Railroad Lawsuit - Exposure to Toxins Causes Emphysema and MesotheliomaAs a result of the work they do, railroad workers can be exposed to harmful toxins. class action lawsuit against railroads is asbestos which was used to line and insulate older train cars.Unfortunately, these toxic substances can wreak havoc on the lung lungs of railroad employees. Our FELA lawyers assist victims of railroad lung diseases hold corporations accountable for their negligence.AsbestosWhile railroads have lost favor as a transportation mode in recent years as more people shift to cars, trains still play a significant role in the nation's transportation network. This is why railroad employees have long been exposed to a myriad of toxic substances that can influence their health. Particularly, our Boston asbestos exposure for railroad workers lawyers note that railway employees are often at risk of developing lung diseases, such as asbestosis and mesothelioma.Asbestos is a hazardous substance that can break down into microscopically thin fibers that can be inhaled into the lungs. These fibers can cause serious lung tissue scarring, which can result in a number of serious respiratory illnesses like mesothelioma and asbestosis.For example a man who was diagnosed with mesothelioma following a career on the railroad for over 30 years has filed an Illinois Central Railroad lawsuit. He claims the railroad knew about it and let him work in hazardous environments without supplying him with appropriate safety equipment or warnings about potential dangers. He claims that he breathed creosote, diesel exhaust chemicals, dust, powders and other particulates that affected his lungs.The plaintiff claims that the Illinois Central Railroad did not provide him with adequate medical care, hospitalization, therapeutic and surgical treatment for his injuries and illnesses. According to his complaint, the railroad violated its Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA) duty to provide its employees with a safe and secure work environment.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 a machinist who was exposed to diesel exhaust at work his employer did not provide adequate protection equipment. In the end, the man developed 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 frequently found in workplaces like bus depots or garages there are "growing legal claims" regarding exposure to toxic diesel fumes. Diesel emissions contain high levels of nitrogen oxides, which can be harmful to people. Nitrogen oxides can cause irritation to the nose, eyes, 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 are dust chemical, creosote, and dust. These toxic substances can be inhaled and can cause long-term issues such as COPD and lung cancer. The International Agency for Research on Cancer classified diesel engine exhausts as a carcinogen. The agency also warns that exposure to diesel exhaust can increase the risk of bladder cancer in both men and women.SmokingA railroad conductor has filed an occupational illness claim recently, claiming that his continuous exposure to harmful chemicals led him to develop COPD. He claims that his employer did not provide him with proper safety equipment that allowed him to breathe in hundreds of compounds every day. These toxins include diesel fumes and exhaust, silica dust creosote, and metal dusts found in coal smoke sulfur dioxide, benzene as along with chemical degreasers and dioxins.The issue with these poisons is that they're capable of getting deep into the lung tissue, which can cause damage and eventually lead to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, also known as COPD. The chronic illness is characterized by shortness of breath and wheezing, coughing, and weight loss. In certain instances, 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. This law requires railroad companies to provide their employees a place of work that is reasonably safe.However, this isn't always the situation. Railroad corporations are well aware of the dangers that come with their job However, they fail to safeguard their workers. FELA was established to hold railroads accountable for their mistakes. If you've suffered from a medical condition linked to your railroad work, you should contact an experienced mesothelioma lawyer who has successfully handled FELA cases.