railroad injury settlement amounts , Butadiene, and Other Carcinogens on the Railroad
Many railroad workers are exposed to carcinogens, including benzene. You may be entitled to compensation if you have developed an illness that is grave, such as leukemia.
Leukemias originate in blood-forming tissues like bone marrow or lymphatic tissue. Chronic lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) is one of four types of leukemia that are prevalent in adults.
Benzene
It can be inhaled or absorbed through the skin. It is a contaminant of oil that is used to make nylons, plastics and synthetic fibers. union pacific settlements is also used as a component in dyes and lubricants. It is a carcinogen which causes leukemia, acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) myelodysplastic syndromes and lymphomas.
Railroad workers are exposed benzene through the use of mineral spirits, solvents and degreasers. When working on locomotives and freight cars they are exposed to exhaust fumes and diesel fumes. Because of this, railroad workers are at a higher risk of developing chronic leukemia.
Numerous epidemiologic studies have found a significant increase in leukemia risk due to an increase in exposure to benzene. A recent meta-analysis of 22 studies provided summaries of effects estimates for exposure to benzene and the risk of AML and Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL) and Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL).
The meta-analysis shows that exposure to benzene in the workplace increases the chance of developing these leukemias. However the results for AML and CLL were less favourable than those for ALL. This may be due to a lower frequency of reporting for these subgroups, but also due to a lack of dose-response interactions that increase exposure. The meta-analysis did not find any evidence of bias in publications.
Asbestos
Asbestos is a mineral that is fibrous which has been used in a multitude of industrial products. Its resistance to heat, fire and corrosion makes it an ideal material for railroad locomotives as well as other equipment. However, asbestos can pose danger to health when workers handle it. When asbestos fibers are exposed they can break down into microscopic strands which turn into airborne. They can then be breathed in and then lodge in the lungs of people. Multiple myeloma settlements can lead to a range of serious illnesses, including mesothelioma.
Asbestos fibers can irritate the lung lining once they enter the lung. This irritation can cause a buildup of collagen that will harden over time, forming plaques in the pleural cavity. This condition can cause chest discomfort and breathing issues.
Another type of lung injury caused by asbestos exposure is fibrosis which results in scar tissue that affects a person's ability to breathe. If left untreated, this condition can be fatal.
Contact an FELA lawyer right away if are a railroad worker who has been diagnosed with a disease that is related to asbestos. An attorney for mesothelioma can help you file a claim for compensation. To be successful, you must prove that your exposure to a toxic substance during the job contributed to the development of your disease. FELA attorneys often collaborate with industrial safety experts, also known as industrial hygienists to examine the work environment at the railroad's workplace, and determine if the railroad adhered to the proper safety practices.
Diesel Exhaust
Diesel exhaust is just one of the many carcinogenic fumes as well as substances that railroad workers are exposed to on a daily basis. Diesel exhaust exposure has been linked to mesothelioma, lung cancer, and other serious occupational diseases among railroad workers. Inhaling particulates from engine exhaust may cause long-term health issues that are difficult to treat.
Locomotives are powered by diesel fuel, and the locomotive cab is a confined space with a limited amount of ventilation. Railroad workers can be exposed to diesel exhaust through breathing it into the cab, and by pulling it back onto their clothing and themselves when they leave the cab. Railroad workers working in shops, yards, and yards could also be exposed to diesel exhaust, since they are often in contact with train and locomotive equipment.
Diesel exhaust is believed to contain mutagenic and carcinogenic compounds that can be absorbed into bloodstream. These chemicals can cause damage to the respiratory system as well as blood and bone marrow. In a study that followed many workers who were frequently exposed to diesel exhaust, scientists discovered that those who had the longest exposure experienced the highest risk of lung cancer.
Lung cancer mortality was significantly higher among railroad workers exposed to diesel exhaust, despite taking into account smoking-related mortality rates and other factors. The Lyon Firm is investigating claims from railroad workers who claim to have been sickened by exposure to diesel exhaust and other industrial toxic substances.