10 Inspirational Graphics About Railroad Settlement Cll
Benzene, Butadiene, and Other Carcinogens on the Railroad
Many railroad workers are exposed on the job to carcinogens, including benzene. If you have developed a serious disease such as leukemia, then you could be eligible for compensation.
Leukemias occur in blood-forming tissue like bone marrow or lymphatic tissue. CLL (chronic lymphocytic Leukemia) is one of the four primary types of adult leukemia.
Benzene
Benzene is a chemical that can be absorbed through inhalation or through the skin. It is a by-product of oil that is used in the production of nylons, plastics, and synthetic fibers. It is also used in lubricants and dyes. It is a known carcinogen that causes leukemia acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) myelodysplastic syndromes and lymphomas.
Mineral spirits, solvents and degreasers are employed by railroad workers to expose them to benzene. When working on rail workers settlement or freight cars, they are exposed to exhaust and diesel fumes. Railroad workers have a high risk of developing chronic lymphocytic leukemia due to this exposure.
Numerous epidemiological studies have demonstrated an increase in the leukemia risk with the increase in exposure to benzene. A recent meta-analysis of 22 studies offered summaries of effects estimates for exposure to benzene and the risk of AML, Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL) and Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL).
The results of the meta-analysis suggest that exposure to occupational benzene significantly increases the risk of developing these leukemias. The results for AML, CLL and ALL were less favourable. This could be due to the lower reporting rate for these subgroups but also due to the lack of dose response with increasing exposures. The meta-analysis found no evidence of bias in the publication.
Asbestos
Asbestos is a fibrous mineral that is used in thousands of industrial products. Its resistance to heat, fire and corrosion makes it a perfect material for railroad locomotives and other machinery. However, asbestos is a health risk when workers are handling it. When asbestos fibers are exposed, they may break down into microscopic strands that are then airborne. Inhaled, they can lodge in the lung. They can cause various serious diseases, including mesothelioma.
Asbestos fibers could cause irritation to a person's lung lining when they enter the lung. This irritation can cause the formation of collagen which will harden over time, forming plaques in the pleura. This condition can cause chest pain and breathing issues.
Another form of lung damage that is caused by asbestos exposure is fibrosis, which forms scar tissue that interferes with the ability of a person to breathe. If not treated this condition could be fatal.
If you are a railroad employee who was diagnosed with an asbestos-related illness then seek out an FELA attorney immediately. A knowledgeable mesothelioma lawyer can assist you in filing a claim for compensation. In order to be successful in a claim you must prove that your exposure to a toxic substance while on the job led to your condition. FELA attorneys frequently work with industrial safety specialists known as industrial hygienists to look over the materials in the workplace of railroads and determine if the railroad adhered to the proper safety procedures.
Diesel Exhaust
Railroad workers are often exposed to carcinogenic substances and fumes while in their work environment, including diesel exhaust. Diesel exhaust exposure has been linked with mesothelioma and lung cancer and other serious occupational diseases among railroad workers. Inhaling engine exhaust as well as particulates can lead to long-term health issues that could be difficult to treat.
Diesel fuel is used in locomotives, and the cab of a locomotive is tiny with no ventilation. Railroad workers may be exposed to diesel exhaust by breathing it into the cab and pulling it back onto them and their clothes after they leave the cab. Railroad workers who work 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 contains mutagenic as well as cancerous compounds that can get into the bloodstream. These chemicals can cause harm to the respiratory system as well as blood and bone marrow. In a study that followed many workers who were repeatedly exposed to diesel exhaust, scientists found that those with the longest time of exposure experienced the highest risk of lung cancer.
Even after adjusting for smoking and other factors 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 have been exposed to diesel exhaust and other industrial toxic substances.