Bison Rail Yard:
The Bison Rail Yard, located in Buffalo, New York, was opened in 1924. This facility plays a crucial role in the region’s rail operations, with a workforce of approximately 300 employees. On a daily basis, Bison Rail Yard handles around 75 to 100 trains, contributing significantly to the local and regional rail network.
Unfortunately, like many rail yards, Bison is not without its environmental and health concerns. Workers at the yard are potentially exposed to several hazardous substances, including diesel exhaust, which contains carcinogens such as benzene and formaldehyde. Long-term exposure to diesel fumes can lead to respiratory issues and increase the risk of lung cancer. Additionally, the yard may have residual contamination from lubricants and chemicals used in rail maintenance, which can contain toxic heavy metals like lead and cadmium. Chronic exposure to these toxins can lead to conditions such as lead poisoning, kidney damage, and various other chronic health problems. The presence of such toxins underscores the importance of stringent safety measures and regular health monitoring for workers at the facility.
