Railroad Lawsuit - Exposure to Toxins Causes Emphysema and MesotheliomaRailroad workers are exposed various toxic toxins due to their work. One of the most toxic substances is asbestos which was used to line and insulate older train cars.Unfortunately, Kidney cancer lawsuit can cause serious harm to the lung of railway workers. Our FELA lawyers assist victims of lung diseases that affect railroad workers and hold corporations responsible for their negligent actions.AsbestosWhile railroads have lost favor as a mode of transportation in recent decades as more people shift to automobiles, trains have a crucial role to play in the nation's transportation network. Railroad workers have been exposed to toxins for a long time which could negatively impact their health. Our Boston railroad worker asbestos lawyers observe that railroad workers are at risk of developing lung ailments such as asbestosis or mesothelioma. Lymphoma lawsuit is broken into tiny fibers that can be breathed into the lung. These fibers can cause severe lung tissue scarring that can result in a number of serious respiratory illnesses like mesothelioma or 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. The railroad allowed workers to work in dangerous conditions, without providing him with protective equipment or warnings about possible hazards. He claims that he breathed diesel fumes chemical fumes, dust, chemicals and powders, along with other particulates that affected his lungs.Additionally, the plaintiff claims the Illinois Central Railroad failed to provide him with adequate medical surgical, hospital and therapeutic care for his injuries and ailments. According to his lawsuit the railroad has violated its Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA) duty to provide its employees with a safe and secure work environment.Diesel fumesDiesel engine emissions can have a negative impact on the health of railroad workers. In some cases, these fumes may cause lung diseases, such as COPD. In the instance where a machinist had to breathe in diesel exhaust while at work his employer failed to provide the appropriate protective equipment. As a result, the man developed COPD and is required to use oxygen tanks daily. Kidney cancer lawsuit reported in a recent article that in the United Kingdom, where diesel exhaust is typically found in workplaces like bus depots or garages there are "growing legal claims" over exposure to toxic diesel fumes. Diesel exhaust contains large amounts of nitrogen oxides which can be harmful to people. Nitrogen oxides can cause irritation to the nose, eyes and throat and may cause short-term symptoms such as a cough or Phlegm. Inhaling diesel fumes may cause chest tightness and wheezing.Other pollutants that can be found in rail yards include dust and chemicals, as well as creosote. These toxins can be inhaled and cause long-term issues such as COPD and lung cancer. The International Agency for Research on Cancer has classified diesel engine exhaust as a definite carcinogen. The agency also warns that there is evidence that exposure to diesel exhaust could increase the risk of bladder cancer in men and women.SmokingA railroad conductor recently filed an occupational disease claim, claiming that his exposure to toxic chemicals at work caused him to develop COPD. He claims his employer failed to provide him with adequate safety equipment, which allowed him to inhale hundreds of chemicals 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, benzene as well as chemical degreasers and dioxins.These toxins can get deep into the lung tissue, where they cause damage, which can eventually lead to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (also known as COPD). This chronic illness causes shortness-of-breath and wheezing, coughing, and weight loss. In some cases, it can also cause asthma.The Federal Employers Liability Act, 45 U.S.C. offers compensation to railroad workers suffering from respiratory ailments caused by their work. 51. This law requires that railroad companies provide their employees with a safe workplace that is reasonably secure.Sadly, this isn’t always the reality. Railroad companies are aware of the risks associated with their work, yet they fail to protect their workers. FELA was created to hold railroad companies accountable for their mistakes. If you've suffered from a medical condition that was caused by your railroad work, consult an experienced mesothelioma lawyer who has successfully handled FELA cases.