Railroad Lawsuit - Exposure to Toxins Causes Emphysema and MesotheliomaRailroad workers are exposed many harmful toxins as a result their work. One of these toxic substances is asbestos that was used to line and insulate older train cars.Unfortunately, these dangerous substances can cause havoc to the lung of railroad workers. Our FELA lawyers assist victims of lung disease on railroads hold companies accountable for their actions. Esophageal cancer lawsuit Although railroads have been criticized as a means of transportation in recent years as more people shift to cars, trains still play a vital role in the nation's network of freight. Therefore, railroad workers have been exposed to various toxic substances that could impact their health. Our Boston asbestos lawyers for railroad workers have observed that railroad employees are at risk of developing lung diseases such as asbestosis or mesothelioma.Asbestos can be broken into tiny fibers that can be breathed into the lung. These fibers can cause serious scarring of lung tissue, which could result in a variety of serious respiratory diseases, such as asbestosis, mesothelioma or lung cancer.For instance, a man diagnosed with mesothelioma after working on the railroad for more than 30 years has filed an Illinois Central Railroad lawsuit. Esophageal cancer lawsuit claims the railroad knew about it and let him work in hazardous environments without supplying him with adequate protective equipment or warnings of potential hazards. He alleges that he inhaled creosote, diesel exhaust, dust, chemicals, and other particulates that affected his lungs.Additionally, the plaintiff claims the Illinois Central Railroad failed to provide him with adequate medical surgical, hospital, and therapeutic care for his injuries and ailments. According to his complaint the railroad breached its Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA) obligation to provide its employees with a safe and secure work environment.Diesel fumesThe fumes generated by diesel engines can impact the health of railroad workers. In Esophageal cancer lawsuit could cause lung diseases such as COPD. In the event that a machinist had to breathe in diesel exhaust while at work the company did not provide adequate protective equipment. As a result, the man developed COPD and is now required to utilize oxygen tanks on a regular basis.In the United Kingdom, where diesel exhaust from engines is commonplace in workplaces, such as garages and bus depots, the latest article published by The Guardian reports that "UK legal cases increase over exposure at work to toxic diesel fumes." Diesel exhausts contain high levels of nitrogen oxides which can be harmful to human health. Nitrogen oxides can cause irritation to the eyes, nose, and throat. They can also cause short-term symptoms such as coughing or phlegm. Inhaling diesel fumes can cause chest tightness and wheezing.Other contaminants that are found in rail yards are dust chemical, creosote, and dust. These toxins are inhaled, and may cause long-term issues like COPD or lung cancer. The International Agency for Research on Cancer has classified diesel engine exhaust as a definitive carcinogen. The agency also warns that there is evidence that exposure to diesel exhaust can increase the risk of bladder cancer for both men and women.SmokingA railroad conductor recently filed an occupational illness claim claiming that his exposure to toxic chemicals at work caused him to develop COPD. He says that the company he worked for did not provide him with adequate safety equipment, allowing him to breathe in hundreds of chemicals on a daily basis. These toxins include diesel exhaust and fumes silica, creosote coal smoke, metal dusts sulfur dioxide, benzene, dioxins, chemical degreasers, and other airborne irritating substances.These toxins can get deep into the lung tissue, where they cause damage, eventually leading to chronic obstructive respiratory disease (also known as COPD). The chronic illness can cause shortness of breath wheezing, chronic coughing and weight loss. In certain cases, it can also cause asthma.Railroad employees who suffer from workplace-related respiratory illnesses such as emphysema, asthma, or other can receive compensation under the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA), 45 U.S.C. 51. The law requires railroad companies to provide their employees with a reasonably safe place to work.Unfortunately this isn't always situation. Railroad companies are aware of the dangers that they face in their work, but they do not take the necessary precautions to protect their employees. FELA was created to hold railroads accountable for their actions. If you have a medical condition that is related to your railroad experience, contact a mesothelioma lawyer who has successfully handled FELA cases successfully.