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 eligible for compensation in the event that you develop an illness that is grave, such as leukemia. Leukemias can be found in bone marrow or lymphatic tissues. railroad injury settlement amounts (CLL) is one of the four main types of leukemia in adults. Benzene The chemical Benzene can be absorbed or inhaled through the skin. It is a crude by-product of oil that is used to make plastics, nylons, and synthetic fibers. It is also a component in dyes and lubricants. It is a known carcinogen which causes leukemia, acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) myelodysplastic disorders and lymphomas. Railroad workers are exposed to benzene due to the use of mineral spirits, solvents and degreasers. They are also exposed to diesel fuel and exhaust fumes when working on freight cars, locomotives and other railway equipment. Due to this exposure, railroad workers are at a greater risk of developing chronic leukemia. Numerous epidemiologic studies have demonstrated that exposure to benzene raises the risk of developing leukemia. A recent meta-analysis of 22 studies offered summary effect estimates for exposure to benzene and the likelihood of AML and Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL) and Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL). The results of the meta-analysis show that occupational benzene exposure significantly increases the risk of developing these leukemias. The results for AML, CLL and ALL were lower. This could be due to the lower reporting rate for these subgroups, in addition to an absence of dose-response with increasing exposures. The meta-analysis could not find any evidence of bias in the publication. Asbestos Asbestos, a fibrous rock, has been used to make thousands of industrial products. Its resistance to fire, heat, and corrosion made it a preferred choice for railroad locomotives as well as other equipment. However, asbestos is an health risk for those who handle it. If exposed to the material, asbestos fibers can break down into microscopic particles that are then airborne. They are then inhaled and can get trapped deep within the lungs of an individual. They can cause various serious illnesses, including mesothelioma. When asbestos fibers are introduced into the lungs of a patient they may cause irritation to the lung's lining. This irritation can lead to an increase in collagen which, over time, hardens and creates plaques called pleural. This condition can lead to chest pain and breathing problems. Another type of lung injury caused by asbestos exposure is fibrosis, which causes scar tissue that can hinder breathing capacity of an individual. If left untreated the condition can become fatal. Contact a 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. In order to win a compensation claim, you will need to prove that exposure to toxic substances at work led to your illness. FELA lawyers often work with industrial safety experts called industrial hygienists to review materials in the railroad workplace and determine if the company followed proper occupational safety practices. Diesel Exhaust Railroad workers frequently encounter carcinogenic substances and fumes while on the job, including diesel exhaust. Exposure to diesel exhaust has been linked to lung cancer as well as other serious occupational illnesses in railroad workers, such as mesothelioma and pulmonary fibrisis. Inhaling engine exhaust and particulates could cause chronic health issues that may be difficult to treat. Locomotives are powered by diesel fuel and the cab of the locomotive is a cramped space with a limited amount of ventilation. Railroad workers can be exposed to diesel exhaust by breathing it into the cab and being able to drag it back over them and their clothes after they leave the cab. Railroad workers working in yards and shops can also be exposed to diesel exhaust because they are frequently in contact with train and locomotive equipment. Diesel exhaust is a source of mutagenic and cancerous compounds that can enter the bloodstream. These chemicals can harm the blood and bone marrow, and cause damage to the respiratory tract. In a research study that analyzed hundreds of workers frequently exposed to diesel exhaust, researchers found that those with the longest duration of exposure were at risk for the most lung cancer. Lung cancer mortality was significantly higher among railroad workers exposed to diesel exhaust, even after taking into account smoking-related deaths and other factors. The Lyon Firm is investigating a variety of claims from railroad workers who were sickened by frequent exposure to diesel exhaust and solvents as well as other industrial toxic exposures.
railroad injury settlement amounts
