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 clean up creosote-laden creosote plume that was at its contaminated rail yard. And now, the latest tests have revealed that the contamination may continue to affect those who live near.

Researchers suggest it could be related to elevated cancer rates in the region. Two years into a state health investigation, they found higher-than-expected rates of childhood lymphoblastic leukemia as well as adult kidney and renal pelvis cancers within the communities around the Union Pacific site.

Creosote

Creosote is a common chemical that is used in the treatment of wood. It can also cause cancer in people who are exposed to it.

It is a heavy oily substance, railroad cancer lawyer from amber to black in color. It has a smoky smell and a bitter taste. It is a distillation of coal product that has been used for more than 150 years as an ingredient in wood preservative.

In the United States, it is used to treat railroad union settlement ties as well as other types of wood, including fence posts, utility poles, and marine pilings. It is also used to protect log structures and homes against the effects of rot and insect invasion.

According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Creosote is a potentially dangerous chemical. Exposure to creosote for brief periods may cause irritation to the eyes and skin, chemical burns, stomach pains, burning of the throat or mouth, kidney or liver problems, and even permanent damage.

Long-term exposure can lead to skin and scrotum carcinomas. Workers who come into direct contact with it during wood treatment and other manufacturing processes are at risk.

It is regarded as a possible human carcinogen as per the EPA. It has been linked with a variety of cancers of various types including esophageal and lung cancer.

Houston's Fifth Ward residents have been exposed for a long time to creosote thanks to a former railroad yard near their homes. They claim the chemical has contaminated their homes and soil, and it continues to spread underground.

Harris County and Houston have joined forces in the fight against Union Pacific in federal court. They demand that the company test for contamination regularly and take preventative measures to stop it from spreading.

In October 2017 a group of Fifth Ward neighbors filed a lawsuit against Union Pacific. They claim that creosote had contaminated their soil and caused major health problems from the former rail yard.

They are seeking damages from the railroad in order to cover the costs of cleanup and other related costs. They claim they have been affected by environmental racism, discrimination, and other forms of pollution that affected them and their families.

Dioxin

Dioxins are a class of chemicals that don't break down in the environment quickly . They can be left in the air, soil or in sediment for a long period. They are found in a variety of locations that include natural disasters, industrial accidents, cigarettes and incineration, as well as hazardous waste.

Although the effects of dioxin on health at low levels aren't well-studied, there is evidence that they could cause serious illnesses such as cancer. People exposed to higher levels of dioxin have been found to have an increased risk of organ cancers, heart disease as well as immune system issues and endocrine imbalances including hormonal imbalances. They can also lead to hormonal issues, weakened immunity as well as diabetes, menstrual problems and weight loss.

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency the most frequent way that people are exposed to dioxin is through drinking water or food. They aren't volatile or water-soluble, so they are more likely to be in the body through the consumption of meat, dairy products, fish, and other seafood.

But it is important to remember that the level of exposure that could have a harmful effect on your health is contingent upon various factors, including the amount of food you consume or drink, the frequency you drink or eat and how much air you breathe. It is also essential to take into consideration your age, gender as well as your diet, nutritional status and family characteristics and other health factors that could affect whether you are affected by dioxins or not.

The kind of contaminant is equally important. The EPA states that certain toxic substances are more likely to cause harm impact on health than others. Polychlorinated Biphenyls, or PCBs are more likely than creosote to cause harm to your health.

PCBs can cause damage to the eyes, liver, kidneys, and kidneys. They also can harm the immune system and cause problems in the development of healthy teeth, bones and bones.

Houston's Fifth Ward and Kashmere Garden neighbors have complained for years of cluster cancer deaths linked to the Union Pacific rail yard. The yard is close to their homes. The announcement released on Friday by Houston's health department stated that it discovered cancer-causing chemicals in samples of the surface near the rail yard. The announcement said the results were "not encouraging." Mayor Sylvester Turner told FOX 26 that he's going to sue Union Pacific over the matter, and said a plan presented to Texas environmental regulators wouldn't be adequate in light of the findings.

Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs)

Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) are toxic chemicals that have been used in industrial and household products for over 60 years. After being shown to cause cancer and weaken the immune system PCBs were banned in 1979.

PCBs can be harmful to soil as well as water and air in a variety of regions of the world once they are released into the environment. They are extremely binders to organic matter, and are often persistent, meaning they are relatively easy to transport and build up in the environment.

PCBs are a major concern for protecting the environment and public health. The EPA is adamant that they are a human carcinogen and has proved that they can cause cancer in laboratory animals.

In addition, some studies have found a link between PCBs to birth defects in children. This is especially true for children exposed to PCBs in the womb.

The most common route for railroad cancer lawyer exposure to PCBs is through food items. Fish are the primary source of exposure since they contain the highest amount of PCBs. However, PCBs can also found in beef, dairy products and other agricultural products.

Drinking and showering with PCB-contaminated water is another way to be exposed. This can be caused by leaks or spills which could be copd caused by railroad how to get a settlement by electrical or other equipment.

People can also be exposed to PCBs by breathing in air or through skin contact. These chemicals can cause the condition known as Chloracne. This is a mild pale, yellow-colored skin lesions that can last for months or even years.

The effects of PCBs upon human health are still not fully known. Researchers have suggested that they may cause liver and biliary cancers in humans. However further research is required to discover how this affects us.

The EPA is also examining whether these chemicals could cause birth defects in newborn babies. A low birth weight is associated with insulin resistance, or Type II diabetes, high blood cancer caused by railroad how to get a settlement pressure, and cardiovascular disease later in life. Two studies found that children born with higher levels of PCBs in their cord blood had lower birth weights , and/or an earlier age.

Lead

Lead is a toxic metal that is found in many items including paints, pipes, and food cans. The body can absorb it through two main routes: respiratory and oral.

It is a strong chemical that is oxidizing and can react with other chemicals present in your environment. It can build up in the body, which can lead to serious health issues such as cancer and other diseases.

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 to instruct the railroad cancer lawyer (Suggested Online site) to remove its contaminated facility.

Union Pacific Railroad has a long history of having contaminated its Fifth Ward rail yard and Kashmere Garden neighborhood with chemicals that can cause cancer. The company has been trying to eliminate the contamination, but a plan presented to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality isn't enough residents believe.

Groundwater plume below the homes in the affected area is one of the most dangerous consequences of the contamination. A recent study by the health department shows that the amount of creosote that is present in soil samples around the rail yard is higher than the recommended levels for drinking water.

Another concern is the slow evaporation of creosote in the air. It can cause residents to breathe toxic levels of vapors which can cause fatalities for both children and adults.

It is possible that the vapors cause cancer in those who breathe them. A door-to-door health assessment is being conducted in the area to understand how the vapors affect the lives of the residents.

This is a major issue for the Fifth Ward communities and Kashmere Gardens. It is a sad situation and needs to be addressed immediately.

A Department of State Health Services study found that the rate of leukemia caused by railroad how to get a settlement was five times higher in children living in the Fifth Ward and Kashmere Gardens neighborhoods than was anticipated. The study also found that adult cancers were more frequent in the neighborhoods than they were elsewhere in Texas.