Railroad Lawsuit - Exposure to Toxins Causes Emphysema and MesotheliomaRailroad workers are exposed to a variety of harmful toxins as a result their work. Asbestos, which was used in older train cars to line them and insulate them, is one such toxic substance.Unfortunately, these dangerous substances can cause serious harm to the lungs of railway workers. Our FELA lawyers help victims of railroad lung diseases hold corporations responsible for their negligent actions.AsbestosWhile railroads have lost favor in terms of transportation in recent decades as more people turn to automobiles, trains play a vital role in the country's freight system. Railroad workers are exposed to toxic substances for a long period of time, which can adversely affect their health. Particularly the lawyers at our Boston asbestos exposure for railroad workers lawyers have noted that railway workers are usually at risk for developing lung diseases like asbestosis and mesothelioma.Asbestos is a hazard which can be broken into tiny, thin fibers which can be breathed into the lung. These fibers can cause severe scarring of the lung tissue, which can cause a variety serious respiratory diseases, such as asbestosis, mesothelioma, and lung cancer.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. lung cancer lawsuit from smoking claims that the railroad allowed him to work in dangerous conditions, without providing him with safety equipment or warnings about possible hazards. He claims that he breathed creosote, diesel exhaust, dust, chemicals, and other particulates that impacted his lungs.Furthermore, the plaintiff claims that the Illinois Central Railroad failed to provide him with adequate medical surgery, hospital, and therapeutic treatment for his injuries and ailments. According to his lawsuit the railroad has violated its Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA) obligation to provide employees with a safe working environment.Diesel fumesThe fumes released by diesel engines can be harmful to a railroad worker's health. In railroad workers cancer lawsuit , these fumes may cause lung diseases, such as COPD. In the case of one machine operator who was exposed diesel exhaust during work the employer did not provide proper protective equipment. The man developed COPD due to this exposure and now utilizes oxygen tanks each day.In the United Kingdom, where diesel engine exhaust is a common sight in workplaces like bus depots and garages, a recent article published by The Guardian reports that "UK legal claims increase due to exposure to toxic diesel fumes." Diesel emissions contain high levels of nitrogen oxides, which can be harmful to humans. Nitrogen oxides may cause irritation to the nose, eyes and throat. They can also cause short-term symptoms like coughing or phlegm. Inhaling diesel fumes can also cause chest tightness and wheezing.In addition to the diesel fumes, other pollutants that are found in certain rail yard areas include chemicals, creosote, dust and powders. These toxins can be inhaled and cause long-term issues such as COPD and lung cancer. The International Agency for Research on Cancer has classified diesel engine exhaust as a definite carcinogen. The agency also warns that exposure to diesel exhaust may increase the risk of bladder cancer in men and women.Smoking railroad workers cancer lawsuit filed a claim for occupational illness recently and claimed that his prolonged exposure at work to toxic chemicals caused him to develop COPD. He claims his employer failed to provide him with adequate safety equipment, allowing him to breathe in hundreds of chemicals every day. These toxic substances include diesel exhaust and fumes silica, creosote metal dusts, coal smoke, sulfur dioxide, benzene dioxins, chemical cleaners and other airborne irritants.The problem with these poisons is that they're capable of getting deep into the lung tissue, which causes damage and eventually lead to chronic obstructive-pulmonary disease which is also known as COPD. This is a chronic condition that can cause shortness of breath as well as wheezing and coughing incessantly and weight loss, and in certain instances, asthma.The Federal Employers Liability Act, 45 U.S.C. offers compensation to railroad workers suffering from emphysema and other respiratory ailments caused by their work. 51. This law requires railroad companies to offer their employees a reasonably safe place to work.However, this isn't always the situation. Railroad companies are aware of the risks associated with their work, but they fail to protect their workers. FELA was created to hold railroads accountable for their blunders. If you have a medical condition that is linked to your railroad career seek out a seasoned mesothelioma attorney who has dealt with FELA cases successfully.