Railroad Settlements and Asbestos

In 1862, Congress passed the Pacific Railroad Act which financed two transcontinental railroad companies by granting large grants of lands for rights-of-way. Railroad workers who contract cancer as a result of exposures at work can sue employers under the Federal Employers' Liability Act (FELA).

A jury in Illinois gave $7.5 million to an ex- Union Pacific Trackman who died of acute myeloid leukemia. He blamed his blood-cancers on exposure to creosote compounds like benzene and others used to protect wooden railroad ties.


Creosote

Coal tar crosote is a wood preservative that is used to shield railroad ties from sun, heat, cold, rain and snow. Workers are exposed to toxic chemicals and solvents, including benzene, in the process of applying of coal tar creosote. Benzene is a known carcinogen that can cause leukemia, myelodysplastic disorder and non-Hodgkin's lupus as well as other serious side effects such as convulsions, changes to your heartbeat, liver damage, anemia and bone marrow damages. cancer of the lungs and skin.

Our lawyers have successfully prosecuted multiple lawsuits against Union Pacific Railroad for exposure to coal-tar creosote. One of these cases was settled with an award of $7,500,000. cancer settlements was a track staffer who developed acute myeloid leukemia as a result of exposure to the toxic chemical compound during his work for 31 years. The jury found that the railroad did not provide any personal protective equipment, and frequently exposed him to a large number of toxic chemicals including coal-tar creosote, coal distillates, naphtha, carbolineum and other cleaning solvents.

Another case involved the use of copper naphthenate as an alternative to creosote made of coal tar. Although copper naphthenate is less environmentally harmful than creosote it can still be extremely harmful. Copper naphthenate is a cancer-causing agent and can cause skin, nerve and lung damage to the lung, skin and nerves. It can also contaminate the groundwater and soil with benzene.

Benzene

Benzene is a colorless petroleum hydrocarbon that is used to create resins, plastics and synthetic fibers. It is also used in diesel fuels and exhaust. Nearly all railroad workers are exposed to diesel fumes on a daily basis. Benzene is a well-known carcinogen has been linked to leukemia and the myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS).

There is no limit of exposure to benzene. It is taken in through the skin and inhaled. Exposure to benzene for long periods of time can harm blood vessels, causing anemia, irregular periods, and fertility issues. Benzene can also be linked to certain types of cancers, like breast and lung cancer.

Inhaling million settlement is among the most dangerous. Inhaling benzene can cause headaches, dizziness or nosebleeds. It can also affect your immune system and trigger infections.

A recent report highlighted elevated levels of benzene in the air near two Chicago train stations. Commuters railroad workers as well as city residents were exposed to the high levels of pollution. Schools were closed for classes and cities urged residents to take shelter. Railroad workers, which includes car department employees, locomotive machinists pipefitters and electricians, frequently make use of benzene-containing items like Safety-Kleen parts washers as well as CRC Brakleen as well as paints and thinners. Also, benzene is found in printing solvents.

Asbestos

As early as the 1800s asbestos was employed in the railroad industry. Asbestos is a group of six naturally occurring fibrous silicate minerals which were once very popular in construction for their fire retardant, fire-retardant, corrosion-resistant and insulate properties. Inhaling these fibrous materials can cause serious health issues such as lung cancer and asbestosis. The signs of these health conditions may take between 15 and 30 years to manifest.

The EPA has stopped asbestos mining and processing in the US however, it is still present in a number of products. This includes certain kinds of paper, flooring felt and fake fireplace embers. However, if these materials are exposed to water or heat they could release toxic asbestos fibers. The fibers can also be released into the air when buildings are being demolished or when homes are remodeled.

A recent study revealed that just five years of exposure to benzene can significantly increase a person's risk for developing acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Consult your physician if you notice symptoms like night sweats, or a sudden weight loss. They can perform a blood test to detect AML.

railroad settlement resolved a case against Genesee & Wyoming Railroad Services Inc. (GWRSI). GWRSI operates locomotives that emit nitrogen oxides and fine particulates (PM2.5) when they run on diesel fuel. This EPA settlement requires that GWRSI replace any of its locomotives with more modern models that comply with EPA emissions standards.

Diesel Exhaust

As long diesel fuel is used to power railroads, freight trains will remain exposed to exhaust. Diesel exhaust is a mix of toxic chemicals, which include carcinogens such as benzene, carbon monoxide and formaldehyde. It also contains particulate matter, polyaromatic hydrocarbons as well as nitrogen oxides.

The International Agency for Research on Cancer has classified diesel exhaust as Group 1 carcinogen. Additionally, diesel exhaust is an important cause of respiratory illness in the form of bronchiopulmonary illnesses such as chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD) and bronchiectasis. A 2006 study published in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives linked railroad worker's employment with COPD rates.

If railcars and locomotives are running and idling, they emit diesel exhaust. The machinery and engines that idle emit gases in addition to diesel fumes, which include sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides.

The odor of diesel exhaust is often inescapable inside locomotive cabs, where conductors and engineers sit for up to six hours at the same time. The equipment and engine emit more diesel exhaust fumes when people enter or leave the cabins. This can cause pulmonary and cancerous problems.

In roundhouses that are not well ventilated, shops and workshops railroad mechanics have to contend with the risk of being exposed to diesel exhaust. They work in enclosed spaces that contain track equipment, locomotives and asbestos-insulated steam boilers.