Railroad Lawsuit - Exposure to Toxins Causes Emphysema and MesotheliomaRailroad workers are exposed to 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 toxic substances can be destructive to the lung of railroad workers. Our FELA attorneys help victims of lung diseases that are caused by railroads hold companies accountable for their actions.AsbestosWhile railroads have seen a decline as a mode of transportation in recent years as more people switch to cars, trains still have a crucial role to play in the nation's freight network. This is why railroad workers have been exposed to a variety of toxins that could impact their health. Our Boston railroad worker asbestos lawyers have observed that railroad employees are at risk of developing lung ailments such as mesothelioma or asbestosis.Asbestos is a dangerous substance that can break into microscopically thin fibers which can be breathed into the lungs. These fibers can cause severe lung tissue scarring that can result in a number of serious respiratory diseases, such as mesothelioma and asbestosis.For instance one man who was diagnosed with mesothelioma after working on the railroad for more than 30 years has filed an Illinois Central Railroad lawsuit. He claims the railroad knew about it and let him work in hazardous environments without supplying him with adequate protective equipment or warnings about possible hazards. Pancreatic cancer lawsuit claims that he breathed diesel exhaust, creosote, powders, chemicals, dust and other particulates that affected his lungs.In asbestos lung cancer lawsuit , the man claims the Illinois Central Railroad failed to provide him with adequate medical surgery, hospital, and therapeutic treatment 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 work environment.Diesel fumesThe fumes generated by diesel engines can affect a railroad worker's health. In certain instances they can cause lung diseases such as COPD. In asbestos lung cancer lawsuit where a machinist had to breathe in diesel exhaust during work his employer failed to provide adequate protective equipment. In asbestos lung cancer lawsuit , the man was diagnosed with COPD and is now required to utilize oxygen tanks on a regular basis.In the United Kingdom, where diesel engine exhaust is prevalent in workplaces such as garages and bus depots the latest article published by The Guardian reports that "UK legal claims increase due to exposure at work to the toxic diesel fumes." Diesel emissions contain high levels of nitrogen oxides that can be harmful to humans. Nitrogen oxides can cause irritation to the eyes, nose and throat, and can cause short-term symptoms such as a cough or phlegm. Inhaling diesel fumes can cause chest pain and wheezing.Other contaminants that are found in rail yards include dust chemical, creosote, and dust. These toxins can be inhaled and cause long-term issues like COPD and lung cancer. The International Agency for Research on Cancer classified diesel engine exhausts as a carcinogen. The agency warns that there are indications that exposure to diesel engine exhaust could increase the risks of bladder cancer in both women and men.SmokingA railroad conductor recently filed an occupational illness claim, claiming that his exposure to toxic chemicals at work led him to develop COPD. He claims that his employer failed to provide him with appropriate safety equipment, which allowed him to inhale hundreds of chemicals every day. These toxins include diesel fumes and exhaust, silica dust creosote as well as metal dusts in coal smoke, sulfur dioxide and benzene as also chemical degreasers, and dioxins.These toxins can get deep into lung tissue where they cause damage, eventually leading to chronic obstructive respiratory disorder (also known as COPD). This chronic illness causes shortness-of-breath wheezing, constant coughing and weight loss. In some cases it may also trigger asthma.The Federal Employers Liability Act, 45 U.S.C., provides compensation for railroad employees suffering from respiratory illnesses that result from their work. 51. The law requires railroad companies to provide their employees with a reasonably safe place to work.However, this isn't always the however. Railroad companies are aware of the risks associated with their work but they often fail to safeguard their workers. FELA was created to hold railroad companies accountable for their actions. If you've been diagnosed with a medical condition linked to your railroad work, you should contact an experienced mesothelioma lawyer that has handled successfully FELA cases.