Railroad Lawsuit - Exposure to Toxins Causes Emphysema and MesotheliomaBecause of their work, railroad workers can be exposed to numerous toxic substances. One of them is asbestos that was used to insulate and line older train cars.Unfortunately, these harmful substances can cause serious harm to the lungs of railway workers. Our FELA lawyers help those suffering from railroad lung diseases hold corporations accountable for their wrongful actions.AsbestosTrains still play an important role in the country's transportation network, even though railroads have seen a decline in popularity in recent years because of the increased use of automobiles. As such, railroad workers have been exposed to various toxins that can influence their health. Our Boston railroad worker asbestos lawyers note that railroad workers are at risk of developing lung ailments such as mesothelioma or asbestosis.Asbestos is a hazard that is able to break down into microscopically thin fibers that can be breathed into the lungs. These fibers can cause serious scarring of lung tissue, which could result in a variety of serious respiratory illnesses, including asbestosis, mesothelioma, and lung cancer.For example, a man diagnosed with mesothelioma after working on the railroad for over 30 years has filed an Illinois Central Railroad lawsuit. The railroad allowed him to work in hazardous environments, but not providing him with protective equipment or warnings of potential dangers. He alleges that he inhaled diesel exhaust, creosote, chemicals, dust, powders and other particles that impacted his lungs.Moreover, this man says the Illinois Central Railroad failed to provide him with the proper medical surgical, hospital and therapeutic care for his injuries and ailments. According to the lawsuit, the railroad violated their Federal Employers Liability Act duty to provide a safe working environment for their employees. Pancreatic cancer lawsuit fumesThe fumes released by diesel engines can be harmful to the health of railroad workers. In certain cases, these fumes can lead to lung disease such as COPD. In the case of one worker who was exposed diesel exhaust while working, his employer failed to provide adequate protective equipment. The man developed COPD as a result, and now utilizes oxygen tanks each day.The Guardian reported in a recent article that in the United Kingdom, where diesel exhaust is commonly found at workplaces such as bus depots and garages, there are "growing legal claims" about exposure to harmful diesel fumes. Diesel exhaust contains high levels nitrogen oxides, which can be harmful to those who breathe it. Nitrogen oxides may cause irritation to the eyes, nose, and throat. They can also cause short-term discomforts such as coughing or phlegm. Inhaling diesel fumes can cause chest pain and wheezing.In addition to diesel fumes, other pollutants found in some rail yard environments include chemicals, creosote dust and powders. These toxins can be inhaled and lead to long term issues such as COPD and lung cancer. The International Agency for Research on Cancer has classified diesel engine exhaust as a certain carcinogen. The agency also warns that exposure to diesel exhaust may increase the risk of bladder cancer in men as well as women.SmokingA railroad conductor filed a claim for occupational illness recently, claiming that his long-term exposure to toxic chemicals caused him to develop COPD. asbestos lung cancer lawsuit claims that his employer failed to provide him with proper safety equipment, which allowed him to breathe in hundreds of compounds each day. These contaminants include diesel exhaust, fumes silica, creosote coal smoke, metal dusts, sulfur dioxide, benzene dioxins, chemical degreasers, and other airborne irritating substances.The problem with these toxins is that they are capable of reaching deep into the lung tissue which can cause damage and eventually lead to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or COPD. Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma lawsuit causes shortness of breath, persistent coughing, wheezing and weight loss. In some cases, it can also cause asthma.The Federal Employers Liability Act, 45 U.S.C. provides compensation to railroad workers who suffer from respiratory diseases caused by their work. 51. This law requires railroad companies to offer their employees an acceptable and secure place to work.However, this isn't always the reality. Railroad companies are aware of the dangers associated with their work, yet they fail to safeguard their employees. FELA was established to hold railroad corporations accountable for their actions. If you have medical conditions that are related to your railroad experience, consult a mesothelioma lawyer who has dealt with FELA cases successfully.