Benzene, Butadiene, and Other Carcinogens on the Railroad
Many railroad workers are exposed to benzene, butadiene and other carcinogens while on the job. If you've developed a severe illness like leukemia, you could be eligible for compensation.
Leukemias originate in blood-forming tissues like bone marrow or lymphatic tissue. CLL (chronic lymphocytic Leukemia) is one of the four main types of adult-specific leukemia.
Benzene
Benzene is a gas that can be breathed in, or absorbed through the skin. It is a contaminant of oil that is used to make plastics, nylons, and synthetic fibers. It is also used in lubricants dyes, detergents, paints, pesticides and drugs. It is a recognized carcinogen that causes leukemia, acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) and myelodysplastic diseases and lymphomas.
Railroad workers are exposed to benzene due to the use of mineral spirits, solvents, and degreasers. They are also exposed to exhaust fumes and diesel fuel when working on freight cars, locomotives and other railway equipment. Railroad workers face a high risk of developing chronic lymphocytic Leukemia because of this exposure.
Numerous epidemiologic studies have demonstrated that exposure to benzene raises the risk of leukemia. A recent meta-analysis of 22 studies gave summary effect estimates for benzene exposure and the risk of AML or Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL) and Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL).
The results from the meta-analysis show that exposure to occupational benzene significantly increases the risk of developing these leukemias. The results for AML, CLL and ALL were lower. railroad injury settlement amounts could be due to the lower reporting rate for these subgroups, in addition to an absence of dose-response with increasing exposures. The meta-analysis found no evidence of publication bias.
Asbestos
Asbestos, a mineral that is fibrous that has been utilized to make a myriad of industrial products. Its resistance to heat, fire and corrosion made it a perfect material for railroad locomotives as well as other equipment. However, asbestos is a health risk when workers work with it. When asbestos fibers are exposed they break down into tiny strands that can then can then become airborne. They can then be inhaled and can get trapped deep within the lungs of people. These can lead to a variety of serious illnesses, such as mesothelioma.
If asbestos fibers infiltrate the lungs of a patient they can cause irritation to lining of the lungs. This irritation can cause the formation of collagen which becomes harder over time, creating plaques in the pleura. This condition can lead to chest pain and trouble breathing.
Fibrosis is yet another form of lung damage which can be caused by asbestos exposure. The scar tissue interferes with breathing. This condition could be fatal if left untreated.
Contact a FELA lawyer right away if you are a railroad employee who has been diagnosed with a health issue caused by asbestos. An experienced mesothelioma lawyer will help you file an application for compensation. To be successful in a compensation claim you must prove that exposure to toxic substances at work caused your illness. FELA lawyers often work with industrial safety experts referred to as industrial hygienists. They examine the products used in the railroad workplace and determine whether the railroad company followed the proper occupational safety practices.
Diesel Exhaust
Railroad workers frequently encounter carcinogenic substances and fumes during their work, including diesel exhaust. The frequent exposure to diesel exhaust has been linked to lung cancer as well as other serious occupational illnesses in railroad workers, including mesothelioma and pulmonary fibrisis. Inhaling particulates and engine exhaust could cause long-term health issues that are difficult to treat.
Diesel fuel is used in locomotives, and the interior of a locomotive's cab is an incredibly small space that has very little ventilation. Railroad workers may be exposed to diesel exhaust by breathing it into the cab, and by being able to drag it back over themselves and their clothes when they leave the cab. Railroad workers who work in yards and shops can also be exposed to diesel exhaust, because they are frequently in contact with locomotives and train equipment.
Diesel exhaust is believed to be a source of carcinogenic and mutagenic compounds that can be absorbed into bloodstream. These compounds can affect the blood and bone marrow and cause damage the respiratory tract. Researchers found that workers who had been exposed to diesel exhaust for the longest duration of time were at the greatest risk of developing lung cancer.
Even after controlling for smoking and other causes the mortality rate for lung cancer was significantly higher among railroad workers exposed to diesel exhaust. The Lyon Firm is investigating claims from railroad workers who claim to have been ill from exposure to diesel exhaust and other industrial toxic substances.