Railroad Lawsuit - Exposure to Toxins Causes Emphysema and MesotheliomaAs a result of the work they perform, railroad workers can be exposed to various harmful toxins. railroad workers cancer lawsuit , which was used in older train cars to line and insulate them, is a hazardous substance.Unfortunately, asbestos lung cancer lawsuit can cause serious harm to the lungs of railway workers. Our FELA lawyers help those suffering from lung diseases caused by railroads hold corporations responsible for their negligent actions.AsbestosAlthough railroads have fallen out of favor as a means of transportation in recent decades since more people are turning to automobiles, trains have a crucial role to play in the nation's transportation network. Railroad workers are exposed to toxic substances for a long time which can negatively affect their health. Specifically, our Boston railroad worker asbestos exposure lawyers point out that railroad workers are often at risk of developing lung diseases, such as mesothelioma and asbestosis.Asbestos is a hazardous substance which can be broken into tiny, thin fibers that can be breathed into the lungs. These fibers can cause severe scarring of lung tissue, which could cause a variety of serious respiratory illnesses, including asbestosis, mesothelioma and lung cancer.A man who was diagnosed mesothelioma after 30 years of service for the railroad and filed a lawsuit against Illinois Central Railroad. He claims that the railroad allowed him to work in dangerous conditions, without providing protection equipment or warnings of potential dangers. He claims he breathed creosote, diesel exhaust, dust, chemicals, powders and other particulates that affected his lung.The man claims that the Illinois Central Railroad did not provide him with adequate medical care, hospitalization, therapy, and surgical care for his injuries and illnesses. According to the lawsuit, the railroad did not fulfill their Federal Employers Liability Act duty to provide a safe working environment for their employees.Diesel fumesThe fumes generated by diesel engines can impact the health of railroad workers. In some cases, these fumes may cause lung diseases like COPD. In lung cancer lawsuit from smoking where the machinist was exposed diesel exhaust while working the company did not provide the appropriate protective equipment. The man developed COPD and is now required to utilize oxygen tanks on a regular basis.The Guardian reported in a recent article that in the United Kingdom, where diesel exhaust is typically found in workplaces like bus depots and garages there are "growing legal claims" over exposure to toxic diesel fumes. Diesel exhaust contains significant amounts of nitrogen oxides which can be harmful to people. Nitrogen oxides may cause irritation to the nose, eyes and throat. They can also trigger short-term discomforts such as a cough or phlegm. Inhaling diesel fumes could cause chest tightness and wheezing.Other contaminants that are found in rail yards include dust chemical, creosote, and dust. These toxins can be breathed in and lead to long term problems like COPD and lung cancer. The International Agency for Research on Cancer classified exhausts from diesel engines as a carcinogen. The agency warns that there are indications that exposure to diesel engine exhaust can increase the risks of bladder cancer for men and women.SmokingA railroad conductor filed a claim for occupational illness recently and claims that his long-term exposure at work to toxic chemicals led him to develop COPD. He claims that his employer did not provide him with the appropriate safety equipment, which allowed him to breathe in hundreds of chemicals every day. These contaminants include diesel exhaust, fumes silica, creosote metal dusts, coal smoke, sulfur dioxide, benzene, dioxins, chemical degreasers, and other airborne irritants.These toxins can get deep into lung tissue where they cause damage, which eventually leads to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (also known as COPD). This is a chronic condition that can cause shortness of breath wheezing and coughing for a long time and weight loss, and in certain cases, asthma.Railroad employees who suffer from work-related respiratory illnesses such as emphysema, asthma, or other may be eligible for compensation under Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA), 45 U.S.C. 51. The law requires railroad companies to offer their employees a reasonably safe place to work.Unfortunately, this isn't always the however. Railroad companies are aware of the dangers associated with their work, yet they don't take precautions to protect their workers. This is why FELA was designed to ensure they are accountable for. If you suffer from an illness related to your railroad experience, seek out a seasoned mesothelioma attorney who has handled FELA cases successfully.