Union Pacific Houston Cancer - Is Creosote Still Affecting Houstonians? For decades, residents of Houston's Fifth Ward have argued the company hasn't done enough to remove the creosote sludge that is buried at its rail yard that is contaminated. The latest tests have shown that the contamination may be in the vicinity of residents. Researchers believe it's due to the high number of cancers in the region. Two years after launching an investigation across the state on health, researchers found that there were higher than expected rates of lymphoblastic cancer in children as well as adult kidney and pelvis cancers in areas around the Union Pacific site. Creosote Creosote is a popular chemical used in the treatment of wood, is also a common one. It is also a harmful substance that can cause cancer in those exposed to it. It is a dense, oily substance that is amber or black in color and has a smoky scent and a burnt taste. 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 types of wood including fence posts, utility poles and marine pilings. It can also be used to protect log homes and other structures from insects and rot infestation. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Creosote, according to the EPA, is an extremely dangerous chemical. In short-term exposure, it can cause skin and eye irritation chemical burns, stomach pain and burning in the mouth or throat, and kidney or liver problems. Exposure for long periods can lead to skin and scrotum cancer. This is a major concern for those who come into direct contact with it during wood treatment or other manufacturing processes. According to the EPA the EPA, it is a known human cancer-causing agent. It has been linked to a variety kinds of cancers, including esophageal and lung cancer. Houston's Fifth Ward residents have been exposed for a long time to creosote because of a former railroad yard close to their homes. They claim that the chemical has contaminated their homes, soil, and continues to spread underground. The cities of Houston and Harris County have joined the effort to sue Union Pacific in federal court. They are demanding that the company test for contamination regularly and implement preventative measures to prevent it from spreading. In October 2017 a group of Fifth Ward neighbors sued Union Pacific. They claim that creosote has contaminated their soil and caused major health issues as a result of the former rail yard. They are seeking compensation for their illnesses and suffering as well as compensation from the railroad for the cost of cleaning and other related costs. They also claim to be harmed by environmental racism and discrimination as well as other types of pollution that have affected them and their families. Dioxin Dioxins are chemical compounds that do not degrade quickly in the environment and they can be found in the soil, air, or in sediment for a long time. They can be found in a variety of locations in natural disasters, industrial accidents, cigarettes and incineration as well as hazardous waste. The effects of dioxin on health are not known at low levels, but there is evidence to suggest that they can trigger cancer and other serious illnesses. People who are exposed to higher levels of dioxin are found to have an increased risk of heart disease, organ cancers immune system problems, and endocrine imbalances, such as hormonal imbalances. They can also cause reproductive problems, a weakened immune system, menstrual issues and diabetes, hair growth, weight loss and facial cysts known as chloracne. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA), the most prevalent way people are exposed to the toxins is through water and food. They are not water-soluble or volatile, so they are more likely to be absorbed into the body through the consumption of dairy products, fish or other seafood. However, it is crucial to be aware that the amount of exposure that can have adverse effects on your health depends on various factors, including the amount you eat or drink, the frequency you drink or eat and how much you breathe. It is also essential to consider your gender, age, diet, nutritional status and family characteristics in addition to other health factors that can influence whether you will be affected by dioxins or not. The kind of contaminant used is crucial. The EPA states that certain toxic substances are more likely to have a damaging impact on human health than others. For instance, polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) are more likely to have a negative impact on your health than creosote. PCBs can cause damage to eyes, liver, kidneys, and kidneys. They can also harm the immune system of a person and interfere with the growth of healthy bones and teeth. For years, residents of Houston's Fifth Ward and Kashmere Gardens have complained about a cluster of cancer deaths that has been linked to the Union Pacific rail yard, which is located near their communities. The city's health department reported on Friday that it had found cancer-causing chemicals in surface samples from the rail yard. throat cancer caused by railroad how to get a settlement said the results were not encouraging. Mayor Sylvester Turner told FOX 26 that he plans to sue Union Pacific over the matter and that a plan presented to Texas environmental regulators will not be sufficient in light of the findings. Polychlorinated Biphenyls Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are toxic chemicals that have been employed in industrial and consumer products for more than 60 years. After being proven to cause cancer and to suppress the immune system, these chemicals were banned in 1979. PCBs can infect soil or water as well as air in a variety of regions of the world once they are released into the environment. They bind strongly to organic matter and tend to remain in the environment for a long time which means they are easy to transport and build up in the environment. As a result, PCBs are a major threat for the protection of health and safety of people and the environment. They are considered a probable human carcinogen by EPA and have been shown to cause cancer in laboratory animals. Some studies also link PCBs to birth defects in children. This is especially relevant for children who are exposed to these chemicals during the womb. The primary route of exposure to PCBs is through food items. Fish is the primary source of exposure since they contain the highest amount of PCBs. But, PCBs can also be found in beef and dairy and other agricultural products. Showering and drinking PCB-contaminated water is another method of exposure. This can happen from spills or leaks that may be caused by electrical or other equipment. In the same way, people can be exposed to PCBs through breathing in air or through their skin. These chemicals can trigger an illness known as chloracne which is small, pale yellow skin lesions that can be present for a period of weeks or years. The effects of PCBs upon human health are not fully recognized. Researchers have suggested that they may cause biliary and liver cancers in humans. However further research is required to determine how this affects us. The EPA is also studying whether these chemicals may cause birth defects in newborn babies. The low birth weight of newborns has been associated with Type II diabetes, insulin resistance, high blood pressure, and later-life cardiovascular disease. Two studies have shown that children born with higher levels PCBs in their cord blood had lower birth weights , and/or a later age. Lead Lead is a poisonous metal that is found in many products, including pipes, paints and food cans. The body can absorb it through two routes: oral and respiratory. It is a potent oxidizing chemical and can react with other chemicals in your environment. It is able to accumulate within the body and can cause serious health issues like cancer and other illnesses. Houston residents who live near the Union Pacific Railroad's creosote facility have a high rate of cancer. The city has asked the federal government to direct the railroad to clean its contaminated facility. Union Pacific Railroad has a history in which it has affected its Fifth Ward rail yard and Kashmere Garden neighborhood with chemicals that could cause cancer. Residents claim that the company has been trying to get rid of the pollution, but the plan that was submitted to Texas Commission on Environmental Quality was not sufficient. One of the most significant issues that resulted from the contamination was the groundwater plume under the homes in the area. A recent study conducted by health officials has revealed that soil samples from the rail yard have a higher concentration of creosote than that recommended for drinking water. Another issue is the slow escape of creosote from the atmosphere. It is causing residents to breathe harmful levels of vapors which can be fatal for children and adults. It is also possible that the fumes are causing cancers to the residents who are breathing the vapors in. To find out more about the effects of the vapors on lives of residents there is a door-to door survey being done in the neighborhood. This is a major issue for the Fifth Ward communities and Kashmere Gardens. It is a sad situation and must be resolved immediately. A recent study by the Department of State Health Services discovered that children who lived in the Fifth Ward and Kashmere Garden neighborhoods contracted a type of leukemia at a five times greater rate than what was expected. The study also revealed that adult cancers were more prevalent in these neighborhoods than in other areas of Texas.
throat cancer caused by railroad how to get a settlement
