Railroad Lawsuit - Exposure to Toxins Causes Emphysema and MesotheliomaRailroad workers are exposed a variety of toxic toxins that can harm them due to their work. Asbestos which was used in older train cars to line and insulate them, is a hazardous substance.Unfortunately, these toxic substances can cause havoc to the lung health of railroad workers. Our FELA lawyers assist victims of lung diseases caused by railroads hold corporations accountable for their actions.AsbestosAlthough railroads have been criticized as a means of transportation in recent years as more people shift to automobiles, trains play a vital role in the nation's network of freight. Railroad workers are exposed to toxic substances for a long period of time, which can negatively affect their health. Specifically, our Boston asbestos exposure lawyer for railroad workers lawyers point out that railroad workers have often been at risk for developing lung diseases such as mesothelioma and asbestosis.Asbestos can be broken into tiny fibers that can be inhaled into the lungs. These fibers can cause serious lung tissue scarring that can result in a number of serious respiratory illnesses like mesothelioma and asbestosis.For instance a man who was diagnosed with mesothelioma following a career on the railroad for more than 30 years has filed an Illinois Central Railroad lawsuit. Leukemia lawsuit claims that the railroad allowed him to work in dangerous environments, without providing the necessary protective equipment or warnings about potential dangers. He alleges that he inhaled creosote, diesel exhaust chemicals, dust, powders and other particles that impacted his lungs.This man claims that the Illinois Central Railroad did not provide him with the proper medical care, hospitalization therapeutic and surgical treatment for his injuries and ailments. According to Leukemia lawsuit , the railroad violated its Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA) duty to provide its employees with a safe work environment.Diesel fumesThe fumes generated by diesel engines can be harmful to a railroad worker's health. In some instances these fumes could cause lung diseases, such as COPD. In the event that a machinist had to breathe in diesel exhaust while at work the employer did not provide the proper protective equipment. The man was diagnosed with COPD as a result, and is now using oxygen tanks every 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" regarding exposure to toxic diesel fumes. Diesel exhaust contains high levels of nitrogen oxides, which can be harmful to people. Nitrogen oxides may cause irritation to the eyes, nose and throat. They can also cause short-term symptoms like a cough or phlegm. Inhaling diesel fumes could cause chest pain and wheezing.Other contaminants that are found in rail yards are dust, chemicals, and creosote. union pacific railroad lawsuit can be inhaled and cause long-term issues like COPD and lung cancer. The International Agency for Research on Cancer classified exhausts from diesel engines as carcinogens. The agency also warns that exposure to diesel exhaust can increase the risk of bladder cancer among men and women.SmokingA railroad worker filed an occupational illness claim recently, claiming that his long-term exposure at work to toxic chemicals led him to develop COPD. The claimant claims that his employer neglected to provide him with the proper safety equipment, allowing him to breathe in hundreds of compounds on a daily basis. These contaminants include diesel fumes and exhaust, silica dust, creosote and metal dusts that are found in coal smoke sulfur dioxide and benzene as along with chemical degreasers and dioxins.These toxins can get deep into lung tissue and cause damage that can lead to chronic obstructive respiratory disease (also known as COPD). This is a chronic illness which causes breathlessness as well as wheezing and coughing incessantly as well as weight loss and, in certain cases, asthma. Bladder cancer lawsuit who suffer from work-related respiratory illnesses such as emphysema, asthma, or other can be compensated under the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA) 45 U.S.C. 51. This law requires that railroad companies provide their employees with a safe workplace that is reasonably secure.Unfortunately, this isn't always the situation. union pacific railroad lawsuit are well aware of the dangers associated with their work but they often fail to safeguard their workers. This negligence is what FELA was designed to ensure they are accountable for. If you've developed a medical condition linked to your railroad work, consult an experienced mesothelioma lawyer who has handled successfully FELA cases.