Multiple myeloma settlements  and AsbestosIn 1862, Congress passed the Pacific Railroad Act which helped to fund two transcontinental railroad companies by providing large grants of lands for rights-of-way. Railroad workers who develop cancers due to exposure in the workplace may sue their employers under the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA).An Illinois jury awarded a $7.5 million verdict to an ex- Union Pacific trackman dying from acute myeloid leukemia. The man blamed the cause of his blood cancer to massive workplace exposures to creosote and benzene, which were used to preserve and waterproof wooden railroad ties.CreosoteCoal tar creosote is a wood preservative used to protect railroad ties from sun, heat, cold rain and snow. In  cancer lawsuit settlements  of applying coal tar creosote, workers are exposed to a range of toxic chemicals as well as solvents including benzene. Benzene, a known carcinogen causes leukemia and non-Hodgkin lymphoma, as as other serious effects like heartbeat and convulsions, liver damage, anemia and cancers of the lungs and body.Our attorneys have successfully prosecuted numerous lawsuits against the Union Pacific Railroad involving coal-tar creosote exposure. One of these cases led to the settlement of $7,500,000. The plaintiff was a track staffer who contracted acute myeloidleukemia as a result of exposure to the chemical compound that is toxic on his job over 31 years. The jury found that the railroad did not provide any personal protective gear, and exposed him of toxic chemicals including coal-tar-tar creosote and coal tar distillates.Another instance involved the use of copper naphthenate an alternative to creosote from coal tar. While copper naphthenate isn't as damaging to the environment than creosote it can still be extremely dangerous. Copper naphthenate can cause lung, skin and nerve damage. It also contaminates the soil and groundwater with benzene.BenzeneBenzene is a colorless liquid petroleum hydrocarbon that is used to make plastics, resins and synthetic fibers. It is also used in diesel fuel and exhaust. Most railroad workers are exposed to diesel fumes on a daily basis. Benzene is a carcinogen that has been linked with leukemia and myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS).There is no safe exposure level to benzene. It can be inhaled or absorption through the surface the skin. Exposure to benzene for long periods of time can damage the blood, causing irregular periods, anemia and fertility issues. Benzene can also be linked to certain types of cancers, such as breast and lung cancer.It is possible to inhale benzene orally however it is more dangersome when inhaled. Inhaling benzene can lead to dizziness, headaches nose bleeds, headaches, and loss of consciousness. The benzene fumes can also affect the immune system and cause 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 high levels of pollution. Schools closed classes and cities demanded residents to shelter in place. Railroad workers, such as car department employees, locomotive machinists electricians and pipefitters, regularly make use of benzene-containing items like Safety-Kleen parts washers as well as CRC Brakleen as well as thinners and paints. The chemical is also used in printing solvents.AsbestosThe use of asbestos in the railroad industry started in the early years. Asbestos is composed of six silicate minerals that are naturally occurring with a fibrous structure. They were previously used in construction due to their the ability to withstand corrosion, fire retardant and insulate properties. Inhaling these microscopic fibers can cause serious health issues such as lung cancer, mesothelioma and asbestosis. These illnesses can last up to 30 years before symptoms appear.The EPA has prohibited the mining and processing of asbestos in the United States, but it is still used in many products. This includes certain types of floor felt, paper and fake fire embers. When these materials are exposed either to water or heat, they can release asbestos fibers. These fibers can also be released into the air during demolition or renovations.Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma settlement  revealed that even five years of exposure to benzene can significantly increase the risk of developing acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Contact your doctor if have symptoms such as sleepiness, night sweats, or unprovoked weight loss. They can do a blood test to look for AML.The EPA resolved a recent case against Genesee & Wyoming Railroad Services Inc. GWRSI operates locomotives which emit nitrogen oxides as well as fine particulates (PM2.5) when they are running on diesel fuel. This EPA settlement mandates that GWRSI replace any of its locomotives with more modern models that comply with EPA emissions standards.Diesel ExhaustAs long as diesel fuel continues to be used to power freight train, railroad workers are exposed exhaust. Diesel exhaust is a dangerous mix of chemicals, including carcinogens such as benzene and carbon monoxide. It also contains oxides of nitrogen particulate matter, and polyaromatic hydrocarbons.In fact the International Agency for Research on Cancer classified diesel exhaust as a Group 1 carcinogen. Diesel exhaust can also cause respiratory diseases like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or bronchiectasis. A report published in Environmental Health Perspectives in 2006 linked railroad worker employment to COPD rates.When railroad cars and locomotives are running and idling they emit diesel exhaust. The engines and machinery that are idling emit gasses in addition to the diesel fumes, including nitrogen oxides and sulfur dioxide.Diesel exhaust fumes are often similar to those in locomotive cabs in which conductors and engineers are seated for up to six hours each day. The equipment and the engine emit more exhaust fumes from diesel engines when workers enter and leave the cabs.  Railroad Cancer Lawsuit Settlements  can cause lung and cancerous problems.In poorly ventilated roundhouses or workshops railroad mechanics have to contend with the risk of being exposed to diesel exhaust. They work with moving locomotives and track equipment in enclosed spaces that are often contaminated with inhalants like asbestos-insulated steam pipes and boilers and silica sand.