It can also disrupt the immune system, which can cause infections.
Recent reports have revealed the high levels of benzene at two Chicago train stations. Commuters and railroad workers were exposed to these pollutant levels, which prompted schools to close classes and cities to require residents to take shelter in their homes. bnsf settlement , such as car department employees, locomotive mechanics, electricians and pipefitters utilize products containing benzene, such as Safety-Kleen part washers and CRC Brakleen as well as paints thinners, paints and other products. It is also found in printing solvents.
Asbestos
The asbestos use in the railroad industry started in the middle of the century. Asbestos is a class of six naturally occurring fibrous silicate minerals that were once widely used in construction due to their fire-retardant resistant, fire-retardant, corrosion resistant and insulate properties. Inhaling these fibers can cause serious health problems such as lung cancer mesothelioma and asbestosis. These health 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, it is still present in many products. This includes certain types of floor felt, paper and fake fire embers. But, if these items are exposed to heat or water they could release toxic asbestos fibers. These fibers may also get into the air when buildings are being demolished or when homes are being renovated.
A recent study has found that just five years of exposure to benzene can significantly increase the risk of developing acute myeloid leukemia (AML). If you are suffering from symptoms like night sweats, unprovoked weight loss, and a lack of appetite or lack of appetite, seek out your doctor immediately. They may perform an analysis of your blood to determine AML.
The EPA recently settled a case with Genesee & Wyoming Railroad Services Inc. (GWRSI). GWRSI operates locomotives that emit nitrogen oxides and fine particulates (PM2.5) when they run on diesel fuel. cancer settlements requires that GWRSI replace any of its current locomotives with newer models that conform to EPA emissions standards.
Diesel Exhaust
As long as diesel fuel continues to be used to power freight trains railroad workers are exposed to exhaust. Diesel exhaust is a mix of toxic chemicals, which include carcinogens such as benzene, carbon monoxide, and formaldehyde. It also contains oxides of nitrogen particulate matter, polyaromatic hydrocarbons.
The International Agency for Research on Cancer has classified diesel exhaust as Group 1 carcinogen. Additionally, diesel exhaust is a source of respiratory illness in the form of bronchiopulmonary disorders like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and bronchiectasis. A 2006 study published in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives linked railroad worker's work and COPD rates.
If railcars and locomotives are running and idle, they emit diesel exhaust. The machines and engines that are idle emit gases in addition to diesel fumes, including nitrogen oxides and sulfur dioxide.
Diesel exhaust fumes are usually not distinguishable in locomotive cabs, where conductors and engineers spend at least six hours a day. cancer settlements and engine emit more diesel exhaust fumes when workers enter or leave the cabins. This can lead to pulmonary and cancerous problems.
In roundhouses that are not well ventilated or workshops railroad mechanics are exposed to an extreme risk of exposure to diesel exhaust. They work with running locomotives and track equipment in closed spaces that are often contaminated with inhalants, including asbestos-insulated steam boilers and steam pipes and silica sand.