Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia and Railroad Exposure

Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) is a type of cancer that affects white blood cells. These cells fight infections within the body but once they have modified, they cannot function as they should.

Two Swedish3 and one Norwegian4 studies have shown an increased risk of leukaemia as well as brain tumour risk in bnsf railway lymphoma engine operators compared to station masters and train attendants. However the results of these studies are inconsistent.

Benzene

Benzene, a flammable chemical is extremely poisonous. It has an odor of gasoline that is sweet and is extremely inflammable. It is used to make other chemicals, like plastics and resins rubbers, synthetic fibers lubricants, dyes, detergents, drugs and pesticides. Exposure to benzene may cause blood-related leukemia as well as cancers. The chemical can also cause nerve damage. Benzene can cause poisoning if it is inhaled, swallowed or absorbed through the skin.

A number of studies have proven that benzene can increase leukemia risk by 40%. The chemical causes damage to the bone marrow where the blood-forming cells are located. Exposure to benzene over an extended period of time may cause anemia, which causes the body not to have enough healthy red blood cells that can carry oxygen throughout the body. Benzene may also cause changes to the white blood cell that can decrease the body's ability in fighting infection.

Inhaling benzene inhalation can cause nausea, vomiting, headaches, and dizziness. It can also affect kidneys, the liver, and the lungs. People who are exposed to benzene may also feel fatigue, memory loss and tremors. If you experience any of these symptoms seek medical attention as soon as you can. If you've been exposed, contact an attorney for railroad workers to discuss compensation.

Asbestos

Workers on the railroad are exposed to benzene and other carcinogenic chemicals and substances like creosote and asbestos. A lot of these toxic chemicals can lead to severe and debilitating diseases for bnsf railway stomach cancer workers, such as leukemia. Many of these cancers are treatable in the early stages. A few railroad workers have passed away from exposure to these carcinogens.

Asbestos is fibrillar minerals, which naturally occur and create long, thin fibers. The fibers can end up in the lungs of people because they are so small. These fibers may eventually cause serious diseases like mesothelioma as well as lung cancer.

Symptoms of mesothelioma include an increase in lungs' fluid chest pain, coughing up blood. Fortunately doctors can test for mesothelioma with the CT scan or a biopsy. If a person has mesothelioma, their doctor may suggest surgery, chemotherapy or radiation.

Despite asbestos being banned in 1970, railroads continued to use it and other carcinogenic substances without not informing their employees. William claims that bnsf railway laryngeal cancer exposed to asbestos and other carcinogenic substances and caused him to develop lung cancer. He asserts that the company should be liable under FELA. William's lawsuit is currently being heard in Montana. The company has attempted to get the case dismissed, but the state Supreme Court disagreed. If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with mesothelioma contact a railroad injury lawyer to see if you are qualified for compensation.

Creosote

Creosote, a oily liquid with a yellowish to colorless hue, contains a range of natural chemicals. It has a burning smokey scent and a burnt taste when lit. Since ancient times its antiseptic properties have resulted in its use in medicine and in cooking.

Pesticide applicators who are certified in wood treatment apply the creosote with high-pressure equipment in wood treatment facilities. The most common type of creosote used today is coal-tar. It is useful in keeping pilings and cross ties in good condition as well as fence posts and power line posts. It also deters insects and fungus. It also has a natural water-proofing property.

Creosote also contains aromatic compounds that are volatile organic acids and paraffinic hydrocarbons. The tar acids, which possess powerful antiseptic properties, vary in their amount based on the kind of coal tar used. They vary from less than 3 percent in vertical retorts and low temperature tars, to as much as 32% in creosote created from coke oven tar.

The toxic effects of creosote are eye and skin irritations headaches, nausea, and fatigue. People working in the bnsf railway multiple myeloma industry are exposed to the chemical on a daily routine when they brush or spray the preservative onto railroad ties and other wood products. In one instance the jury gave $7.5 Million to a man with myelodysplastic syndrome and acute myeloid leukemia. was exposed to solvents and creosote without protection.

Diesel Exhaust

Rail workers are exposed harmful substances on a daily bases. In addition to the exhaust fumes of diesel engines asbestos and solvents and degreasers, lubricants, and lubricants. Machine operators also regularly encounter welding and cutting fumes. Inhaling these chemicals could cause lung cancer, mesothelioma, and blood disorders such as multiple myeloma or acute myeloid lymphoma. People who work in ballast dumping and road maintenance equipment duties are also exposed to silica dust, which is a well-known carcinogen that can cause silicosis.

Lung cancer is the most common form of cancer attributed to exposure to diesel fumes during work. Diesel fumes are a harmful mixture containing more than a dozen carcinogenic chemicals, which include CO2 and polycyclic hydrocarbons. Numerous studies of the cohorts of railroad workers bus garage workers miners and professional drivers have shown a link between exposure to diesel exhaust and bnsf railway laryngeal cancer lung cancer. In these studies, men who were exposed to most diesel exhaust had a higher risk of developing lung cancer than those with a lower exposure.

Another type of cancer linked with exposure to diesel exhaust is bladder cancer. This is due to the fact that diesel fumes contain benzene as well as butadiene, which are both classified as group one carcinogens by the International Agency for Research on Cancer. Seven cohort studies and sixteen case-control studies were included in an investigation on urinary bladder carcinoma and diesel engine exhaust based on expert assessments or JEMs. These studies were adjusted to account for tobacco smoking.