Railroad Lawsuit - Exposure to Toxins Causes Emphysema and MesotheliomaBecause of the work they perform, railroad workers can be exposed to a variety of toxic substances. One of the most toxic substances is asbestos, which was used to line and insulate older train cars.Unfortunately, these hazardous substances can wreak havoc on the lung lungs of railroad employees. railroad workers cancer lawsuit aid victims of lung disease on railroads hold companies accountable for their wrongful actions.AsbestosTrains play a significant role in the country's transportation network, even though railroads have seen a decline in popularity in recent decades due to more people choosing cars. This is why railroad workers have long been exposed to various toxic substances that could affect their health. Specifically, our Boston railroad worker asbestos exposure lawyers point out that railroad workers are frequently at risk of developing lung diseases like asbestosis and mesothelioma.Asbestos can be broken down into microscopic fibers which can be inhaled into lung. These fibers can cause severe scarring of the lung tissue, which could cause a variety serious respiratory ailments, including asbestosis, mesothelioma and lung cancer.For example one 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 let him work in hazardous environments without providing him with adequate protective equipment or warnings of potential hazards. He claims to have inhaled diesel fumes chemical fumes, dust, chemicals and powders, in addition to other particles that impacted his lungs.In addition, the man claims the Illinois Central Railroad failed to provide him with the proper medical surgical, hospital, and therapeutic treatment for his injuries and illnesses. According to the lawsuit, the railroad violated their Federal Employers Liability Act duty to provide a safe work environment for its employees.Diesel fumesDiesel engine emissions can have a negative effect on the health of railroad workers. In some cases these fumes could cause lung ailments like COPD. In the instance where a machinist had to breathe in diesel exhaust during work, his employer did not provide the proper protective equipment. The man suffered from COPD because of this and now utilizes oxygen tanks each day.The Guardian reported in a recent article that in the United Kingdom, where diesel exhaust is often found in places of work like bus depots and garages there are "growing legal claims" regarding exposure to toxic diesel fumes. Diesel emissions contain high levels nitrogen oxides, which can be harmful to those who breathe it. Nitrogen oxides can cause irritation to the nose, eyes and throat and cause symptoms that last a few minutes, such as coughing or Phlegm. Inhaling diesel fumes may also cause chest pain and wheezing.Other pollutants that can be found in rail yards are dust, chemicals, and creosote. These pollutants are inhaled and can cause long-term issues like COPD or lung cancer. The International Agency for Research on Cancer has classified diesel engine exhaust as a definite carcinogen. The agency also warns that there is evidence that exposure to diesel exhaust can increase the risk of bladder cancer in men and women.SmokingA railroad conductor recently filed an occupational disease claim, claiming that his exposure to toxic chemicals at work caused him to develop COPD. The claimant claims that the company he worked for did not provide him with the proper safety equipment, allowing him to inhale hundreds of compounds on a daily basis. These poisons include diesel fumes as well as exhaust, silica dust, creosote and metal dusts in coal smoke sulfur dioxide, benzene as in chemical degreasers as well as dioxins.These toxins can get deep into lung tissue and cause damage, which can eventually lead to chronic obstructive respiratory disease (also known as COPD). This is a chronic illness that causes breathlessness wheezing and coughing for a long time weight loss, and in some instances asthma.The Federal Employers Liability Act, 45 U.S.C. provides compensation to railroad workers suffering from respiratory illnesses caused by their work. 51. The law requires railroad companies to provide their employees with an adequately safe environment to work.Unfortunately this isn't always the case. Railroad corporations are well aware of the dangers that are inherent to their work however, they are often unable to safeguard their workers. FELA was created to hold railroad companies accountable for their mistakes. If you suffer from an illness that is connected to your railroad career, contact a mesothelioma lawyer who has handled FELA cases successfully.