Railroad Cancer Lawsuit - Is Creosote Still Affecting Houstonians?
Houston's Fifth Ward neighbors have complained for decades that the company hasn't taken the necessary steps to clean up an underground plume contaminated rail yard. And now, the latest tests suggest that the contamination could still be affecting those who live nearby.
Researchers suggest it could be linked to the increased cancer rates in the region. Two years into a state health investigation the researchers found higher than anticipated rates of childhood lymphoblastic Leukemia as well as adult kidney and renal pelvis cancers in areas around the Union Pacific site.
Railroad Cancer , a common chemical used to treat wood is also a popular one. It is also a cause of cancer in those who are exposed to it.
It is a dense oily substance that's black or amber-colored and has a smoky scent and a burnt flavor. It is a coal-tar distillation product that has been used for over 150 years as a wood preserver.
In the United States, it is used to treat railroad ties and other kinds of wood including fence posts, utility poles, and marine pilings. It is also used for protecting log homes and other structures against the effects of rot and insect invasion.
Railroad Cancer Lawyer United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) says creosote is a hazardous chemical. When exposed to creosote, even for short periods can cause irritation to the eyes and skin, chemical burns, stomach pains, burning in the mouth or throat and liver or kidney problems, and even permanent damage.
Long-term exposure can lead to skin and scrotum carcinomas. This is a serious concern for those who come in direct contact with it during wood treatment or other manufacturing processes.
It is thought to be a probable human carcinogen as per the EPA. It has been linked to many types of cancer such as esophageal cancer as well lung cancer.
Residents of Houston's Fifth Ward neighborhood have been exposed to creosote for decades, thanks to the former rail yard that was located near their homes. They claim the chemical has caused soil and homes to be contaminated and continues to spread underground.
The cities of Houston and Harris County have joined the initiative to sue Union Pacific in federal court. They demand that the company test for contamination regularly and take preventative measures to stop the spread.
A group of Fifth Ward neighbors filed a lawsuit against Union Pacific in October of 2017. They claim that creosote was a source of contamination in their soil, causing significant health problems as a result of the former rail yard.
They are seeking compensation for their diseases and suffering as well as damages from the railroad for the cost of cleanup and other related costs. They claim that they have been harmed by racism in the environment discrimination, sexism, and other types of pollution that has affected their families and themselves.
Dioxin
Dioxins are substances that don't break down in environment in a timely manner and can stay in the air, soil or in sediment for a long time. They can be found in a variety places that include natural disasters, industrial accidents, cigarettes and incineration, as well as hazardous waste.
The health effects of dioxin are not clear at low levels, but there is evidence to suggest that they can cause cancer and other serious illnesses. The people who are exposed to higher levels of dioxin are found to be at greater risk of organ cancers, heart disease, immune system disorders and endocrine changes like hormonal imbalances. They can also trigger hormonal issues, weakened immunity as well as diabetes, menstrual problems and weight loss.
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) the most common way people are exposed is through food and water. They aren't volatile and water-soluble, which means they are more easily taken in by the body through the consumption of dairy products, meat, fish, and other seafood.
But it is important to remember that the amount of exposure that has negative effects on your health will depend on several factors, such as the amount you eat or drink, the frequency you eat or drink and how much air you breathe. It is also important to take into consideration your gender, age, diet, nutritional status and family characteristics along with other health factors that may influence whether you will be affected by dioxins or not.
The kind of contaminant is also important. According to the EPA there are some toxins that are more dangerous than others for the health of humans. For instance, polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) are more likely to have a negative impact on your health than creosote.
For instance, PCBs can damage a person's eyes, kidneys, and liver. They can also affect the immune system of a person, and interfere with the growth of healthy bones and teeth.
For years, residents in Houston's Fifth Ward and Kashmere Gardens have been complaining about a rash of cancer-related deaths which has been connected to the Union Pacific rail yard, close to their communities. The city's health department said on Friday that it has found cancer-causing chemicals in surface samples around the rail yard. The announcement said that the results were not a good sign. Mayor Sylvester Turner told FOX 26 that he's going to sue Union Pacific over the matter and that a plan that he submitted to Texas environmental regulators isn't adequate given the findings.
Polychlorinated Biphenyls
Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) are toxic chemicals that have been used in consumer and industrial products for over 60 years. After they were proven to cause cancer and suppress the immune system These chemicals were banned in 1979.
Once released into the natural environment, PCBs contaminate air, soil, and water in many areas of the world. They are strong binders for organic matter, and are transported easily and accumulated in the environment.
In the end, PCBs are a major concern for the protection of public health and the environment. The EPA considers them to be a possible carcinogen for humans and has proven that they can cause cancer in lab animals.
Certain studies also show a link between PCBs to birth defects in children. This is particularly the case for children exposed these chemicals while pregnant.
The primary route for exposure to PCBs is through food. Since they are the most abundant in PCBs Fish is the primary source of exposure. However, PCBs can also found in beef, dairy products, and other agricultural products.
Showering and drinking water is another method of exposure. This could be the result of leaks or spills from electrical or other equipment.
People are also exposed to PCBs through breathing in air or coming into contact with skin. These chemicals can trigger an illness known as chloracne which is a mild, small, yellow skin lesions that can last from a few weeks to a few years.
However the effects of PCBs on human health aren't fully comprehended. Railroad Cancer have suggested they could cause liver and biliary tract cancer in humans, but further studies are needed to determine what this means for us.
The EPA is also examining whether these chemicals may cause birth defects in newborns. The low birth weight of newborns has been linked to Type II diabetes, insulin resistance, high blood pressure, and later-life cardiovascular diseases. Two studies revealed that children with higher levels of PCBs in their cord blood were born with lower birth weights and/or a later age.
Lead
Lead is a toxic metal that is found in a wide range of products, including pipes, paints, and food cans. The body absorbs it through two major routes: respiratory and oral.
It is a powerful antioxidant and can react with other chemicals present in the environment. It can build up in the body, which could cause serious health issues such as cancer and other illnesses.
Houston residents who reside near the Union Pac Railroad's creosote legacy plant have a high rate of cancer. The city has asked the federal government for an order to the railroad to clean up its contaminated facility.
Union Pacific Railroad has a history of having contaminated its Fifth Ward rail yard and Kashmere Garden neighborhood with chemicals that can cause cancer. Residents say that the company has been trying to eliminate the contamination, but the proposal submitted to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality was not enough.
One of the biggest problems that arose from the contamination was the plume of groundwater that is located beneath homes in the area. A recent study by the health department has shown that the amount of creosote that is present in soil samples around the rail yard is much higher than the recommended level for drinking water.
Another issue is the slow release of creosote into the atmosphere. It is causing residents to inhale toxic levels of vapors which could cause death for children as well as adults.
It is possible that the vapors cause cancer in people who breathe them. A door-to-door health survey is being conducted in the area to understand the effects of the vapors on the residents' lives.
This is a serious issue for the Fifth Ward communities and Kashmere Gardens. This is a tragic situation and it should be addressed immediately.
A recent study conducted by the Department of State Health Services found that children in the Fifth Ward and Kashmere Garden communities contracted a form leukemia at five times higher rate than the average. The study also found that adult cancers were more common in the neighborhood than they were elsewhere in Texas.