Union Pacific Houston Cancer - Is Creosote Still Affecting Houstonians?
Houston's Fifth Ward neighbors have complained for decades that the company hasn't done enough to clean up an underground plume contaminated rail yard. The latest tests suggest that the contamination could still be affecting those who live near.
Researchers believe that it could be due to the large number of cancers found in the region. Two years into a health inspection by the state, they found higher-than-expected levels of childhood lymphoblastic leukemia and adult renal and kidney pelvis cancers in neighborhoods surrounding the Union Pacific site.
Creosote
Creosote which is a common chemical used for the treatment of wood is also a typical one. It is also a toxic substance and can cause cancers in those exposed to it.
It is a heavy oily substance that ranges from amber to black in color. It has a smokey smell and a burnt taste. It is a coal tar distillation product that has been used for more than 150 years as a wood preservative.
It is utilized in the United States to treat railroad tiesand other types of woods, including fence posts and utility poles, as well as pilings for marine structures. It can also be used to safeguard log homes and other structures from rot and infestation.
According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) creosote can be a chemical that could be dangerous. Exposure to creosote for short periods can cause irritation to the eyes and skin and chemical burns, stomach pains, burning of mouth or throat and liver or kidney issues, and even permanent damage.
Exposure for long periods can lead to skin and scrotum cancer. Workers who come in direct contact with it during wood treatment or other manufacturing processes are susceptible to cancer.
It is thought to be a probable human carcinogen, according to the EPA. It has been linked with many types of cancer such as esophageal cancer as well as lung cancer.
Residents of Houston's Fifth Ward neighborhood have been exposed to creosote for years due to the former rail yard that was located near their homes. They claim the chemical has affected their homes as well as their soil and continues to spread throughout the underground.
Harris County and Houston have joined the effort against Union Pacific in federal court. They are requesting that the company tests frequently for contamination and take steps to stop the spread of the disease.
In October 2017, a group of Fifth Ward neighbors sued Union Pacific. They claim that creosote contaminated their soil and caused serious health issues from the former rail yard.
They are seeking compensation for their illnesses and suffering, as well as damages from the railroad for the cost of cleanup and other related costs. They claim they have suffered the effects of environmental racism and discrimination as well as other forms of pollution that have affected their families and themselves.
Dioxin
Dioxins are substances which do not break down quickly in the environment and can remain in the air, water, or in sediment for a long time. They are found in many places that include natural disasters, industrial accidents, cigarettes and incineration, as well as 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. Railroad Workers that are higher have been linked to increased risk for organ cancers, heart disease immune disorders, and endocrine issues like hormonal imbalances. They can also trigger reproductive issues, a weak immune system, menstrual issues and diabetes, hair growth, weight loss and facial cysts called chloracne.
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency the most frequent way people are exposed to dioxin is through drinking water or food. They aren't water-soluble or volatile, so they are more likely to be absorbed into the body through the consumption of meat, dairy products or fish and other seafood.
It is nevertheless important to remember that the level of exposure that could have adverse effects on your health depends on many factors, including the amount you eat or drink, how often you consume alcohol or food, and how much you breathe. It is also important to take into account your gender, age, nutrition, and family characteristics to determine whether you will be exposed to dioxins.
In addition, the type of contaminant is also an important factor. 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 detrimental impact on your health than creosote.
PCBs can cause damage to the eyes and liver, kidneys and kidneys. They can also damage a person's immune system and interfere with the growth of healthy teeth and bones.
For years, residents of Houston's Fifth Ward and Kashmere Gardens have been complaining about a string of cancer-related deaths that has been linked to the Union Pacific rail yard, which is next to their communities. The city's health department announced on Friday that it had discovered cancer-causing substances in surface samples of the rail yard. The release stated that the results were not encouraging. Mayor Sylvester Turner told FOX 26 that he plans to take legal action against Union Pacific over the matter and said that a proposal submitted to Texas environmental regulators will not be adequate given the findings.
Polychlorinated Biphenyls
PCBs, also referred to as polychlorinated Biphenyls, are noxious chemicals that have been in use for more than 60 years in industrial and consumer products. After being proven to cause Union Pacific Lawsuit Settlements and to suppress the immune system the immune system, these chemicals were banned in 1979.
When released into the environment, PCBs contaminate air, soil, and water across the world. They bind strongly to organic matter and are often persistent and therefore, are easily transported and accumulated in the environment.
PCBs are a major issue for protecting the environment as well as public health. The EPA considers them a potential human carcinogen , and has demonstrated that they can cause cancer in laboratory animals.
Certain studies also show a link between PCBs to birth defects in children. This is particularly relevant for children who have been exposed to these chemicals while during pregnancy.
The primary route for exposure to PCBs is through food items. Since they are the most abundant in PCBs fish is the most significant source of exposure. However, PCBs can also found in dairy products, beef, and other agricultural products.
Drinking and showering with PCB-contaminated water is another way to be exposed. This could be due to leaks or spills which could be caused by electrical or other equipment.
People may also be 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 tiny, pale skin lesions that can be present for a period of weeks or years.
However, the effects of PCBs on human health are not yet fully recognized. Researchers have suggested that they may cause biliary and liver cancers in humans. However, more research is needed to understand how this affects us.
The EPA is also investigating whether these chemicals may cause birth defects in newborn babies. A low birth weight has been linked to Type II diabetes, insulin resistance, high blood pressure, and later-life cardiovascular disease. In two studies, children born with higher levels of PCBs in their cord blood had lower body weight at birth, and/or later in childhood.
Lead
Cancer Lawsuit is a toxic metal that is present in a variety of products like paints pipes and food cans. The body can absorb it via two routes: respiratory and oral.
It is an extremely chemical that oxidizes and reacts with other chemicals in your surroundings. It can accumulate in the body, and could cause serious health issues, such as cancer and other ailments.
Houston residents who live near the Union Pacific Railroad's creosote legacy plant have a high rate of cancer. The city has asked the federal government to order the railroad to clean up its toxic site.
The Union Pacific Railroad has a history of polluting its rail yard in the Fifth Ward and Kashmere Gardens neighborhood with carcinogenic chemicals to humans, like creosote. The company has tried to clean up the mess, but a plan submitted to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality isn't enough residents believe.
Groundwater plume below the homes in the affected area is among the most grave consequences of the contamination. A recent study conducted by health officials has shown that soil samples taken from the rail yard have a higher concentration of creosote than the recommended amount for drinking water.
Another issue is that creosote is slowly disappearing into the air. It is causing residents to inhale dangerous levels of vapors, which could cause death for children as well as adults.
It is possible that the vapors cause cancer among those who breathe them. A door-to door health survey is being conducted in the area to learn more about how the vapors affect the lives of the residents.
This is a major issue for the Fifth Ward and Kashmere Garden communities. It is a sad situation and needs to be addressed immediately.
A Department of State Health Services study discovered that leukemia rates were five times higher for children who lived in the Fifth Ward and Kashmere Gardens neighborhoods than what was expected. The study also revealed that adult cancers were more prevalent in these areas than in other areas of Texas.