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Railroad Settlements and Asbestos

In 1862, Congress passed The Pacific Railroad Act. This act helped to fund two transcontinental railroad companies by providing large grants for rights of way. Railroad workers who contract cancer due to workplace exposures may make claims against their employers under the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA).

lung cancer settlements  in Illinois gave $7.5 million to a former Union Pacific Trackman who died of acute myeloid leukemia. The man blamed his blood cancer on extensive exposure to creosote and benzene, both of which were used to preserve and waterproof railroad ties made of wood.

Creosote

Coal tar creosote is a wood preservative used to shield railroad ties from the sun, heat, cold and snow. During  Pancreatic cancer settlement  of applying coal tar creosote workers are exposed to a variety of toxic chemicals and solvents, including benzene. Benzene is a well-known carcinogen causes leukemia and non-Hodgkin lymphoma, as being associated with other serious issues like heartbeat fluctuations, convulsions, liver damage, anemia and cancers of the lungs and the body.

Our attorneys have successfully prosecuted several lawsuits against the Union Pacific Railroad involving coal-tar creosote exposure. One of these cases resulted with the settlement of a $7.500,000 verdict. The plaintiff was a track department employee who developed acute myeloid leukemia due to exposure to the chemical compound that is toxic in his work over 31 years. The jury found that the railroad did not provide any personal protection equipment and frequently exposed him large number of toxic chemicals including coal-tar creosote and coal tar distillates, naphtha, carbolineum and other cleaning solvents.

Another reason for this was the use of copper naphthalenate an alternative to coal tar creosote. Copper naphthenate, while less harmful to the environment than creosote, can be extremely hazardous. Copper naphthenate is a cancer-causing agent and can cause skin, nerve and lung damage to the lung, skin and nerves. It also contaminates the groundwater and soil with benzene.

Benzene

A colorless liquid petroleum hydrocarbon which is used in the manufacturing of resins, plastics nylon, synthetic fibers and other. It is also present in diesel fuel and exhaust. The majority of railroad workers are exposed to diesel fumes on an ongoing basis. Benzene is a well-known carcinogen has been linked to leukemia as well as the myelodysplastic disease (MDS).

There is no safe level of exposure to benzene. It is taken in through the skin and inhaled. Exposure for long periods can harm the bloodstream and cause different health issues, including menstrual cycle irregularities, anemia and fertility issues. The chemical benzene has been linked to certain types of cancer such as lung and breast cancer.

It is possible to inhale benzene orally however it is more dangerous when breathed. Inhaling benzene could cause headaches, dizziness or nosebleeds.  Pancreatic cancer settlement  can also interfere with the immune system, which can cause infections.

lung cancer settlements  have highlighted the elevated levels benzene near two Chicago train station. Commuters and railroad workers were exposed to the excessive levels of pollution, which prompted schools to close classes and cities to request residents to stay in shelters. Railroad workers, including car department employees and electricians, locomotive mechanics and pipefitters utilize products that contain benzene such as Safety-Kleen part washers and CRC Brakleen, as well as paints thinners, paints and other products. The chemical is also used in printing solvents.

Asbestos

The use of asbestos in the railroad industry was discovered early. Asbestos comprises six naturally occurring fibrous silicate minerals which were once very popular in construction for their fire retardant corrosion-resistant, fire-retardant, and insulate properties. Inhaling these fibers could lead to serious health issues such as lung cancer or asbestosis. These conditions can take up to 30 years before symptoms are evident.

The EPA has prohibited the mining and processing of asbestos in the United States, but it is still utilized in a variety of products. This includes certain types of flooring felt, paper and fake fire embers. When these materials are exposed to heat or water they could release asbestos fibers. These fibers could also be released into the air during demolition or home remodeling.

A recent study has discovered that exposure to benzene for only five years significantly increases the chance of developing acute myeloid lymphoma (AML). If you're suffering from symptoms like night sweats, unexplained weight loss, and a lack of appetite or loss of appetite, visit your doctor right away. They can do a blood test to detect AML.

The EPA recently settled a case against Genesee & Wyoming Railroad Services Inc. (GWRSI). GWRSI utilizes locomotives that operate on diesel fuel and emit nitrogen oxides (NOx) and fine particulate matter (PM2.5). This EPA settlement requires that GWRSI replace any of its current locomotives with newer models that meet EPA emissions standards.

Diesel Exhaust

As long as diesel fuel continues be used to power freight train, railroad workers are exposed to exhaust. Diesel exhaust is a dangerous mix of chemicals that includes carcinogens like benzene and carbon monoxide. It also contains oxides of nitrogen as well as particulate matter and polyaromatic hydrocarbons.

In reality, the International Agency for Research on Cancer classified diesel exhaust as a Group 1 carcinogen. Diesel exhaust can also trigger respiratory diseases like chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD) or bronchiectasis. A 2006 study published in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives linked railroad worker employment and COPD rates.

Rail and locomotives emit diesel exhaust when they are running and idle in roundhouses, depots, shops and yards. The engines that are idling emit gases, like sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides as well as diesel fumes.

The smell of diesel exhaust is often visible in the cabs of locomotives where conductors and engineers sit for up to six hours at a time. When employees enter or exit the cabs, the engine as well as equipment emit more diesel exhaust fumes that pose a risk for railway cancer and pulmonary problems.

Moreover railroad mechanics are also exposed to diesel exhausts in poorly ventilated roundhouses and shops. They work in enclosed areas with locomotives, track equipment and asbestos-insulated steam boilers.