Every day, railroad workers are exposed to various carcinogens like silica, asbestos, and diesel fumes. They are at risk of developing a variety of cancers and other long term illnesses from these exposures.
You may be eligible to file an FELA claim if you are railway employee and have been diagnosed as having cancer. Contact a lawyer to learn more about the possibility of claiming.
Asbestos
Asbestos is made up of fibrous minerals and is used as a typical building material. It is renowned for being robust, durable, and resistant to fire. It is extremely toxic. Asbestos may be broken down into microscopic fibers, which can easily float in the air and then be breathed into. When inhaled, asbestos fibers can become lodged within lung tissue, causing many serious health problems. These include asbestosis, lung cancers, and mesothelioma.
Asbestos exposure can lead to pleural effusions, which is the accumulation of fluid between the lungs and the chest wall. This can cause chronic cough shortness of breath, and fatigue. It can also result in the condition known as fibrosis which is a condition that causes scarring of lung tissue. When combined with smoking the risk of lung cancer and pleural effusions increase even more.
Asbestos exposure is the only known cause of mesothelioma, which is a type of cancer that affects the tissue of the lungs' lining stomach, heart or abdomen. Mesothelioma is a fatal disease but it is treated through surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation. Mesothelioma has long latency. This means that victims may not show symptoms for a long time after asbestos exposure. Railroad workers who have been exposed to asbestos should seek advice from mesothelioma attorneys. BNSF and other railroads are required to fulfill the legal obligation to protect workers from exposure to harmful chemicals such as welding fumes, diesel exhaust asbestos, silica and other carcinogens.
Trichloroethylene
Trichloroethylene, also referred to as TCE, is a chlorinated solvent used in a variety of industrial applications. It is a transparent, colorless liquid that has a chlorine-like odor. It is poisonous when inhaled or breathed in. TCE is present in the air or in soil, water, or kidney Cancer railroad Injuries in areas where it was utilized or made. It is a slow degrader in the environment, and can accumulate in water. It was widely used by the military to degrease equipment, and therefore groundwater and soil that are contaminated can be found in close proximity to current and former military bases. People can be exposed by breathing in TCE from the air indoors or outdoors or drinking water that is contaminated, or eating food that washed in polluted water.
TCE exposure can lead to kidney cancer and non Hodgkin lymphoma. It can also affect liver and central nervous systems. A prolonged exposure can trigger an autoimmune liver inflammation, which is known as Hepatitis. TCE is also a carcinogen and has been linked to the development of liver cancer.
Workers should be warned of the dangers of TCE and given the safety equipment required and training to avoid exposure. First treatment for those exposed to TCE include removing them from fresh air and performing artificial breathing when required. They should be treated with a high dose of glucocorticoid.
Silica
Silicon dioxide, also known as silica, is a common element throughout our natural surroundings. It's among the most abundant oxide minerals including granite and sand. It's used in the making of ceramics, glass and many common consumer products. Our bodies also contain silica as a trace element in our teeth and bones.
Silica poses a health risk to people who work around it in its crystalline form. When it's cut or chipped it creates tiny particles of dust that can be easily inhaled. It can cause lung diseases such as silicosis. This causes scarring of lung tissue and makes breathing difficult.
Crystalline silica can also trigger kidney cancer in people who are exposed for long periods of time. The dust enters the bloodstream because the lungs are unable to filter it out. The blood's toxins can cause kidney damage and Kidney Cancer Railroad injuries failure.
Around 2.3 millions people are estimated to be exposed to respirable silicon. This is mainly in the construction industry, but it is also found in mining, manufacturing and hydraulic fracturing operations. Silica in its aqueous form (water-soluble) isn't harmful. It is actually essential to our health as it is a vital element of the mineral balance in our bones and tendons.
Fiberglass
Fiberglass is an insulation material used in homes and in other places. Its properties as insulation reduce the transfer of heat and noise. It can also be used to reinforce plastics. Fiberglass is made up of many raw materials, including silica limestone, soda-ash, and waste glasses (also known as cullet).
Workers who use fiberglass for insulation or to strengthen plastics could be at a higher chance of being exposed to it. This could cause irritation to the eyes, skin and throat. It can also cause respiratory problems, like wheezing and coughing. Inhaled fiberglass particles can cause irritation to the stomach. The danger of exposure is greater when workers do not wear face masks or are in a dry sweeping environment.
It is crucial to regularly monitor for indications of exposure if you have been working with fiberglass for a prolonged period. If you notice any rash or irritation on your hands, wash the area immediately with soap and warm water. This will eliminate any fiberglass pieces that might have come into contact with your skin. Do not apply pressure to the area, as this will make it worse. It is best to consult a doctor if you are experiencing a persistent problem. If you have been diagnosed with kidney cancer as a result of your work with the railroad you could be qualified for compensation. Federal Employers' Liability Act (FELA) gives you the right to take action against the railroad company in the event that they failed to provide a safe work environment.
