Working in the railroad industry requires a great deal of attention to be paid to safe working habits. A health risk that is often overlooked is the potential of cancer. The risk of cancer is considerably higher for those that work on the railroad or any comparable industry that exposes people to high concentrations of diesel fumes and exhaust.
A closer look at cancer risks:
Railroad workers are exposed to harmful chemicals including benzene as well as asbestos, both of which are known to be carcinogenic.
* Benzene is one of the many chemicals that comes from the refining of crude oil; benzene is used with other chemicals that are in use in the industry. Benzene has many uses but unfortunately as good a solvent as it might be, it also has been shown to increase the risk of cancer. Benzene has been outlawed for use in commercial products but is still used in heavy industry.
* Creosote is derived from coal tar and other organic matter. Creosote has many uses, the main one being wood preservation. As the railroad industry uses a phenomenal number of creosote treated cross ties it is easy to see how railroad workers are exposed.
* Asbestos is a mineral that was used for many years in the industry and as an insulating material. If left undisturbed, asbestos is harmless but when fibers are inhaled, the result can be devastating.
Railroad work is hazardous for a number of reasons, one of which is extended exposure to cancer causing chemicals and materials. These materials have been directly linked to bladder, kidney, lung, stomach, rectal, throat and other forms of cancer.
If a railroad company fails in its duty to provide a safe working environment for employees and the employee is diagnosed with cancer, a railroad cancer lawyer can assist in getting financial compensation for their sickness.
If you have worked on the railroad for a number of years, your constant exposure to toxic chemicals and materials may be linked to cancer. You are invited to contact Diesel Injury Law for assistance in claiming compensation.
