Railroad Lawsuit - Exposure to Toxins Causes Emphysema and MesotheliomaRailroad workers are exposed various 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 a hazardous substance.Unfortunately, these harmful substances can cause serious harm to the lung of railway workers. Our FELA lawyers help those suffering from lung diseases caused by railroads hold corporations accountable for their wrongful actions.AsbestosAlthough railroads have been criticized as a mode of transportation in recent years as more people turn to automobiles, trains play a vital role in the country's freight system. Railroad workers have been exposed to toxins for a long period of time, which can have a negative impact on their health. Particularly our Boston asbestos exposure for railroad workers lawyers highlight that railway workers have often been at risk for developing lung diseases, such as mesothelioma and asbestosis.Asbestos is broken down into microscopic fibers which can be inhaled into lung. BNSF Railway lawsuit can cause severe scarring of lung tissue, which could cause a variety serious respiratory ailments, including asbestosis, mesothelioma or lung cancer.For instance, a man diagnosed with mesothelioma after working on the railroad for over 30 years has filed an Illinois Central Railroad lawsuit. lung cancer mesothelioma lawsuit alleges the railroad knowingly let him work in hazardous environments without providing him with appropriate safety equipment or warnings about potential dangers. He claims he inhaled creosote and diesel exhaust, dust, chemicals, and other particulates that impacted his lungs.The plaintiff claims that the Illinois Central Railroad did not provide him with sufficient medical treatment, hospitalization, therapeutic and surgical treatment for his injuries and illnesses. According to his lawsuit, the railroad violated its Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA) obligation to provide its employees with a safe and secure work environment.Diesel fumesThe diesel fumes that are produced by engines can be harmful to a railroad worker's health. In certain cases these fumes could cause lung diseases, such as COPD. In the case where the machinist was exposed diesel exhaust while at work, his employer did not provide the proper protective equipment. The man developed COPD due to this exposure and is now using oxygen tanks every day.In the United Kingdom, where diesel engine exhaust is a common sight in workplaces, such as garages and bus depots, the latest article published by The Guardian reports that "UK legal cases increase over exposure to harmful diesel fumes." Diesel emissions contain high amounts of nitrogen oxides that can be harmful to humans. Nitrogen oxides can cause irritation to the nose, eyes and throat. They can also trigger short-term symptoms such as coughing or phlegm. Inhaling diesel fumes can cause chest tightness and wheezing.Other pollutants that can be found in rail yards include dust, chemicals, and creosote. These toxins are breathed in, and could cause long-term issues like COPD or lung cancer. The International Agency for Research on Cancer classified diesel engine exhausts as carcinogens. The agency also warns that exposure to diesel exhaust can increase the risk of bladder cancer for both men and women.SmokingA railroad conductor recently filed an occupational health claim claiming that his prolonged exposure to toxic chemicals at work caused him to develop COPD. He claims that his employer failed to provide him with proper safety equipment which allowed him to breathe in a myriad of compounds every day. These contaminants include diesel fumes and exhaust, silica dust creosote and metal dusts that are found in coal smoke sulfur dioxide, benzene as well as chemical degreasers and dioxins.The issue with these contaminants is that they're capable of getting deep into the lung tissue, where they cause damage and eventually cause chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or COPD. This is a chronic condition that causes shortness of breath wheezing and coughing that is persistent and 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 that result from their work. 51. This law requires railroads to provide their employees with an acceptable and secure place to work.Sadly, csx lawsuit isn’t always the however. Railroad companies are aware of the dangers associated with their work, yet they fail to protect their employees. This is why FELA was designed to be accountable for. If you have developed a medical condition that was caused by your railroad career, contact an experienced mesothelioma lawyer that has handled successfully FELA cases.