Railroad Lawsuit - Exposure to Toxins Causes Emphysema and MesotheliomaRailroad workers are exposed numerous 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, these hazardous substances can cause serious harm to the lungs of railway workers. Our FELA attorneys help victims of lung diseases caused by railroads hold corporations accountable for their actions. Bladder cancer lawsuit Although railroads have fallen out of favor as a means of transportation in recent years as more people shift to automobiles, trains have a crucial role to play in the nation's network of freight. Railroad workers have been exposed to toxic substances for a long period of time, which can negatively affect their health. Our Boston asbestos lawyers for railroad workers recognize that railroad workers are at risk of developing lung diseases such as mesothelioma or asbestosis.Asbestos is broken into tiny fibers that can be inhaled into lungs. These fibers can cause serious lung tissue scarring that could lead to a variety of serious respiratory diseases like mesothelioma or asbestosis.A man who was diagnosed with mesothelioma in the last 30 years of service for the railroad has filed a lawsuit against Illinois Central Railroad. The railroad claims to have knowingly let him work in hazardous environments without supplying him with proper protective equipment or warnings about possible hazards. He claims that he breathed diesel fumes or chemicals, dust or powders, as well as other particulates that affected his lungs.The plaintiff claims that the Illinois Central Railroad did not provide him with adequate medical care, hospitalization medical and therapeutic treatment for his injuries and illnesses. According to his lawsuit the railroad has violated its Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA) obligation to provide its employees with a safe and secure work environment.Diesel fumesThe diesel fumes that are produced by engines can be harmful to the health of railroad workers. In some cases, these fumes can cause lung diseases such as COPD. In the case of one worker who was exposed to diesel exhaust while at work, his employer failed to provide proper protective equipment. The worker suffered from COPD due to this exposure and is now using oxygen tanks every day.In the United Kingdom, where diesel exhaust from engines is commonplace in workplaces such as bus depots and garages, a recent article by The Guardian reports that "UK legal claims are growing over exposure at work to toxic diesel fumes." Diesel emissions contain high levels of nitrogen oxides, which can be harmful to humans. Nitrogen oxides can cause irritation to the nose, eyes, and throat. They can also trigger short-term symptoms such as a cough or phlegm. Inhaling diesel fumes can cause chest discomfort and wheezing.In addition to the diesel fumes, other pollutants found in certain rail yard environments include chemicals, creosote dust and powders. These toxins can be breathed in and can cause long-term problems such as COPD and lung cancer. The International Agency for Research on Cancer has classified diesel engine exhaust as a confirmed carcinogen. The agency also warns that there is evidence that exposure to diesel exhaust can increase the risk of bladder cancer in both men and women.SmokingA railroad conductor recently filed an occupational ill health claim alleging his long-term exposure to toxic chemicals at work caused him to develop COPD. He claims the company he worked for did not provide him with the proper 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 dioxins, chemical degreasers, and other airborne irritants.These toxins can penetrate deep into lung tissue and cause damage, which can eventually lead to chronic obstructive respiratory disorder (also known as COPD). This is a chronic illness that causes breathlessness as well as wheezing and coughing incessantly as well as weight loss and, in some instances, asthma.The Federal Employers Liability Act, 45 U.S.C., provides compensation to railroad workers suffering from respiratory diseases caused by their work. 51. This law requires that railroads provide their employees a place of work that is reasonably secure.Unfortunately, this isn't always the situation. Railroad companies are aware of the dangers associated with their work, but they don't take precautions to protect their workers. This negligence is what FELA was created to ensure they are accountable for. If you've developed a medical condition linked to your railroad experience, get in touch with an experienced mesothelioma lawyer that has successfully handled FELA cases.