Benzene, Butadiene, and Other Carcinogens on the Railroad
Many railroad workers are exposed to benzene, butadiene, and other carcinogens on the job. You could be entitled to compensation in the event that you develop an illness that is serious, such as leukemia.
Leukemias can occur in the lymphatic or bone marrow. Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is one of four types of leukemia that are prevalent in adults.
Benzene
Inhaling Benzene is possible, or absorbed by the skin. It is a contaminant of oil that is used to make nylons, plastics and synthetic fibers. It is also used in lubricants dyes paints, detergents, pesticides, and other drugs. It is a well-known carcinogen that causes leukemia acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) and myelodysplastic diseases and lymphomas.
Mineral spirits, solvents, and degreasers are used by railroad workers to expose them to benzene. railroad injury settlement amounts are also exposed to exhaust fumes and diesel fuel when working on locomotives, freight cars and other railway equipment. Railroad workers are at a greater risk of developing chronic lymphocytic Leukemia because of the exposure.
A number of epidemiologic studies have found an increased leukemia risk as a result of the increase in exposure to benzene. A recent meta-analysis of 22 studies gave summary effect estimates for exposure to benzene and the risk of AML, 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 these leukemias. The results for AML, CLL and ALL were less favourable. This may be due to a lower frequency of reporting for the two subgroups, and also to a lack of dose-response effects with increasing exposures. The meta-analysis did not find any evidence of bias in publication.
Asbestos
Asbestos is a mineral that is fibrous which has been used in a variety of industrial products. Its resistance to fire, heat and corrosion made it a popular choice for railroad locomotives and other equipment. railroad back injury settlements is a danger to workers who handle it. When railroad back injury settlements are exposed they break down into tiny strands that can then become airborne. Inhaling them, they can form a swarm in the lungs. They can trigger a variety of serious illnesses, including mesothelioma.
When asbestos fibers enter the lungs of an individual they may cause irritation to the lining of the lungs. This irritation can result in a buildup of collagen that will harden over time, forming plaques called pleural. This condition can lead to chest pain and trouble breathing.
railroad injury settlement amounts is another kind of lung damage that could be caused by asbestos exposure. This scar tissue interferes with the ability to breath. This condition could be fatal if it is not treated.
Contact a FELA lawyer right away if are a railroad worker who has been diagnosed with a health issue caused by asbestos. A mesothelioma attorney can help you file a claim for compensation. To win a compensation claim, you will need to prove that exposure to harmful substances while on the job caused your condition. FELA lawyers often collaborate with industrial safety experts called industrial hygienists. They review the items in the workplace of railroads and determine if the company adhered to proper workplace safety procedures.
Diesel Exhaust
Railroad workers are often exposed to carcinogenic substances and fumes while during their work, including diesel exhaust. Excessive exposure to diesel exhaust has been linked with mesothelioma, lung cancer, and other serious occupational ailments among railroad workers. Inhaling particulates and engine exhaust may cause long-term health issues that are difficult to treat.
Diesel fuel is used in locomotives, and the cabin of a locomotive tiny and has no ventilation. Railroad workers can be exposed to diesel exhaust by breathing it into the cab, and then being able to drag it back over their clothing and themselves when they leave the cab. Diesel exhaust can also be an issue for railroad employees who work in yards or shops, since they are often close to locomotives.
Diesel exhaust contains mutagenic and cancerous compounds that may enter the bloodstream. These chemicals can alter the blood and bone marrow and cause damage to the respiratory tract. Researchers found that workers who had been exposed to diesel exhaust for the longest amount of time were at the greatest chance of developing lung cancer.
Even after controlling for smoking and other factors lung cancer mortality was significantly higher in railroad workers exposed to diesel emissions. The Lyon Firm is investigating a number of claims made by railroad workers who were ill by exposure to diesel exhaust and solvents as well as other industrial toxic exposures.