Railroad Lawsuit - Exposure to Toxins Causes Emphysema and MesotheliomaRailroad workers are exposed many toxic substances that are a result of their work. One of these toxic substances is asbestos, which was used to insulate and line older train cars.Unfortunately, these harmful substances can wreak havoc on the lung lungs of railroad employees. Our FELA attorneys help victims of lung diseases caused by railroads hold corporations accountable for their negligent acts.AsbestosWhile railroads have lost favor as a means of transportation in recent years as more people switch to automobiles, trains play a vital role in the nation's transportation network. Railroad workers have been exposed to toxic substances for a long time, which can adversely affect their health. Specifically our Boston railroad worker asbestos exposure lawyers point out that railroad workers have often been at risk for developing lung diseases such as asbestosis and mesothelioma.Asbestos can be broken down into microscopic fibers which can be inhaled into the lung. These fibers can cause severe scarring of lung tissue, which could cause a variety serious respiratory illnesses, including asbestosis, mesothelioma and lung cancer.A man diagnosed with mesothelioma in the last 30 years of service for the railroad and filed a lawsuit against Illinois Central Railroad. He claims that the railroad allowed him to work in dangerous environments, but did not provide him with safety equipment or warnings regarding potential dangers. He claims that he breathed diesel exhaust, creosote, dust, chemicals, powders and other particulates that impacted his lung. union pacific railroad lawsuit claims that Illinois Central Railroad did not provide him with adequate medical care, hospitalization, therapy, and surgical care for his injuries and illnesses. According to his lawsuit the railroad has violated its Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA) duty to provide its employees with a safe working environment.Diesel fumesDiesel engine fumes can have a negative effect on the health of railroad workers. In some cases these fumes could cause lung diseases such as COPD. In the case of one machine operator who was exposed diesel exhaust at work his employer did not provide adequate protective equipment. In the end, the man was diagnosed with COPD and has to use oxygen tanks every day.In the United Kingdom, where diesel engine exhaust is prevalent in workplaces such as garages and bus depots, a recent article published by The Guardian reports that "UK legal claims increase due to exposure to the toxic diesel fumes." Diesel exhausts contain high amounts of nitrogen oxides that can be harmful to human health. union pacific railroad lawsuit can irritate the nose, eyes and throat and cause temporary symptoms like a cough or Phlegm. Inhaling diesel fumes may cause chest tightness and wheezing.In addition to the diesel fumes, other pollutants that are found in the rail yard include chemicals, creosote, dust and powders. These pollutants are inhaled and could cause long-term issues like COPD or lung cancer. The International Agency for Research on Cancer has classified diesel engine exhaust as a certain carcinogen. The agency warns that exposure to diesel engine exhaust could increase the risk of bladder cancer in both men and women.SmokingA railroad conductor recently filed an occupational ill 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 the appropriate safety equipment, which allowed him to breathe in hundreds of compounds every day. These contaminants include diesel exhaust, fumes, silica, creosote, coal smoke, metal dusts, sulfur dioxide, benzene, dioxins, chemical degreasers and other airborne irritating substances.The issue with these poisons is that they're capable of getting deep into the lung tissue, where they cause damage, and eventually cause chronic obstructive lung disease or COPD. The chronic illness can cause shortness of breath wheezing, chronic coughing and weight loss. In some cases 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 that railroads offer their employees a workplace that is reasonably safe.However, this isn't always the case. Railroad companies are aware of the dangers associated with their work, yet they fail to safeguard their workers. cancer lawsuit was established to hold railroad companies accountable for their mistakes. If you have an illness that is connected to your railroad career, contact an experienced mesothelioma attorney who has successfully handled FELA cases successfully.