Benzene, Butadiene, and Other Carcinogens on the RailroadMany railroad workers are exposed on the job to carcinogens, including benzene. You may be entitled to compensation when you've developed an illness that is grave, such as leukemia.railroad back injury settlements are caused by blood-forming tissues like bone marrow and lymphatic tissue. Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is one of the four main types of leukemia in adults.BenzeneIt can be inhaled or absorbed by the skin. It is a crude oil by-product utilized in the manufacture of resins, plastics synthetic fibers and nylons. It is also used in lubricants dyes paints, detergents, drugs and pesticides. It is a recognized carcinogen that causes leukemia, acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) and myelodysplastic diseases and lymphomas.Mineral spirits, solvents, and degreasers are utilized by railroad workers to expose them to benzene. When working on locomotives or freight cars and other vehicles, they are exposed exhaust fumes and diesel fumes. Railroad workers are at a greater risk of developing chronic lymphocytic Leukemia due to this exposure.Numerous epidemiologic studies have demonstrated a significant increase in leukemia risk due to increasing exposure to benzene. A meta-analysis of 22 recent studies provided summary estimates of the effects of benzene on AML, Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia(ALL) and Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia(CLL).The meta-analysis indicates that exposure to benzene during work increases the chance of developing these leukemias. The results for AML, CLL and ALL were less favourable. railroad injury settlement amounts could be due to a lower frequency of reporting for these subgroups, or due to the lack of dose-response relationships with increasing exposures. The meta-analysis did not find any evidence of bias in the publication.AsbestosAsbestos is a mineral that is fibrous that is used in a myriad of industrial products. Its resistance to heat, fire and corrosion was a major reason for its use for railroads' locomotives and other equipment. However, asbestos poses the risk of health hazards when workers handle it. When exposed to the material asbestos fibers, they break down into tiny fibers that can become airborne. When inhaled, they can become lodged in the lungs. These can lead to a variety of serious illnesses, including mesothelioma.Asbestos fibers can cause irritation to the lining of the lung when they enter the lungs. This irritation can cause an increase in collagen that hardens over time and creates pleural plaques. This condition can cause chest discomfort and breathing problems.Another form of lung damage resulting from asbestos exposure is fibrosis which causes scar tissue that interferes with breathing ability for a person. If not treated this condition could be fatal.Contact a FELA lawyer right away if are a railroad worker who has been diagnosed with a disease related to asbestos. An experienced mesothelioma lawyer will help you file claims for compensation. In order to win a compensation claim, you will need to prove that exposure to harmful substances while on the job caused your condition. FELA attorneys often collaborate with industrial safety experts, also known as industrial hygienists. Multiple myeloma settlements examine the work environment at the railroad's workplace, and determine if the railroad company followed the correct safety procedures.Diesel ExhaustDiesel exhaust is one of the many carcinogenic fumes as well as substances that railroad workers are exposed to on a daily basis. Frequent exposure to diesel exhaust has been linked to lung cancer as well as other serious occupational illnesses in railroad workers, including mesothelioma, pulmonary fibrosis and others. Inhaling particulates and engine exhaust could cause long-term health issues that are difficult to treat.Locomotives are powered by diesel fuel and the cab for locomotives is a cramped space with a limited amount of ventilation. Diesel exhaust can be inhaled by railroad employees, and can be dragged back onto their clothing and the workers when they leave the locomotive cab. Diesel exhaust is also a problem for railroad workers who work in shops or yards as they are typically in close proximity to locomotives.Diesel exhaust contains mutagenic and cancerous compounds that can get into the bloodstream. These compounds can affect the blood and bone marrow and cause damage to the respiratory tract. In a research study that analyzed dozens of workers who were frequently exposed to diesel exhaust, scientists discovered that those who had the longest exposure were at the highest risk for lung cancer.Even after controlling for smoking and other risk factors, lung cancer mortality was significantly higher among railroad workers exposed to diesel emissions. The Lyon Firm is investigating a number of claims from railroad workers who were ill due to frequent exposure to diesel exhaust, solvents and other industrial toxic exposures.