Railroad Lawsuit - Exposure to Toxins Causes Emphysema and MesotheliomaRailroad workers are exposed to numerous toxic toxins that can harm them due to their work. Asbestos, which was used in older train cars to line them and insulate them, is one of these toxic substance.Unfortunately, these hazardous substances can cause serious damage to the lung of railway workers. Our FELA lawyers aid victims of lung diseases that affect railroad workers and hold corporations accountable for their wrongful actions.AsbestosTrains are still a vital role in the country's transportation network, even though railroads have been losing popularity in recent years due to more people choosing cars. This is why railroad workers have long been exposed to various toxins that can influence their health. Specifically, our Boston railroad worker asbestos exposure lawyers have noted that railway workers are usually at risk of developing lung diseases like mesothelioma and asbestosis.Asbestos is a hazard which can be broken into tiny, thin fibers that can be inhaled into the lungs. These fibers can cause severe lung tissue scarring that can lead a number serious respiratory conditions like mesothelioma and asbestosis.For example a man who was diagnosed with mesothelioma after working on the railroad for more than 30 years has filed an Illinois Central Railroad lawsuit. The railroad claims to have knowingly allowed him to work in hazardous environments without providing adequate protective equipment or warnings about possible hazards. He claims that he breathed creosote, diesel exhaust, dust, chemicals, powders and other particulates that affected his lung.In addition, the man claims the Illinois Central Railroad failed to provide him with the proper medical surgical, hospital and therapeutic care for his injuries and ailments. According to his lawsuit the railroad violated its Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA) obligation to provide its employees with a safe work environment.Diesel fumesThe fumes released by diesel engines can have a negative impact on the health of railroad workers. In certain cases they can cause lung diseases, such as COPD. In the case of the machinist was exposed diesel exhaust while working his employer failed to provide the appropriate protective equipment. The worker was diagnosed with COPD as a result, and currently uses oxygen tanks throughout the day.The Guardian reported in a recent article that in the United Kingdom, where diesel exhaust is often found in workplaces like bus depots and garages there are "growing legal claims" over exposure to toxic diesel fumes. Diesel emissions contain high levels nitrogen oxides, which are harmful to those who breathe it. Nitrogen oxides can cause irritation to the nose, eyes and throat and may cause symptoms that last a few minutes, such as coughing or Phlegm. Inhaling diesel fumes may also cause chest discomfort and wheezing.Other contaminants that can be found in rail yards are dust chemicals, creosote, and dust. These toxins are breathed in, and could cause chronic health problems like COPD or lung cancer. The International Agency for Research on Cancer has classified diesel engine exhaust as a definite carcinogen. The agency warns that there are indications that exposure to diesel engine exhaust can increase the risks of bladder cancer for both females and males.SmokingA railroad conductor recently filed an occupational health claim alleging his long-term exposure to toxic chemicals at work caused him to develop COPD. He claims that his employer failed to provide him with appropriate safety equipment that allowed him to breathe in a myriad of compounds every day. These poisons include diesel fumes as well as exhaust, silica dust creosote, and metal dusts found in coal smoke sulfur dioxide, benzene and as also chemical degreasers, and dioxins.These toxins can penetrate deep into lung tissue where they cause damage that can lead to chronic obstructive lung disease (also known as COPD). This chronic condition causes shortness of breath, persistent coughing, wheezing and weight loss. In some cases, it can also cause asthma.The Federal Employers Liability Act, 45 U.S.C. offers compensation for railroad employees suffering from respiratory illnesses that result from their work. 51. This law requires railroads to offer their employees an adequate and safe place to work.Unfortunately, this isn't always the reality. Railroad companies are aware of the dangers associated with their work however, they are often unable to safeguard workers. Bladder cancer lawsuit was established to hold railroad corporations accountable for their blunders. If you suffer from an illness connected to your railroad career, seek out a seasoned mesothelioma attorney who has dealt with FELA cases successfully.