Railroad Settlements and Blood Cancer
Rail workers are exposed to harmful chemicals that could have serious and life-threatening effects on their health. These workers are entitled to bring a lawsuit under FELA to obtain compensation for damages.
Blood cancers (also called hematologic tumors) are related to chemical exposures which occur often on railroads. If you need help, consult an attorney who represents railroad cancer settlement.
Exposure to Diesel Exhaust
The risk of developing lung cancer is higher for railroad workers who are exposed to diesel exhaust as part of their work. Diesel exhaust contains carcinogenic substances that can cause a wide range of health problems. This includes lung cancer, leukemia and pancreatic cancer. Diesel fumes can also be a source of aroma hydrocarbons, which have polycyclic chemical chemistry and can cause irritation to lungs. Diesel exhaust fumes are a common exposure for railroad workers, no matter if they're in the cab or shop area of a locomotive.
The toxins in diesel exhaust can also be absorbed through the skin, which can cause long-term health issues. Railroad workers who work in rail yards where chemicals are spilled, breathe fumes from valves that are leaking or wash their hands with solvents that contain the chemical benzene are at chance of developing cancer. The chemical benzene, clear liquid with an aroma of sweet, comes from crude oil and is a component of diesel fuel and gasoline. It is also found in diesel soot and in solvents for degreasing that are used by railroad workers to clean their tools.
With the help of death certificates, researchers examined the connection between the years of exposure to diesel exhaust and lung cancer deaths for railroad workers. The results showed that railway engineers and conductors are at an increased risk of developing lung cancer as a result of this exposure. However, union pacific settlements did not see a similar link for railroad machinists and electricians. This could be due to the fact that electricians and machinists do not typically perform the same positions for long periods of time.
Exposure to Asbestos
Asbestos is a very toxic material, may have been inhaled by railroad workers who worked inside locomotive crew cabs and repair shops. Asbestos is used in older trains as an insulator as well as brake shoes. Railroad workers who inhaled fibers of asbestos had a higher risk of developing serious diseases like mesothelioma or lung cancer. Multiple myeloma settlements had an increased risk of developing cardiopulmonary fibrillis.
Railroad machinists and engineers, conductors and other employees were regularly exposed to diesel exhaust on the job. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health categorizes benzene as a carcinogen. It is present in diesel and gasoline fuels that is burned by railroad engines. It is also present in railroad connections treated with creosote coal tar, and other chemical compounds. Exposure to benzene or other substances increases the risk of colon, bladder, kidney, esophageal, lung and blood cancers including leukemia, lymphoma or multiple myeloma. It also increases the risk of non-cancerous conditions such as asthma, chronic obstruction pulmonary disorder and asbestosis.
Many railroad workers have died of cancer due to exposure to hazardous chemicals while working. Anyone diagnosed with cancer resulting from railroad work should speak with a mesothelioma lawyer well versed in FELA lawsuits immediately.
Exposure to welding Fumes
Railroad workers are exposed to various hazardous chemicals while in their daily work, which can may cause long-term health issues, such as cancer. They are also susceptible to lung diseases such as mesothelioma and other respiratory illnesses. Exposure to welding fumes, asbestos, diesel exhaust, silica and solvents is linked with blood cancer as well with other ailments of the lungs and respiratory tract. If you have been diagnosed with a chronic condition because of exposure to welding fumes, diesel exhaust asbestos silica, solvents and welding fumes, contact a railroad worker's cancer attorney for more details on filing a claim.
Welding fumes contain harmful substances like manganese, chromium and Cadmium, all of which have been associated with cancer. The fumes also contain benzene which is an oil-based chemical which can cause blood cancer. Diesel exhaust fumes are a different source of benzene, to which train engineers, machinists, and conductors are susceptible. Creosote is a different substance that can cause blood cancer. This substance is used to treat railroad ties that join rails. It is a poisonous and smelly compound that contains high levels of benzene.
Rail workers who were exposed during the course of their job to these chemicals may file a suit under FELA. They can pursue compensation to cover their medical bills, lost income, and other expenses. Numerous studies have proven the connection between exposure to these substances and mesothelioma, lung cancer and bladder cancer, non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma, esophageal cancer colon cancer, kidney cancer, multiple myeloma and other diseases.
Exposure to Solvents
Chemical solvents are commonly used by railroad workers. These solvents include benzene. The liquid is clear and flammable. railroad back injury settlements has a sweet smell. It is used as a solvent and lubricant. It is also an exhaust byproduct from diesel engines which railroad machinists as well as engineers, conductors and electricians are exposed to regularly. Benzene, a known carcinogen, can cause blood disorders like myeloma or leukemia.
Railroad workers are also exposed other chemicals like creosote and coal tar. These chemicals are used to preserve wood in the construction and maintenance of railroad bridges and other structures. They are also used in rail tie construction, which employees of railroad track departments use to connect railroad tracks. These chemicals can be harmful to the skin and liver.
Railroad workers who contract blood cancers such as Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma or Leukemia, or Multiple Myeloma could be eligible for compensation. Colon cancer lawsuit settlements must prove their illnesses were caused by their work on the railroad in order to file a claim. Hughes Law Offices has successfully dealt with FELA claims for railroad workers who developed blood cancers. Contact us today for a a free consultation. We will review your case and advise you of the benefits of your claim. Our railroad settlement lawyers will not charge you an attorney's fees unless we are successful in obtaining funds to settle your claim.