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 an underground plume of creosote at its contaminated rail yard. The latest tests have demonstrated that the contamination could be affecting residents living nearby.
Researchers believe it could be due to the large number of cancers that are found in the area. Two years into a health study conducted by the state they discovered higher than expected levels of childhood lymphoblastic leukemia as well as adult kidney and renal pelvis cancers in areas around the Union Pacific site.
Creosote
Creosote is a common chemical used to treat wood. It is also a harmful substance that can cause cancer in those exposed to it.
It is a dense oily substance, amber to black in color. It has a smoky smell and a burnt taste. It is a distillation of coal product and has been used for more than 150 years as a wood preservative.
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 is also used to shield log homes and other structures from rot and insect infestation.
According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), creosote is a potentially dangerous chemical. In short-term exposure, it can cause irritation of the skin and eyes and chemical burns stomach discomfort and burning of the throat or mouth, and kidney or liver problems.
Long-term exposure to the sun can cause skin and scrotum cancer. This is a serious issue for workers who have direct contact with it during wood treatment or in other manufacturing processes.
According to the EPA it is a known human cancer-causing agent. It has been linked with a variety of cancers such as esophageal cancer as well 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 that the chemical has caused soil and homes to be contaminated and is spreading underground.
Harris County and Houston have joined forces to fight Union Pacific in federal court. They demand that the company test regularly for contamination and take steps to stop the spread of the disease.
A group of Fifth Ward neighbors filed an action against Union Pacific in October of 2017. They claim that creosote was a source of contamination in their soil and caused major health problems as a result of the former rail yard.
They are seeking damages from the railroad to help cover the costs of cleaning up and other related costs. They also claim to be harmed by environmental racism and discrimination, and other kinds of pollution that have affected them and their families.
Dioxin
Dioxins are substances that don't break down in the environment quickly . Cancer Lawsuit Settlements can be left in the air, the soil of the water or sediment for a long period. They can come from diverse sources, including natural catastrophes, industrial accidents, smoking cigarettes, and the incineration process of hazardous waste.
The effects of dioxin on health aren't clear at low levels, but there is evidence that suggests they can cause cancer and other serious diseases. The people who are exposed to higher levels have been found to be at greater risk of heart disease, organ cancers, immune system disorders and endocrine issues such as hormonal imbalances. They can also cause reproductive problems, a suppressed immune system, menstrual issues and diabetes hair growth, weight loss and facial cysts, known as chloracne.
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency the most frequent way that people are exposed 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 such as fish, as well as other seafood.
But it is important to remember that the level of exposure that can have negative effects on your health is contingent upon numerous factors, including the amount you eat or drink, how often you drink or eat, and the amount of air you breathe. You should also consider your gender and age, your diet, and family characteristics to determine if you'll be exposed to dioxins.
The kind of contaminant used is equally important. According to the EPA there are some toxins that are more harmful than others to the health of humans. Polychlorinated biphenyls, also known as PCBs, are more likely than creosote to cause harm to your health.
PCBs can cause damage to the eyes and kidneys, liver, and kidneys. They can also affect the immune system and cause problems with the growth of healthy bones, teeth, and bones.
For years, neighbors in Houston's Fifth Ward and Kashmere Gardens have complained about a cluster of cancer deaths that has been tied to the Union Pacific rail yard, that is right next to their neighborhoods. The announcement made by the city's health department stated that it discovered cancer-causing chemicals in samples of the surface near the rail yard. The release said that the findings were "not encouraging." Mayor Sylvester Turner told FOX 26 that he's going to sue Union Pacific over the matter and that a plan presented to Texas environmental regulators wouldn't be sufficient in light of the findings.
Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs)
Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) are harmful chemicals that have been used in industrial and household products for over 60 years. They were banned in 1979, after being discovered to cause cancer, weaken the immune system, and hinder learning.
After being released into the atmosphere, PCBs contaminate air, water, and soil in many areas of the world. They are strong binders for organic matter and can be easily transported and then accumulated in the environment.
As a result, PCBs are a major issue for the protection of health and safety of people and the environment. They are classified as a probable human carcinogen by EPA, and have been found to cause cancer in lab animals.
Additionally, some studies have linked PCBs to birth defects in children. This is particularly the case for children exposed PCBs in the womb.
PCBs are most often ingested through food. Fish is the primary source of exposure, as they are the largest source of PCBs. However, PCBs can also found in beef, dairy products, and other agricultural products.
Showering or drinking PCB-contaminated water is another way to be exposed. 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 the air or by touching the skin. These chemicals can trigger the condition known as chloracne which is a mild, small skin lesions that can last from weeks to years.
The effects of PCBs upon the health of humans aren't completely comprehended. Researchers have suggested that they could cause liver and biliary cancers in humans. However further research is required to better understand how this impacts us.
The EPA is also examining whether these chemicals can cause birth defects in newborn babies. A low birth weight has been associated with Type II diabetes, insulin resistance, high blood pressure, and later-life cardiovascular disease. In two studies, children who were born with higher levels of PCBs in their cord blood had lower body weight at birth, and/or later in childhood.
Lead
Lead is a toxic metal and is present in a variety of products, including paints, pipes, and food cans. It can be absorbed by the body through two main routes: oral and respiratory.
It is a strong chemical that can oxidize and react with other chemicals in your surroundings. It can build up within the body, which could lead to serious health issues, such as cancer and other ailments.
In Houston residents living near a creosote legacy treatment facility run by Union Pacific Railroad have a high rate of cancer. The city has requested the federal government to order the railroad to remove the site that is contaminated.
Union Pacific Railroad has a history of having been a source of contamination for its Fifth Ward rail yard and Kashmere Garden neighborhood with chemicals that can cause cancer. The railroad has been trying to remove the mess, but a plan submitted to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality isn't enough residents claim.
One of the most important problems that stemmed due to the contamination is the groundwater plume beneath homes in the region. A recent study by the health department shows that the concentration of creosote in soil samples around the rail yard is more than the levels recommended for drinking water.
Another major concern is that the creosote is slowly dispersing into the air. As it is, it causes residents to breathe in dangerous levels of vapors, which are harmful for children as well as adults.
It is possible that the vapors could cause cancer among those who inhale them. A door-to door health survey is being conducted in the neighborhood to understand how the vapors affect the residents' lives.
This is a major issue for the Fifth Ward and Kashmere Garden communities. This is a tragic situation that needs to be addressed immediately.
A recent study by the Department of State Health Services found that children in the Fifth Ward and Kashmere Garden communities contracted a type leukemia that was five times more frequently than was expected. The study also revealed that adult cancers were more common in these areas than elsewhere in Texas.