The Troubling History and Recent Hazards of East Joliet Yard
East Joliet Yard, located in Joliet, Illinois, has long been a pivotal part of the region’s rail infrastructure. Established in the mid-20th century to serve the growing demand for freight transport, the yard has grown into a bustling hub, handling a substantial volume of rail traffic daily. Each day, hundreds of freight cars pass through the yard, managed by a sizable workforce dedicated to ensuring the smooth operation of this critical facility.
However, the yard’s extensive activity comes with significant risks. Recently, East Joliet Yard was the site of a concerning toxic event. A spill involving hazardous chemicals, including volatile organic compounds and heavy metals, occurred, releasing these dangerous substances into the environment. This incident posed immediate health risks to the workers at the yard, who were exposed to these toxic materials, potentially leading to severe short-term and long-term health issues.
The impact of this toxic event extends beyond the yard itself. The surrounding community faces potential contamination of air, soil, and water sources, increasing the risk of respiratory problems, skin conditions, and other serious health concerns for local residents. The proximity of residential areas to the rail yard exacerbates these dangers, highlighting the pressing need for stringent safety measures and robust emergency response protocols to mitigate such risks in the future.
The recent toxic event at East Joliet Yard underscores the urgent necessity for improved safety and environmental protections to safeguard both the workers and the nearby community from the harmful effects of hazardous materials.
Toxic Exposures at the East Joliet 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.
