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. The most recent tests have shown that the contamination may be affecting residents living nearby.
Researchers believe it's due to the high incidence of cancers in the area. Two years into a health study conducted by the state the researchers found higher than anticipated rates of childhood lymphoblastic leukemia and adult renal and kidney pelvis cancers within the communities around the Union Pacific site.
Creosote
Creosote is one of the most common chemicals that is used in the treatment of wood. It is also a poisonous substance and can cause cancers in those exposed to it.
It is a dense, oily substance that is amber or black in color and has a smoky odor and a burnt flavor. It is a coal-tar distillation product that has been used for more than 150 years to preserve wood.
It is used in the United States to treat railroad ties, as well as other types of woods, including fence posts, utility poles, and pilings for marine structures. It can also be used to shield log homes and other structures from insects and rot infestation.
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) declares that creosote could be a dangerous chemical. In the event of exposure to creosote for a short periods can result in irritation to the eyes and skin as well as chemical burns, stomach discomfort, burning of the throat or mouth as well as liver or kidney problems, and even permanent damage.
Railroad Cancer Lawsuit -term exposure could 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.
According to the EPA It is a likely human cancer-causing agent. It has been linked to a range of different cancer types, including esophageal and lung cancer.
Residents of Houston's Fifth Ward neighborhood have been exposed to creosote for years, thanks to an old rail yard close to their homes. They say the chemical has affected their homes as well as their soil, and it continues to spread underground.
Harris County and Houston have joined forces to fight Union Pacific in federal court. They want the company to test for contamination regularly and implement preventative measures to prevent the spread.
In October of 2017 a group of Fifth Ward neighbors sued Union Pacific. They claim that creosote from the former rail yard is contaminating soil beneath their homes , causing serious health problems.
They are seeking compensation for their diseases and suffering and also damages from the railroad for the cost of cleaning and other related costs. They also claim that they are affected by environmental racism and discrimination, and other forms of pollution that has affected them and their families.
Dioxin
Dioxins are a class of chemicals which do not break down quickly in the environment and can remain in the air, water, soil or sediment for an extended duration. They can come from various sources, including natural catastrophes, industrial accidents smoking cigarettes, and the incineration process of hazardous waste.
The effects of dioxin on health are not known at low levels, however there is evidence that suggests they can trigger cancer and other serious illnesses. Higher levels of dioxin have been linked to an increased risk for heart disease, organ cancers as well as immune-related issues and endocrine problems, like hormonal imbalances. They can also trigger reproductive problems, a suppressed immune system, menstrual problems and diabetes and weight loss, hair growth and facial cysts, known as chloracne.
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the most common way people are exposed to dioxin is through drinking or eating. They aren't volatile nor water-soluble so they are more easily absorbable by the body via the consumption of meat, dairy products as well as fish and other seafood.
However, it is crucial to remember that the amount of exposure that could have negative effects on your health is contingent upon numerous factors, including the amount of food you consume or drink, the frequency you consume alcohol or food, and how much air you breathe. You should also take into consideration your gender and age, as well as your nutrition and family characteristics to determine whether you will be exposed to dioxins.
The kind of contaminant used is crucial. According to the EPA there are some toxins that are more dangerous than others to human health. For example, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are more likely to have a negative impact on your health than creosote.
PCBs can cause damage to the eyes, liver, kidneys, and kidneys. They can also affect the immune system and cause issues with the development of healthy bones, teeth and bones.
For years, neighbors in Houston's Fifth Ward and Kashmere Gardens have been complaining about a rash of cancer-related deaths that has been related to the Union Pacific rail yard, which is next to their communities. Friday's announcement by the city's health department stated that it discovered cancer-causing chemicals in surfaces near the rail yard. The release noted that the results were not encouraging. Mayor Sylvester Turner told FOX 26 that he's going to take legal action against Union Pacific over the matter and that a plan presented to Texas environmental regulators isn't sufficient in light of the findings.
Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs)
PCBs, also referred to as polychlorinated Biphenyls, are noxious chemicals that have been used for more than 60 years in both consumer and industrial products. After being found to cause cancer and weaken the immune system These chemicals were banned in 1979.
PCBs can infect soil and water as well as air in many areas of the world once they are released into the environment. They bind strongly to organic matter, and tend to be persistent, meaning they are relatively easy to transport and build up in the environment.
PCBs are a major problem for protecting the environment as well as public health. The EPA considers them a potential human carcinogen and has proved that they can cause cancer in lab animals.
In addition, some studies have linked PCBs to birth defects in children. This is especially true for children who have been exposed to these chemicals in the womb.
The primary route of exposure to PCBs is through food. Fish are the primary source of exposure because they are the source of the most PCBs. However, PCBs can also found in beef, dairy products, and other agricultural products.
Showering or drinking Railroad Cancer -contaminated water is another way to be exposed. This can be caused by leaks or spills in electrical and other equipment.
Similarly, people can also be exposed to PCBs by breathing in air or by touching the skin. These chemicals can trigger a condition called Chloracne. It is a small pale, yellow-colored skin lesions that can last for several weeks to several years.
The effects of PCBs upon the health of humans aren't completely comprehended. Researchers have suggested that they may cause biliary and liver cancers in humans. However it is necessary to conduct more research to understand how this affects us.
EPA is also studying whether these chemicals may cause birth defects in newborns, including lower birth weight. Railroad Cancer Lawyer is associated with insulin resistance or Type II diabetes, high blood pressure, and cardiovascular disease later in the course of. Two studies have shown that children born with higher levels of PCBs in their cord blood were born with lower birth weights and/or an earlier age.
Lead
Lead is a poisonous metal and can be found in a variety of products, including pipes, paints, and food cans. It is absorbed into the body through two major pathways: the respiratory and oral.
It is a strong oxidizing chemical and can react with other substances in your environment. It can accumulate within the body and can lead to serious health issues, such as cancer and other illnesses.
In Houston, people who live near a creosote legacy treatment plant owned by Union Pacific Railroad have a high rate of cancer. The city has asked the federal government to direct the railroad to clean up the site that is contaminated.
The Union Pacific Railroad has a history of having its rail yard contaminated in the Fifth Ward and Kashmere Gardens neighborhood with carcinogenic chemicals to humans, including creosote. The company has been trying to remove the mess, but the plan presented to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality is not enough residents believe.
One of the biggest problems that arose from the contamination is the plume of groundwater that is located beneath homes in the region. A recent study conducted by health officials has found that soil samples taken from the rail yard have more creosote than is recommended for drinking water.
Another issue is the slow evaporation of creosote from the atmosphere. It is causing residents to breathe toxic levels of vapors, which could cause death for both children as well as adults.
It is also possible that the gases are causing cancers in the residents who are breathing the vapors. To find out more about the effects of the vapors on the lives of residents the neighborhood, a door-to-door survey being done in the neighborhood.
This is a major problem for the Fifth Ward and Kashmere Garden communities. It is a sad situation and should be dealt with immediately.
A Department of State Health Services study discovered that leukemia rates were five times higher among children who lived 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 elsewhere in Texas.