Railroad Lawsuit - Exposure to Toxins Causes Emphysema and MesotheliomaDue to the work they perform railroad workers are exposed to toxic substances. Asbestos, which was used in older train cars to line them and insulate them, is one of these toxic substance.Unfortunately, these harmful substances can wreak havoc on the lung health of railroad workers. Our FELA lawyers aid victims of lung diseases that affect railroad workers and hold corporations accountable for their negligence.AsbestosTrains continue to play a crucial role in the country's transportation network, even though railroads have seen a decline in popularity in recent decades due to more people choosing cars. Railroad workers have been exposed to various toxins that can impact their health. Specifically, our Boston asbestos exposure to railroad workers lawyers note that railway employees are frequently at risk for developing lung diseases such as asbestosis and mesothelioma.Asbestos is broken down into microscopic fibers which can be breathed into the lung. These fibers can cause serious lung tissue scarring that can cause a variety of serious respiratory diseases like mesothelioma and asbestosis.For example one man diagnosed with mesothelioma following a career on the railroad for over 30 years has filed an Illinois Central Railroad lawsuit. The railroad allowed him to work in hazardous environments, but did not provide the necessary protective equipment or warnings regarding potential dangers. He alleges that he inhaled diesel exhaust, creosote, dust, chemicals, powders and other particles that impacted his lung.Furthermore, the plaintiff claims that the Illinois Central Railroad failed to provide him with the proper medical surgery, hospital, and therapeutic care for his injuries and illnesses. According to his complaint the railroad breached its Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA) obligation to provide employees with a safe and secure work environment.Diesel fumesThe fumes released by diesel engines can have a negative impact on the health of railroad workers. In some instances these fumes could lead to lung disease such as COPD. In the case where a machinist had to breathe in diesel exhaust while working the company did not provide adequate protection equipment. In the end, the man developed COPD and has to use oxygen tanks daily.The Guardian reported in a recent article that in the United Kingdom, where diesel exhaust is often found in places of work like bus depots and garages, there are "growing legal claims" regarding exposure to toxic diesel fumes. railroad workers cancer lawsuit contain large amounts of nitrogen oxides which can be harmful to people. Nitrogen oxides may cause irritation to the eyes, nose and throat. They can also cause temporary symptoms like coughing or phlegm. Inhaling diesel fumes can cause chest tightness and wheezing.In addition to diesel fumes, other contaminants found in the rail yard include creosote, chemicals, dust and powders. These toxins are breathed in, and may cause long-term problems such as COPD or lung cancer. The International Agency for Research on Cancer classified exhausts from diesel engines as carcinogens. The agency warns that there are indications that exposure to diesel engine exhaust may increase the risk of bladder cancer for both females and males.Smoking mesothelioma lung cancer lawsuit filed an occupational illness claim claiming that his prolonged exposure to toxic chemicals at work caused him to develop COPD. He claims that his employer did not provide him with appropriate safety equipment which allowed him to breathe in hundreds of chemicals every day. These poisons include diesel exhaust and fumes, silica, creosote, metal dusts, coal smoke sulfur dioxide, benzene chemical degreasers, dioxins and other airborne irritants.These toxins can get deep into the lung tissue, where they cause damage, eventually leading to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (also known as COPD). The chronic illness can cause shortness of breath wheezing, chronic coughing and weight loss. In certain instances it may also trigger asthma. pulmonary fibrosis lawsuit , 45 U.S.C. offers compensation to railroad workers who suffer from respiratory illnesses that result from their work. 51. This law requires railroads to offer their employees a reasonably safe place to work.Unfortunately, this isn't always the however. Railroad companies are aware of the risks they face in their job However, they fail to protect workers. FELA was created to hold railroad companies accountable for their mistakes. If you suffer from medical conditions that are linked to your railroad career contact a mesothelioma lawyer who has dealt with FELA cases successfully.