The Troubling Reality of Alliance Yard in Alliance, Nebraska
Alliance Yard, located in Alliance, Nebraska, is a key classification yard for BNSF Railway. Established in the mid-20th century, this yard has grown to become a crucial hub for the sorting and routing of freight across the Midwest and western United States. Handling a high volume of traffic daily, Alliance Yard sees thousands of train cars pass through its extensive network of tracks, making it one of the busiest yards in the region.
However, with such significant traffic, the yard poses considerable risks, particularly regarding the toxins workers may come into contact with regularly. Substances like diesel exhaust, asbestos from older railcars, and various chemicals used in the maintenance and operation of the yard are common hazards. Workers are often exposed to these harmful materials, which can lead to long-term health issues such as respiratory problems and other serious illnesses.
Recent Toxic Event:
A recent toxic event at Alliance Yard highlighted the severe risks associated with this rail facility. A spill of hazardous materials, including benzene and hydrochloric acid, occurred due to a derailment. The release of these toxic substances created an immediate danger to workers, leading to evacuations and emergency response actions. This incident not only endangered the health of the yard’s employees but also posed a significant threat to the surrounding community.
The presence of benzene, a known carcinogen, and hydrochloric acid, a highly corrosive substance, can have devastating effects on both human health and the environment. Workers exposed to these chemicals faced immediate risks of burns, respiratory distress, and long-term cancer risks. The surrounding community also faced potential contamination of air, water, and soil, leading to possible chronic health issues and environmental degradation.
In conclusion, Alliance Yard’s essential role in freight transportation comes with substantial hazards. The daily exposure to toxins and the potential for severe toxic events underscores the ongoing risks faced by workers and the nearby community. The recent chemical spill serves as a stark reminder of the dangers inherent in rail yard operations, demanding vigilant safety measures and ongoing scrutiny to protect those most at risk.
Toxic Exposures at the Alliance Rail Yard
Diesel Exhaust: Diesel exhaust is a complex mixture of gases and particulates produced by diesel engines. Long-term exposure can lead to serious health problems like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), lung cancer, and cardiovascular disease. Railroaders are often exposed to excess diesel exhaust from locomotives idling in rail yards.
Benzene: Benzene is a component of diesel fuel and also used as a solvent in parts washers and in the production of other chemicals. Long-term exposure to benzene can lead to leukemia and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Minimizing exposure to benzene is crucial.
Solvents: Parts washers and solvents are often used my mechanics to clean tools.
Silica: Silica dust is produced during operations like track maintenance. Inhalation of silica dust can lead to silicosis, a chronic lung disease, and an increased risk of lung cancer.
Asbestos: Asbestos was widely used in the railroad industry due to its heat-resistant properties. Railroad brakes often contained asbestos. Exposure to asbestos can lead to diseases like asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma. Contact an experienced railroad cancer lawyer if you have been diagnosed with any lung-related disease.
Common Diagnoses Among Railroaders
Exposure to numerous carcinogens including asbestos, silica dust, diesel exhaust, degreasers, solvents, welding fumes and other toxic compounds can cause cancer in railroaders. Many traditional safety briefings and training did not warn railroad workers that their on-the-job exposures could lead to a life-changing diagnosis.
Cancer:
- Bladder Cancer
- Colorectal Cancer
- Esophageal Cancer
- Kidney Cancer
- Laryngeal Cancer
- Mesothelioma
- Stomach Cancer
Leukemia:
- Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML)
- Multiple Myeloma (MM)
- Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS)
- Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma (NHL)
Pulmonary conditions:
- Asthma
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
- Emphysema
- Pulmonary Fibrosis
- Reactive Airway Disease (RADS)
Neurological:
Legal Guidance After Your Life-Changing Diagnosis
Our team of experienced railroad cancer lawyers is ready to review your case for free. If we believe you have a valid claim, we will file a lawsuit on your behalf. We operate on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t pay anything unless we win your case. This ensures that you can pursue justice without worrying about upfront legal fees.
Discuss your case with one of our lawyers without any obligation. During this consultation, we will assess the merits of your case and guide you on the best course of action.
Gianaris Trial Lawyers represents railroaders with life-changing injuries and diagnoses including cancer, leukemia, and pulmonary conditions caused by exposures on the railroad. Every job on the railroad comes with a unique set of exposures that can make railroaders sick. We stand behind these railroaders and hold their employers accountable across the country.
