Union Pacific Houston Cancer - Is Creosote Still Affecting Houstonians? Houston's Fifth Ward neighbors have complained for years that the company hasn't taken the necessary steps to clean the plume of underground pollution that has contaminated the rail yard. And now, the most recent tests show that the contamination could continue to affect those who live near. Researchers believe it could be due to the large number of cancers in the region. Two years into a state health investigation and they found higher than expected rates of childhood lymphoblastic Leukemia and adult renal and kidney pelvis cancers in the neighborhoods around the Union Pacific site. Creosote Creosote is one of the most common chemicals employed in the treatment of wood. Railroad Workers Cancer Lawsuit is also a cause of cancer in those exposed to it. It is a heavy oily substance that's black or amber in appearance and has a smokey odor and burnt taste. It is a coal-tar distillation product that has been used for over 150 years to preserve wood. It is used in the United States to treat railroad tiesand other types of woods, such as fence posts, utility poles, and marine pilings. It can also be employed to protect log homes and other structures from insects and rot infestation. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) states creosote is an extremely hazardous chemical. In the event of exposure to creosote for a brief periods may cause skin and eye irritation and chemical burns, stomach pains, burning of mouth or throat and liver or kidney problems, and even permanent damage. Long-term exposure to the sun can cause skin and scrotum cancer. Railroad Cancer is a major concern for those who come into 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 various cancers such as esophageal cancer as well as lung cancer. Houston's Fifth Ward residents have been exposed for a long time to creosote due to a railroad yard close to their homes. They claim that the chemical has affected their homes, soil, and continues to spread underground. The cities of Houston and Harris County have joined the initiative to sue Union Pacific in federal court. They are requesting that the company tests regularly for contamination , and take measures to stop the spread of the disease. In October of 2017, a group of Fifth Ward neighbors filed a lawsuit against Union Pacific. Railroad Cancer Lawyer claim that creosote that was emitted from the former rail yard is contaminating the soil under their homes and causing significant health issues. They are seeking compensation for their illness and suffering and damages from railroads for the cost of cleanup and other associated costs. They claim they've been affected by environmental racism and discrimination as well as other kinds of pollution that have affected their families as well as them. Dioxin Dioxins are chemical compounds that don't break down quickly in the environment, and they can stay in the soil, air, or sediment for an extended period of time. Railroad Cancer Lawsuit can be found in a variety of places that include natural disasters, industrial accidents, cigarettes, and incineration or hazardous waste. The health effects of dioxin are unclear at low levels, however there is evidence to suggest that they can cause cancer and other serious illnesses. People who are exposed to higher levels of dioxin have been found to be at a higher risk of heart disease, organ cancers, immune system disorders and endocrine disorders, such as hormonal imbalances. They can also cause hormonal problems, suppressed immunity, diabetes, menstrual issues and weight loss. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency the most frequent way people are exposed to dioxin is through drinking or eating. They aren't volatile nor water-soluble so they are more easily absorbed by the body through the consumption of meat, dairy products such as fish, as well as other seafood. It is crucial to keep in mind that exposure to dioxins could have a detrimental effect on your health depending on many factors , including how much you eat, drink, and the frequency you breathe. It is also essential to take into consideration your gender, age and nutrition status, as well as diet and family characteristics in addition to other factors in your health that could determine whether you'll be affected by dioxins or not. The type of contaminant equally important. The EPA states that certain toxic substances are more likely to have a negative impact on human health than others. Polychlorinated biphenyls, also known as PCBs, are more likely than creosote to affect your health. For example, PCBs can damage a person's eyes, kidneys and liver. They can also affect the immune system of a person, and hinder the growth of healthy teeth and bones. For years, residents of Houston's Fifth Ward and Kashmere Gardens have complained about a series of cancer deaths that have been related to the Union Pacific rail yard, close to their homes. The announcement on Friday by the city's health department revealed that they had identified cancer-causing chemicals in surfaces near the rail yard. The release said that the results were not encouraging. FOX 26's Mayor Sylvester Turner stated that he intends to sue Union Pacific over the matter and that a plan submitted by Texas environmental regulators will not be sufficient. Polychlorinated Biphenyls PCBs, also referred to as polychlorinated biphenylsare harmful chemicals that have been used for over 60 years in industrial and consumer products. After being found to cause cancer and 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 are extremely binders to organic matter and are generally persistent, meaning they are relatively easily transported and accumulated in the environment. As a result, PCBs constitute a major risk for the protection of health and safety of people and the environment. The EPA is adamant that they are a human carcinogen , and has demonstrated that they can cause cancer in lab animals. In addition, some studies have found a link between PCBs to birth defects in children. This is especially the case for children who've been exposed to these chemicals in the womb. The primary route for exposure to PCBs is through food items. Fish is the primary source of exposure, as they contain the most PCBs. However, PCBs can also found in dairy products, beef and other agricultural products. Another way to be exposed PCBs is through drinking and showering with water that is contaminated with PCBs. This can happen from leaks or spills that can occur in electrical and other equipment. People can also be exposed to PCBs by breathing in air or through skin contact. These chemicals can trigger the condition known as Chloracne. This is a tiny, pale, yellow-colored skin lesions that can last for months or even years. The effects of PCBs upon the human body are not fully understood. Researchers have suggested that they may cause liver and biliary cancers in humans. However there is more research needed to better understand how this impacts us. EPA is also investigating whether these chemicals could cause birth defects in newborns, like lower birth weight. A low birth weight has been linked to insulin resistance, or Type II diabetes, high blood pressure, and cardiovascular disease later in the course of. Two studies revealed that children born with higher levels PCBs in their cord blood had lower birth weights , and/or an earlier age. Lead Lead is a poisonous metal and can be found in many products, including pipes, paints, and food cans. The body absorbs it through two main routes: oral and respiratory. It is a potent antioxidant and can react with other chemicals present in the environment. It can build up within the body, which can cause serious health issues like cancer and other ailments. In Houston, people who live near a creosote treatment plant run by Union Pacific Railroad have a high incidence of cancer. The city has requested the federal government to instruct the railroad to remove the site that is contaminated. 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 tried to get rid of the mess, but the plan presented to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality is not enough residents claim. One of the most important problems that stemmed from the contamination was the groundwater plume that runs beneath the homes in the area. A recent study conducted by the health department has shown that the concentration of creosote found in soil samples near the rail yard is much higher than the recommended levels for drinking water. Another issue is that creosote is slowly disappearing into the air. It causes residents to breathe harmful levels of vapors which can be fatal for children and adults. It is also possible that particles are causing cancers among those who breathe the vapors in. A door-to-door health survey is being conducted in the area to learn more about how the vapors impact the residents' lives. This is a major problem for the Fifth Ward and Kashmere Garden communities. This is a very sad situation that must be dealt with immediately. A recent study by the Department of State Health Services found that children in the Fifth Ward and Kashmere Garden neighborhoods contracted a form of leukemia at a five-fold higher rate than the average. The study also revealed that adult cancers were more prevalent in the neighborhood than elsewhere in Texas.
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