Railroad Lawsuit - Exposure to Toxins Causes Emphysema and MesotheliomaBecause of the work they perform railroad workers are exposed to various toxic substances. Asbestos, which was utilized in older train cars to line and insulate them, is one of these toxic substance.Unfortunately, these dangerous chemicals can wreck havoc on the lungs of railroad workers. Our FELA lawyers help those suffering from lung disease caused by railroads hold the companies accountable for their negligent acts.AsbestosAlthough railroads have been criticized as a transportation mode in recent years as more people switch to cars, trains still play a vital role in the nation's freight network. Railroad workers have long been exposed to a variety of toxins that could affect their health. Specifically, our Boston asbestos exposure for railroad workers lawyers have noted that railway workers are often at risk for developing lung diseases, such as mesothelioma and asbestosis.Asbestos can be a deadly substance that can be broken into microscopically thin fibers that can be breathed into the lung. These fibers can cause serious scarring of lung tissue, which can result in a variety of serious respiratory diseases, such as asbestosis, mesothelioma, and lung cancer. union pacific railroad lawsuit who was diagnosed with mesothelioma in the last 30 years of service for the railroad has filed a lawsuit against Illinois Central Railroad. He alleges the railroad knowingly let him work in hazardous environments without providing him with adequate protective equipment or warnings of possible hazards. union pacific railroad lawsuit claims that he breathed creosote and diesel exhaust, dust, chemicals, powders and other particles that impacted his lungs.This man 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 his complaint the railroad has violated its Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA) duty to provide its employees with a safe working environment.Diesel fumesThe fumes generated by diesel engines can impact the health of railroad workers. In certain instances these fumes could cause lung diseases such as COPD. In the case where a machinist had to breathe in diesel exhaust during work, his employer did not provide the proper protective equipment. In the end, the man was diagnosed with COPD and is required to utilize oxygen tanks on a regular basis.The Guardian reported in a recent article that in the United Kingdom, where diesel exhaust is typically found in workplaces like bus depots and garages, there are "growing legal claims" concerning exposure to toxic diesel fumes. Diesel exhaust contains large amounts of nitrogen oxides which can be harmful to people. Nitrogen oxides may cause irritation to the eyes, nose, and throat. They can also cause temporary symptoms like coughing or phlegm. Inhaling diesel fumes can cause chest tightness and wheezing.Other pollutants that can be found in rail yards include dust and chemicals, as well as creosote. These toxins are inhaled, and may cause chronic health problems like COPD or lung cancer. The International Agency for Research on Cancer classified diesel engine exhausts as carcinogens. The agency also warns that there is evidence that exposure to diesel exhaust could increase the risk of bladder cancer in both men and women.Smoking cancer lawsuits filed a claim for occupational illness recently and claims that his long-term exposure at work to toxic chemicals caused him to develop COPD. He claims his employer neglected to provide him with the proper safety equipment, which allowed him to inhale hundreds of compounds on a daily basis. These toxic substances include diesel exhaust and fumes silica, creosote, coal smoke, metal dusts, sulfur dioxide, benzene chemical degreasers, dioxins and other airborne irritants.The toxins can seep deep into lung tissue and cause damage that can lead to chronic obstructive respiratory disorder (also known as COPD). This is a chronic condition that causes shortness of breath wheezing and coughing that is persistent as well as weight loss and, in certain cases, asthma.Railroad employees who suffer from work-related emphysema or other respiratory illnesses may be eligible for compensation under Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA) 45 U.S.C. 51. This law requires that railroad companies offer their employees a place of work that is reasonably secure.Unfortunately, this isn't always the case. Railroad companies are aware of the dangers that they face in their work, but they fail to safeguard their employees. This negligence is what FELA was created to be accountable for. If you suffer from a medical condition that is linked to your railroad career contact an experienced mesothelioma attorney who has handled FELA cases successfully.