Railroad Leukemia

Many railroad workers endure a long-term exposure to carcinogens. Their work often exposes them to benzene. However they also are at risk of chronic lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) due to exposure to herbicides such as 2,4-D and dicamba.

LaTonya Payne is from Houston's fifth ward, close to the Union Pacific rail yard where creosote is kept. Payne's son died of leukemia in July.

Benzene

Benzene is a clear, flammable liquid with a myriad of uses. It is a component of some of the solvents used by Railroad Non Hodgkins Lymphoma workers. It is can be found in diesel exhaust fumes. Benzene is believed to be carcinogen and studies indicate that exposure to this chemical can lead to leukemia. Exposure to this chemical is associated with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) and Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS). Benzene alters the DNA structure and can lead to cancerous cells to form. Benzene has been demonstrated to cause chromosome changes in bone marrow cells, where new blood-forming cells are formed.

Numerous international and national agencies study substances to determine if they can cause cancer. Benzene is classified as a carcinogen of group one, which means it is likely to cause cancer in humans. The organizations analyze a range of animal and human studies to arrive at these conclusions.

AML and MDS are blood-related diseases and therefore if Railroad Myelodysplastic Syndrome workers are exposed to these chemicals over an extended period of time, they may be at risk for developing either. There are, however, ways to safeguard against these dangerous chemicals. Railroad Cll machinists for instance wear a mask to keep benzene out of their system.

Avoiding work with benzene can also be a good way to safeguard yourself. This is difficult since railroad jobs typically involve working on tracks, where trains are moving constantly. These steps may not protect Railroad Pulmonary Fibrosis workers from exposure to benzene totally however, Railroad Non Hodgkins Lymphoma they can assist.

Trichloroethylene

Trichloroethylene (TCE) is a chlorinated solvent that was previously widely used as a metal degreaser and in other manufacturing processes. It is also a environmental pollutant that has affected groundwater in a few communities throughout the country. TCE is absorbed through the skin, inhaled or ingested. The chemical can cause variety of health issues, based on the form and duration of exposure.

Symptoms of exposure to high levels of TCE include nausea, vomiting, Railroad Non Hodgkins Lymphoma confusion and sleepiness. It can also cause unconsciousness and insomnia. It can also trigger kidney and liver failure. TCE is also a carcinogen. TCE is a carcinogen, according to the International Agency for Research on Cancer. The American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists declares it a human cancerous substance with potential genetic toxicities.

TCE is an extremely toxic chemical that is extremely toxic. It also acts as an irritant to the skin and respiratory irritation. It is also known to cause fires. If it is exposed to an ignition source ignition, it will react to form perchloroethylene and dichlorovinyl cysteine. These compounds are soluble, and can be taken in by the skin. TCE is also processed in the liver and kidneys of experimental animals as well as humans. to the oxidative metabolites chloralhydrate as well as dichloroacetic acid and trichoacetic acid. These metabolites can be responsible for creating DNA mutations and cell growth, which are hallmarks of leukemia.

Creosote

A yellow to colorless wood preservative, creosote is a mixture of various types of natural chemicals. It is used on utility poles and railroad ties to shield against termites, mites and fungus. It is antiseptic in nature and has been used to treat ear infections, toothaches, and stomach issues. Long-term exposure to the substance could cause serious health problems.

In the 19th century coal tar creosote was used in tuberculosis treatments. It was replaced in 1910 when radiation therapy became more effective. Long-term exposure may cause skin cancer, respiratory irritation, and eye irritation. It can also cause damage to the kidneys, lungs, and liver. Inhaling high levels of the chemical could cause death or unconsciousness.

Research has proven that creosote could be toxic to marine life. It has been proven that Pacific herring (Clupea Pallasi) embryos can suffer bone abnormalities and ineffective swimming, even at concentrations of up to 5aEUR%0I 14g/L total polycyclic hydrocarbons. Creosote treated wood has been shown to have similar toxicity in laboratory tests.

A creosote-contaminated rail yard has been linked to a cancer cluster in Houston, and residents are concerned about the effects of the contamination on their children. Union Pacific has held community gatherings and is testing drinking water near the site. A study by the Texas Department of State Health Services indicates that children living in the area are more likely to develop of leukemia as well as other cancers.

Magnetic Fields

Magnetic fields are the areas of energy that surround electrical devices. Natural magnetic fields can also be found in the surrounding environment. Numerous studies have examined whether EMFs generated by humans are a cause of cancer. The majority of research has concluded that daily exposure to EMFs does not increase the risk of getting cancer. Some research has shown that prolonged exposure to EMFs can increase the risk of certain types of cancer.

Researchers looked at the records of 20000 Swiss railway employees over 30 years in Occupational and Environmental Medicine. They monitored the workers' exposure to extremely low-frequency electromagnetic fields (ELF-EMFs). The researchers discovered that railroad workers who were exposed to the most ELF-EMFs such as train drivers and station masters - had a higher risk of developing leukemia and Hodgkin lymphoma.

Earlier studies of people who worked in positions which required exposure to ELF-EMFs have revealed higher than expected rates of certain types of cancer, such as leukemia brain tumors, leukemia and male breast cancer. Recent studies, including ones that assessed workers' exposures but did not show an increased risk.

The researchers concluded that the increased risk of myeloid lymphoma as well as Hodgkin’s lymphoma among train drivers was the most significant. Nearly half of all cases were in the most-risk group. Researchers concluded that factors like smoking and socioeconomic status will not affect the occurrence of both blood cancers.