Frequent exposure to diesel exhaust could be more than just an irritating part of the job. It can result in serious toxic exposure-related injuries like occupational lung cancer and industrial cancers. The Lyon Firm is reviewing railroad workers' claims of suffering from exposure to diesel.
Aplastic anemia is characterized by failure of hematopoiesis with severe pancytopenia and a low reticulocyte count. Flow cytometry is often used to detect paroxysmal eveningtime hemoglobinuria and the hypocellularity of the marrow.
Benzene
The petroleum-based chemical benzene, or C6H6, can cause cancer. It is a byproduct of gasoline production and is found in crude oil as well as in plastics, synthetic rubber dyes, detergents, and pesticides. The natural source of benzene is volcanic eruptions and forest fires.
Exposure to benzene damages the bone marrow and can cause anemia, as well as other blood-related diseases. It has been associated with leukemia in children and adults, such as acute myeloid leukemia, chronic lymphocytic Leukemia, multiple myeloma, and non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
It is believed that benzene causes several of these diseases via various mechanisms, such as DNA damage and destruction of stem cells within the bone marrow. It also can disrupt the normal function of erythrocytes, or the thrombocytes which results in a decrease in blood counts.
Railroad workers who are exposed to benzene and diesel fuel are at risk of being at a higher risk for developing aplastic anemia. These chemicals are often exposed by conductors, locomotive engineers and yard workers. Exposure to other chemicals that are toxic, such as organic solvents, insecticides, herbicides, and Railroad cancer settlement paint removers and paint thinners increase the chance of developing anemia with aplastic. A family history of aplastic angiopathy, prior chemotherapy or radiation treatments and certain autoimmune disorders like rheumatoid arthritis are also risk factors.
Organic Solvents
Railroad workers are also exposed organic solvents such toluene and benzene. These substances are used in disinfectants, degreasers and paint thinners. This kind of exposure could lead to anemia aplastic. These chemicals are usually present in workplaces of industrial origin and are also found in dyestuffs, printing inks paints, varnishes, adhesives and plastics.
Exposure to diesel fumes may also expose railway yard workers and locomotive engineers at risk of aplastic anemia. Diesel gasoline and fuel contain benzene. Long-term exposure to diesel exhaust can cause bone marrow and blood cells failure. Other cancers that are linked to exposure to diesel exhaust can cause heart disease and strokes.
Aplastic anemia has been linked to other toxic chemicals at work, including benzene and insecticides in addition to herbicides and paint removers. Exposure to these chemicals can increase one's risk of developing aplastic anemia and employees who are exposed to these chemicals at work may be entitled to compensation.
The East Palestine disaster is the latest in a string of train accidents that have sprayed carcinogenic chemicals into American communities. Major rail companies like Norfolk Southern are first and foremost obligated to their investors, and will use every resource they have to defend themselves against lawsuits that could harm their profits. That's why we need to nationalize the railroad industry, as some organizations such as railroad cancer settlement Workers United call for. Nationalizing the railroads will ensure that the interests of the working-class are placed above Wall Street's profit-making motives.
Insecticides
Insecticides kill insects and prevent them from engaging in destructive behavior. They are classified according to structure and mode of action. Most insecticides block nerve impulses that control the movement, feeding and egg-laying. Some insecticides act as hormones or affect plant growth. The most frequently used insecticides are pyrethroids as well as carbamates.
These inhibit acetylcholinesterase, causing an accumulation of the neuromuscular joint that contains the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. This leads to rapid twitching, and eventually paralysis. The OPs are also an ovicidal.
The cyclodienes that were introduced following World War II are stable when exposed to sunlight and are able to persist in soil. They are mostly used as insecticides for soil. They include chlordane, dieldrin heptachlor, and endrin. They also serve as fungicides and in the control of leafminers, mites and termites.
The insecticides known as carbamate are caramic acid derivatives and have the same mode of action as OPs. The carbaryl insecticide is most widely employed. It has been around since 1956. It is known for its low oral and dermal toxicity and broad-spectrum insect control. Methomyl, thiodicarb and carbofuran are other carbamates that have been in use for many years. In recent times, pesticides containing carbamate like indoxacarb, furathiocarb and fenoxycarb are being introduced.
Herbicides
Railroad workers are often exposed to benzene, organic solvents, herbicides, and pesticides in their daily jobs. These chemicals can be breathed in or absorbed through the skin. They can increase the risk of aplastic anemia if exposed for a long time. This rare and fatal blood disorder is the result of an abnormal immune system response to chemicals in the environment, chemotherapy drugs and some diseases, such as autoimmune disorders like Rheumatoid arthritis.
Norfolk Southern alone suffered 18 derailments in 2022 that involved hazardous substances, releasing more than 40,000 gallons vinyl chloride, as well as other hazardous chemicals into the atmosphere. While the company has committed to pay compensation for affected communities, a lot of residents feel they've been ignored by the rail corporation.
Benzene is found in diesel exhaust, and can cause aplastic anemia in those who are exposed on a regular basis. Diesel fumes are commonly inhaled by locomotive engineers and conductors and yard workers when they work on locomotives. They could be exposed to benzene from paint removers, solvents and degreasers. This can increase their risk of developing aplastic anemia.
Railroads are powerful in the political realm, and they lobby heavily at both the federal and state level. For example, Norfolk Southern has spent more than $1.8 million to oppose legislation that could cut its profits in just one year. Communities affected by the disaster have a right to sue for damages and the rail company should be held accountable for this catastrophe.
