Railroad Workers Cancer
Millions of people are transported via railroads every year. They also move billions of tons of freight which includes food, crude oils grains, vehicles, metal ore, chemicals and many other goods.
Railroad workers are exposed to hazardous substances which increase the risk of developing cancer. These include diesel exhaust, asbestos and benzene.
Lung Cancer
Lung cancer is a condition in which damaged cells in your lungs produce more of themselves than they need to. These cells eventually form mass or tumors that stop your lungs from working properly. They also trigger symptoms that are difficult to manage.
Lung cancer is a significant concern for railroad workers because of their exposure to diesel exhaust fumes. The carcinogen has been linked to certain cases of lung cancer. Diesel exhaust fumes come from locomotives burn fuel, which is mostly coal.
Lung cancer is another risk factor for railroad workers. Railroad workers can still be exposed to large amounts of lead paint from many railroads. It is also possible to contract lead poisoning by breathing in small particles of lead dust transferred from their hands into their mouths.
Asbestos exposure in the workplace is a common risk factor for lung cancer. Railroad workers may have been exposed to asbestos breathing in fibers used in the production of various industrial products. Lung cancer caused by asbestos can take anywhere from 10 to 40 years to manifest.
In most cases, lung cancer is fatal once it's discovered. However, certain types of lung cancer are able to be treated when caught early. To determine what type of lung cancer that you are suffering from, your healthcare provider will perform the procedure of a biopsy.
The most common types of lung cancer are squamous cell carcinoma (SCLC) and non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Both NSCLC and SCLC can be treated with radiation therapy, surgery, or chemotherapy.
The treatments kill cancerous cells and slow their growth. Other side effects, such as fatigue or shortness of breath can occur. You should speak with your health professional about the potential risks and benefits of treatment.
Railroad workers who have been diagnosed with lung cancer should seek medical attention as soon as possible. The doctor will perform an examination and physical exam, and will check your vital symptoms. To look for tumors, your doctor may also perform an X-ray of your chest.
Mesothelioma
Pleural mesothelioma (also known as the pleural cancer) is the most frequent form. It occurs in your lung's lining. It may also be found in the lining of your abdomen (peritoneum). Mesothelioma is often caused by asbestos exposure for a long time. It can affect both men and women.
Asbestos is a rock with thin fibers that resist heat, fire and chemical. It was utilized in various industries including railroads, for these reasons, but it is a well-known carcinogen.
Workers who were exposed to asbestos in the past and have developed cancers such mesothelioma and others are entitled to financial compensation. They are able to sue their employers under the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA), 45, U.S.C. 51, which was adopted in 1908 to assist employees who were injured while on the job.
Many railroad workers have been diagnosed with mesothelioma. These individuals were exposed to asbestos in equipment , including gaskets, boilers, pipes and brakes, and also in the electrical and heat insulation of rail cars.
A railroad worker diagnosed with mesothelioma has the option of suing their employer under FELA 45, U.S.C. 51, in order to receive financial reimbursement for medical expenses or loss of income. It is vital to choose a mesothelioma lawyer that has experience in handling your case.
Your doctor will recommend imaging tests to determine if you have mesothelioma. These may include Xrays of your chest and abdominal areas, CT scans and PET (positron emission tomography) scans. These images are 3-dimensional representations of multiple organs at the simultaneously and can aid in locating lymph nodes within your chest.
To check your health You can also take blood tests. These tests can inform your doctor whether you suffer from other diseases which are connected to mesothelioma. These other diseases include lung cancer and asbestosis.
These tests may also reveal the presence of mesothelioma related fluid buildup. Your doctor may remove a sample of this fluid and examine it under a microscope to find out if cancerous cells are present.
Asbestos
If you work in a railroad shop, carry out maintenance, or work with railroad tracks, trains or cars, you may be at risk of asbestos exposure. Although asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral and is widely used in the construction industry, it has been proven to cause many kinds of cancer.
Asbestos can cause serious lung issues. The tiny fibers could be absorbed into your lungs, block your airways, and then lodge in your lung. While most fibers are removed by your body's natural defenses some fibers can remain in your body and cause serious health problems.
Asbestos may also get into your bloodstream and contaminate the colon, intestines, and kidneys. It can cause number of ailments, including mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis.
Lung cancer happens when your lung's lungs develop abnormalities and expand out of control. The signs of lung cancer include difficulty breathing chest pain and weight loss, shortness or breathing problems, and coughing.
Exposure to asbestos can trigger mesothelioma which is a rare form of cancer. It is typically found in the lungs, but it can be found in other parts of the body, such as the abdomen or heart cavity. It is possible to experience chest or abdominal pain, difficulty breathing and strange bumps or lumps that appear in your chest or abdomen.
There is no cure for mesothelioma, or other asbestos-related illnesses. However, there are ways to prevent them. These include abstaining from tobacco products and limiting your exposure asbestos, and getting regular screenings.
Because they are more likely than non-smokers inhale asbestos dust, railroad workers are at a higher risk of developing mesothelioma. Smokers with mesothelioma run an increased risk of experiencing breathing difficulties, chest pain, and fatigue.
If you or someone close to you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma it is important to discuss your options with a knowledgeable lawyer. An attorney can help know your legal rights, including whether you qualify for FELA and other compensation options, as well as how to pursue justice.
Other cancers
Other cancers that railroad workers might contract include leukemias, lymphomas and other blood cancers. Some of them can cause serious health problems and could even be life-threatening.
These blood cancers arise when unhealthy blood cells grow uncontrollably because of changes in the cell wall. The cancers can be found in a variety of areas within the body including kidneys, blood, lymph system, liver, and lungs.
Lung cancer, which is the most common cancer that railroad workers are most likely to develop, can be caused by exposure to benzene or other carcinogens. Benzene can be found various forms, such as motor vehicle exhaust, gasoline, crude oil, gasoline , and even cigarettes.
Researchers have discovered that railroad workers are at high chance of developing this type of cancer, because they spend most of their time with diesel trains and locomotives, which emit a lot of exhaust fumes. According to the American Cancer Society, these fumes can lead to lung cancer and also damage cells over time.
Other carcinogens that railroad employees are exposed to include creosote, which is a wood preservative. Railroad workers can also be exposed to weed killers, such as Glyphosate. These are utilized by maintenance crews to manage the growth of vegetation around railroad tracks.
Health issues that can last for a long time may result from using weed killers to cut down on the growth of plants. Some of these products might contain carcinogenic chemicals, such as RoundUp, which can cause DNA damage and be extremely harmful for those suffering from asthma or other respiratory ailments.
Another possible carcinogen to which railroad workers might be exposed to is asbestos. It is a well-known carcinogen, which can cause lung cancers and cancers of the abdomen, such as mesothelioma.
As a result, it is essential for railroaders to avoid contact with asbestos whenever possible. Asbestos is found in a myriad of materials like pipe insulation as well as brake shoes.
Mesothelioma and lung cancer are the most prevalent types of cancer that railway workers could contract. Railway workers can also develop cancers of the bladder and stomach.