Acute Myeloid Leukemia and Benzene

Acute myeloid Leukemia (AML), the most common form of acute leukemia among adults is distinguished by a high incidence of AML. It affects cells that create white blood cells that fight infection within the body.

Many railroad workers developed AML due to workplace exposures to diesel fuel, benzene and [empty] creosote. Railroad Blood Cancer lymphoma [Testold.gep.de] workers who have been diagnosed with AML could be eligible to submit a FELA claim.

Benzene

Benzene, a colorless fluid that is flammable, is found in diesel and exhaust. It is also used in railroads where it is used as solvent in paints, parts washers, thinners, and adhesives such as Liquid Wrench. Almost all Railroad Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia crafts, such as locomotive machinists as well as car department workers and electricians, were exposed to benzene through these products.

The dangers of exposure to benzene were discovered early. The chemical caused cancer in lab rats by causing genetic mutations in bone-marrow cells, where new blood cells were formed. This kind of change has been associated with leukemia in human beings. Several national and international agencies have examined the potential for benzene to cause cancer and have classified it as a known human carcinogen.

Research has shown that prolonged exposure to benzene during work increases the risk of developing certain types of leukemia as well as other blood-related cancers. These include acute myeloidleukemia (AML) and [empty] chronic lymphocytic leukemia, and multiple myeloma. Exposure to benzene also decreases the white blood cells count and increases bleeding and bruising because of lower blood platelet levels.

Exposure to benzene may also affect fertility in women. Women who are exposed to high levels of benzene over an extended period of time have abnormal menstrual cycles and less ovarian functions, according to various studies. It is not clear whether these effects are caused by benzene, or through a combination of factors such as poor nutrition and hormonal imbalances.

Creosote

Long have railroad workers been exposed at their work places. In addition to benzene, many railroaders are also exposed to creosote an oily liquid made from coal tar that is used to protect wooden railroad ties and to make them more resistant to decay. Creosote, a known carcinogen can cause leukemia as well as other debilitating diseases. A lawyer for railroad leukemia can help railroad workers determine if their condition was caused by exposure to chemicals at work.

Creosoted railroad ties are much more durable and resistant to rot than ties that are not treated. The chemicals in creosote are toxic to humans and animals and are released into the environment. Creosote that is present in water, may bioaccumulate and accumulate in fish and other organisms. The bioaccumulation of these compounds can be then transferred to people who eat the fish or other animals exposed to the chemicals.

The exposure to coal creosote can occur through contact with the skin and through consuming unclean food or drinks. Skin exposure to the compound may cause chemical burns and other unpleasant symptoms. Inhaling the substance could result in respiratory problems, including coughing and wheezing. Employees working in rail yard facilities where ties are treated with creosote are at a higher risk of being exposed.

Diesel Exhaust

Diesel exhaust (DPM) DPM, which is released by diesel engines, is a mixture of tiny carbon particles as well as a variety of organic compounds that can cause cancer. These include polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, and Acrolein. The DPM also has nitrogen oxides, which can react with the atmosphere to produce the ozone.

The International Agency for Research on Cancer is a division of the World Health Organization, has classified diesel engine exhaust as carcinogenic to humans. The DPM can be inhaled and has been proven to trigger respiratory ailments including bronchitis as well as lung cancer.

Exposure to diesel exhaust poses an extremely risk for railroad workers. DPM is composed of small, respirable particulates of carbon and Ash. The smaller size of the particles allows them to bypass many of the body's defense mechanisms, allowing them to enter deep into the lungs. A short-term exposure can cause irritation to the nose, eyes and throat as well as cause or worsen preexisting asthma.

Benzene, a colorless and flammable liquid that has a sweet smell was a typical component of different solvents used by railroad workers. It was utilized in Liquid Wrench parts washers, Safety Kleen, CRC Brakleen as well as many shop paints and thinners. Railroad machinists, electricians and conductors commonly breathed benzene vapors in these solvent baths during their working days. Benzene is also a constituent of diesel fuel and oil used to lubricate engines.

Exposure to Workplace Stress

The chemical Benzene that is present in gasoline, crude oil and diesel fuel is a liquid that can be breathed in or absorbs through the skin. It is a colorless liquid that can be flammable, has a sweet scent that evaporates into the air quickly. As part of their work Railroad Non Hodgkins Lymphoma workers could be exposed by diesel exhaust, vapors emitted by various solvents and paints or even touching railroad cars that contain it.

Railroad Interstitial Lung Disease maintenance workers have also been exposed to carcinogenic chemical used for vegetation control. This includes the weed killer glyphosate, which is used by certain railroad companies on their tracks and in rail yards. Research has connected this chemical to cancers such as leukemia.

Other workplace exposures can lead to leukemia. One study connected exposure to low-frequency electromagnetic fields with myeloid-leukemia and Hodgkin's lymphoma, which are both forms of blood cancer. The magnetic fields are the most intense for railroaders who spend the bulk of their time inside the cabs of locomotive engines. They are exposed to magnetic fields of up to 20 times higher than station managers, yard engineers and train attendants.

Contact our lawyers to learn more about the compensation you could be entitled to if were a railroad employee and diagnosed with leukemia. We can help you get the compensation you deserve for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.