Numerous employers across the nation have failed to protect their workers over the last several decades, resulting in serious toxic exposure cases and occupational lung disease in former employees.
The Union Pacific Railroad is a freight-hauling railroad that operates 8,300 locomotives over 32,200 miles routes in 23 U.S. states west of Chicago and New Orleans. The company employs roughly 30,000 staff.
Frequent diesel exhaust exposures at Union Pacific may be more than just an irritating part of the job. In fact, regular diesel exposure can result in very serious medical conditions, including occupational lung disease and industrial toxic exposure cancers. Those suffering from a diesel exhaust-related cancer may be entitled to compensation. Contact a toxic exposure lawyer to begin reviewing your injury claims.
The Lyon Firm is currently investigating diesel exhaust injury claims for Union Pacific workers sickened by diesel exhaust and other industrial toxins. Railroad workers have historically been exposed to asbestos, solvents, fuels, welding fumes, silica, and creosote, leading to long-term health problems. Employers may be liable for these injuries.
What Injuries are Linked to Diesel Exposure?
There are several different illnesses associated with diesel exhaust exposure. Diesel exhaust has been linked in studies to strokes, heart disease, as well as throat, stomach, kidney, pancreatic and bone marrow cancers.
Some leukemias, also called blood cancers, may be directly caused by exposure to benzene, a component of diesel exhaust. If you or a loved one worked for a railroad company and have been diagnosed with one of the following diesel exhaust cancers or conditions, you may have a viable claim:
- Lung Cancer
- Bladder Cancer
- Esophageal Cancer
- Nasopharyngeal Cancer
- Stomach Cancer
- Kidney Cancer
- Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML)
- Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS)
- Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL)
- Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL)
- Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
- Multiple Myeloma
- Aplastic Anemia
- COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)
- Emphysema
- RADS (Reactive Airways Dysfunction Syndrome)
- Interstitial Lung Disease
- Pulmonary Fibrosis
Railroad companies like Union Pacific have often failed to provide a safe workplace for employees, and may have failed to warn or train employees about the hazards of diesel exhaust.
As a result, after an injury, Union Pacific employees are entitled to compensation under the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA), and should contact a railroad cancer lawyer to discuss further damages.
Which Union Pacific Railroad Workers are at Cancer Risk?
Railroad Machinists
Union Pacific machinists, pipefitters, and electricians have typically been exposed to a significant amount of diesel exhaust, asbestos and welding fumes. Union Pacific shop workers have been exposed to a variety of toxins in solvents, degreasers, lubricants and fuels. Machinists have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, lung cancer and blood disorders like myelodysplastic syndrome, acute myeloid leukemia, and multiple myeloma.
Locomotive Engineers/Conductors/Brakemen
Ideally, diesel exhaust remains outside the cabs of locomotives, but of course that is not always the case. Union Pacific employees have reported continually cleaning the inside windows of a cab because of the buildup of diesel fuel remnants and toxic debris.
Families of Union Pacific workers can describe the unmistakable odor of diesel exhaust that workers drag back home on their clothing and person. Thus, occupational cancers, pulmonary problems and blood disorders have been common issues for railroad employees.
Carmen, Trackmen and Equipment Operators
Union Pacific employees who maintain and construct tracks and yards are also exposed to diesel exhaust as they work closely with locomotives and track equipment. Poorly ventilated working conditions, combined with the presence of diesel-powered machines, created a breeding ground for diesel exhaust exposure cancers.
Railroad Mechanics
The mechanics who maintain and repair locomotives and rail cars can be heavily exposed to diesel exhaust. Diesel mechanics often work in poorly ventilated roundhouses and shops where engines running in closed spaces. Mechanics encounter running locomotives which also produce other harmful inhalants like ballast dust. The machinery and buildings may also house asbestos-insulated steam pipes and boilers, asbestos-containing brake pads and linings.
Cancer cases have been reported in the following locations:
Union Pacific Railroad
- Bailey Yard
- West Colton Yard
- East Yard
- Aurant Yard
- East Los Angeles Yard
- Piggyback Yard
- Desert Yard
- J.R. Davis Yard
