Railroad Lawsuit - Exposure to Toxins Causes Emphysema and MesotheliomaRailroad workers are exposed to various toxic substances that are a result of their work. One of these toxic substances is asbestos that was used to insulate and line older train cars.Unfortunately, Bladder cancer lawsuit can be destructive to the lungs of railroad workers. Our FELA lawyers assist victims of lung diseases caused by railroads hold corporations accountable for their negligence.AsbestosAlthough railroads have fallen out of favor in terms of transportation in recent decades since more people are turning to cars, trains still play a significant role in the nation's freight network. Railroad workers have been exposed to toxic substances for a lengthy period of time which can adversely affect their health. Particularly, our Boston asbestos exposure to railroad workers lawyers point out that railroad workers have often been at risk for developing lung diseases such as mesothelioma and asbestosis.Asbestos is broken into tiny fibers that can be inhaled into lungs. These fibers can cause serious lung tissue scarring that can result in a number of serious respiratory illnesses like mesothelioma or asbestosis.For example one man who was diagnosed with mesothelioma after working on the railroad for 30 years has filed an Illinois Central Railroad lawsuit. The railroad claims to have knowingly let him work in hazardous environments without providing him with appropriate protective equipment or warnings of possible dangers. He claims he inhaled creosote, diesel exhaust, dust, chemicals, powders and other particles that impacted his lungs.The plaintiff claims that Illinois Central Railroad did not provide him with sufficient medical care, hospitalization, surgical, and therapeutic treatment for his injuries and illnesses. According to cancer lawsuit , the railroad violated its Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA) duty to provide its employees with a safe working environment.Diesel fumesThe fumes generated by diesel engines can have a negative impact on a railroad worker's health. In some cases these fumes could cause lung diseases like COPD. In the case of a machine operator who was exposed diesel exhaust while at work the employer did not provide proper protection equipment. In the end, the man developed COPD and is now required to use oxygen tanks on a daily basis.The Guardian reported in a recent article that in the United Kingdom, where diesel exhaust is typically found in places of work like bus depots and garages, there are "growing legal claims" concerning exposure to toxic diesel fumes. Diesel emissions contain large amounts of nitrogen oxides which are harmful to people. Nitrogen oxides can cause irritation to the eyes, nose, and throat. They can also trigger temporary symptoms like a cough or phlegm. Inhaling diesel fumes could cause chest pain and wheezing.In addition to the diesel fumes and other pollutants, others that can be found in certain rail yard environments include creosote, chemicals, dust and powders. These toxins can be breathed in and can cause 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. cancer lawsuit warns that there is evidence that exposure to diesel exhaust can increase the risk of bladder cancer in men as well as women.SmokingA railroad conductor filed an occupational health claim recently and claimed that his prolonged exposure at work to harmful chemicals led him to develop COPD. He says that the company he worked for did not provide him with adequate safety equipment, which allowed him to inhale hundreds of chemicals every day. These contaminants include diesel fumes and exhaust, silica dust creosote and metal dusts that are found in coal smoke, sulfur dioxide and benzene as well as chemical degreasers and dioxins.The problem with these toxic substances is that they are capable of getting deep into the lung tissue which causes damage and eventually lead to chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder which is also known as COPD. This is a chronic illness that causes breathlessness wheezing and coughing that is persistent weight loss, and in certain instances asthma.The Federal Employers Liability Act, 45 U.S.C. provides compensation to railroad workers who suffer from emphysema and other respiratory illnesses that result from their work. 51. This law requires railroad companies to provide their employees with a place of work that is reasonably safe.However, this isn't always the case. Railroad companies are aware of the risks associated with their work, yet they fail to protect their workers. This is the reason why FELA was created to be accountable for. If you have an illness that is associated with your railroad work, contact an experienced mesothelioma attorney who has handled FELA cases successfully.