Railroad Lawsuit - Exposure to Toxins Causes Emphysema and MesotheliomaDue to their work railroad workers are exposed to numerous harmful toxins. One of these toxic substances is asbestos, which was used to insulate and line older train cars.Unfortunately, these harmful substances can cause serious damage to the lungs of railway workers. Our FELA lawyers assist victims of lung diseases caused by railroads hold corporations accountable for their actions.AsbestosWhile railroads have lost favor as a means of transportation in recent years as more people switch to automobiles, trains play a significant role in the nation's network of freight. As such, railroad employees have long been exposed to various toxins that can impact their health. Leukemia lawsuit for railroad workers have observed that railroad employees are at risk of developing lung diseases, such as mesothelioma or asbestosis.Asbestos is broken down into microscopic fibers which can be inhaled into lungs. These fibers can cause serious scarring of lung tissue, which can cause a variety of serious respiratory illnesses, including asbestosis, mesothelioma and lung cancer.For instance one man diagnosed with mesothelioma following a career on the railroad for over 30 years has filed an Illinois Central Railroad lawsuit. railroad cancer lawsuit claims that the railroad allowed workers to work in dangerous conditions, without providing the necessary protective equipment or warnings of potential hazards. He alleges that he inhaled creosote, diesel exhaust, dust, chemicals, and other particles that impacted his lungs.The plaintiff claims that the Illinois Central Railroad did not provide him with sufficient medical care, hospitalization surgical, and therapeutic treatment for his injuries and ailments. According to the lawsuit, the railroad did not fulfill their Federal Employers Liability Act duty to provide a safe work environment for their employees.Diesel fumesDiesel engine fumes can have a negative impact on the health of railroad workers. In certain instances these fumes could lead to lung disease such as COPD. In the case of one worker who was exposed diesel exhaust while at work his employer did not provide adequate protective equipment. As a result, the man developed COPD and has to use oxygen tanks every day.The Guardian reported in a recent article that in the United Kingdom, where diesel exhaust is typically found in workplaces like bus depots or garages, there are "growing legal claims" about exposure to harmful diesel fumes. Diesel emissions contain high levels nitrogen oxides, which are harmful to people. Nitrogen oxides can irritate the eyes, nose and throat and may cause short-term symptoms such as a cough or Phlegm. Inhaling diesel fumes can cause chest tightness and wheezing.Other contaminants that can be found in rail yards are dust chemicals, creosote, and dust. These toxic substances are inhaled and can cause long-term health issues such as COPD or lung cancer. The International Agency for Research on Cancer classified diesel engine exhausts as a carcinogen. The agency also warns that there is evidence that exposure to diesel exhaust may increase the risk of bladder cancer for both men and women.SmokingA railroad worker filed an occupational illness claim recently and claimed that his prolonged exposure at work to harmful chemicals led him to develop COPD. He claims that his employer did not provide him with the proper safety equipment that allowed him to breathe in hundreds of compounds every day. These poisons include diesel exhaust and fumes, silica, creosote, metal dusts, coal smoke sulfur dioxide, benzene chemical degreasers, dioxins and other airborne irritants.These toxins can penetrate deep into lung tissue and cause damage that can lead to chronic obstructive lung disease (also known as COPD). railroad cancer lawsuit can cause shortness of breath wheezing, chronic coughing and weight loss. In certain instances it may also trigger asthma.Railroad employees who suffer from workplace-related respiratory ailments such as emphysema and other are eligible for compensation under the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA) 45 U.S.C. 51. This law requires railroad companies to offer their employees a workplace that is reasonably secure.Sadly, this isn’t always the reality. Railroad companies are aware of the risks associated with their work, but they fail to protect their employees. This is the reason why FELA was designed to hold them accountable for. If you have an illness associated with your railroad work, contact an experienced mesothelioma attorney who has successfully handled FELA cases successfully.