Acute Myeloid Leukemia and Benzene

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML), the most frequent type of acute leukemia that adults experience is characterized by a high prevalence of AML. It affects cells that create white blood cells that fight infection within the body.

Many railroad employees developed AML due to exposure to benzene diesel fuel and creosote. Railroad Colon Cancer workers who have been diagnosed with AML might be able to claim compensation under FELA.

Benzene

Benzene is a colorless, liquid that is flammable and can be found in diesel exhaust and fuel. Benzene is also found in railroads and is used as a solvent in paints, parts washers, thinners, and adhesives such as Liquid Wrench. These products exposed nearly all railroad crafts including locomotive machinists, car department workers as well electricians to benzene.

The dangers of exposure to benzene were discovered early. It was discovered that benzene causes cancer in laboratory animals by causing chromosomal modifications in bone marrow cells in which new blood cells are created. This type of change is correlated with leukemia in humans. Many international and national agencies have evaluated benzene's potential to cause cancer and have classified it as a known human carcinogen.

Studies have shown that exposure to benzene for a long time increases the risk of certain kinds of leukemia and cancer. These include acute myeloidleukemia (AML), chronic lymphocytic Leukemia, and multiple myeloma. Exposure to benzene may cause a decrease in a person's blood platelet count, which causes bleeding and bruising.

Exposure to benzene could influence the fertility of women. Numerous studies have demonstrated that women exposed to high levels of benzene over prolonged periods experience abnormal menstrual cycles and diminished functioning of the ovaries. It is not known for sure whether these effects are caused by benzene or due to a combination of factors such as poor nutrition and hormonal imbalances.

Creosote

Railroad Cll Lymphoma [click over here now] workers have faced for years the danger of being exposed to harmful chemicals in their workplaces. In addition to benzene, many railroaders are also exposed to creosote an oily liquid derived from coal tar that is used to preserve wooden railway ties and make them resistant to rot. Creosote, a known carcinogen, and can cause leukemia, as well as other serious diseases. A lawyer who specializes in leukemia for railroads can assist Railroad Non Hodgkins Lymphoma workers to determine if their illness could have stemmed from chemical exposure on the job.

Creosoted railroad ties are more robust and Railroad Lymphoma resistant to rot than untreated railroad ties. The chemicals in creosote can be toxic to humans and Railroad Lymphoma animals and are released into the environment. Creosote that is present in water, can accumulate and bioaccumulate in fish and other organisms. The bioaccumulation process of these molecules can be then transferred to people who consume fish or other animals exposed to the chemicals.

The exposure to coal tar creosote could be caused by contact with the skin, or after consuming unclean food or drinks. Skin exposure to the compound can cause chemical burns as well as other unpleasant symptoms. Inhalation of the compound can cause respiratory issues such as wheezing and coughing. Railyard workers who work in locations where the ties have been treated using creosote have a higher risk of getting sick.

Diesel Exhaust

The diesel exhaust (DPM) generated by diesel engines contains small particles of carbon as well as several cancer-causing organic compounds. These include polycyclic hydrocarbons, acetaldehyde and acrolein. DPM has nitrogen oxides that can react with the atmosphere and form an ozone.

The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), an arm of the World Health Organization, classified exhausts from diesel engines as carcinogenic for humans. The DPM can be inhaled and has been shown to cause respiratory illnesses, such as bronchitis and lung cancer.

Exposure to diesel exhaust poses an extremely risk for railroad workers. DPM is made up of tiny breathing particles of carbon and ash. The smaller particles can evade the body's defense mechanisms and get into the lungs. The short-term exposure can cause irritation to the nose, eyes, and throat. It may also trigger or worsen existing asthma.

Benzene, a colorless and flammable liquid that has a sweet smell was a typical ingredient in various solvents used by railroad workers. It was used in Liquid Wrench parts washers, Safety-Kleen, Brakleen and many shop paints and thinners. Solvent baths were often inhaled by railroad machinists as as electricians and conductors. Benzene is also found in diesel fuel and engine lubrication oils.

Exposure to Workplace Stress

Benzene, which is found in crude oil, gasoline and diesel fuel can be inhaled or absorption through the skin. It is a colorless liquid that is flammable with a sweet scent that evaporates into the air rapidly. In the course of their jobs railroad workers could be exposed by diesel exhaust, vapors generated by paints and solvents or by touching Railroad Black Lung Disease vehicles which contain it.

Railroad maintenance workers also have been exposed to carcinogenic chemical used to control vegetation. These include the weedkiller known as glyphosate. It is used by some railroad companies on tracks and in rail yards. Studies have connected this chemical to cancers, including leukemia.

Many other types of workplace exposures can lead to leukemia. One study associated exposure to low-frequency magnetic fields with myeloid-leukemia and Hodgkin's disease, which are both blood cancer. The magnetic fields are most intense for railroaders who spend the bulk of their time inside the cabs of train engines. They have from 3- to 20-times the exposure of yard engineers, train attendants and station managers.

If you were a railroad employee and have been diagnosed with leukemia, contact our lawyers today to learn more about your rights to compensation. We can assist you with getting the compensation you deserve to cover medical expenses, lost wages and other damages.