Railroad Lawsuit - Exposure to Toxins Causes Emphysema and MesotheliomaRailroad workers are exposed numerous toxic toxins due to their work. One of them is asbestos which was used to insulate and line older train cars.Unfortunately, these harmful substances can wreak havoc on the lungs of railroad workers.  Multiple myeloma lawsuit  help victims of railroad-related lung diseases hold corporations accountable for their negligent acts.AsbestosAlthough railroads have fallen out of favor in terms of transportation in recent decades as more people turn to cars, trains still play a vital role in the nation's network of freight.  Kidney cancer lawsuit  have been exposed to toxins for a long period of time, which can negatively affect their health. Our Boston railroad worker asbestos lawyers note that railroad workers are at risk of developing lung diseases like asbestosis or mesothelioma.Asbestos can be broken down into microscopic fibers which can be inhaled into the lung. These fibers can cause serious scarring of lung tissue, which could lead to a number of serious respiratory conditions such as asbestosis, mesothelioma, and lung cancer.For instance one man diagnosed with mesothelioma following a career on the railroad for 30 years has filed an Illinois Central Railroad lawsuit. He claims the railroad knew about it and allowed him to work in hazardous environments without providing proper protective equipment or warnings of possible dangers. He claims to have inhaled diesel fumes chemical fumes, dust, chemicals and powders, along with other particulates that impacted his lungs.bnsf lawsuit  claims that the Illinois Central Railroad did not provide him with sufficient medical care, hospitalization medical and therapeutic treatment for his injuries and illnesses. According to his complaint the railroad violated its Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA) obligation to provide its employees with a safe working environment.Diesel fumesThe fumes generated by diesel engines can have a negative impact on a railroad worker's health. In some cases they can lead to lung disease like COPD. In the case where a machinist had to breathe in diesel exhaust while at work, his employer did not provide adequate protection equipment. As a result, the man developed COPD and has to use oxygen tanks on a daily basis.In the United Kingdom, where diesel exhaust from engines is commonplace in workplaces like garages and bus depots a recent article published by The Guardian reports that "UK legal claims increase due to exposure to toxic diesel fumes." Diesel emissions contain high levels of nitrogen oxides, which can be harmful to humans. Nitrogen oxides can cause irritation of the eyes, nose and throat, and can cause temporary symptoms like coughing or Phlegm. Inhaling diesel fumes could cause chest discomfort and wheezing.In addition to the diesel fumes, other pollutants found in the rail yard include chemicals, creosote, dust and powders. These toxins can be inhaled and can cause long-term issues such as COPD and lung cancer. The International Agency for Research on Cancer has classified diesel engine exhaust as a definite carcinogen. The agency also warns that there is evidence that exposure to diesel exhaust could increase the risk of bladder cancer in men as well as women.SmokingA railroad conductor has filed a claim for occupational illness recently, claiming that his long-term exposure to harmful chemicals led him to develop COPD. He claims that his employer did not provide him with proper safety equipment which allowed him to breathe in hundreds of compounds each day.  bnsf lawsuit  include diesel fumes and exhaust, silica dust creosote, and metal dusts found in coal smoke, sulfur dioxide and benzene as along with chemical degreasers and dioxins.The toxins can seep deep into the lung tissue, where they cause damage that can lead to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (also known as COPD). The chronic illness is characterized by shortness of breath wheezing, chronic coughing and weight loss. In certain cases, it can also cause asthma.Railroad employees who suffer from work-related emphysema or other respiratory illnesses can be compensated under the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA) 45 U.S.C. 51. This law requires that railroads provide their employees with a safe place of work that is reasonably safe.However this isn't always situation.  bnsf lawsuit  are aware of the risks that they face in their work, but they fail to protect their workers. This is why FELA was created to be accountable for. If you have an illness that is related to your railroad experience, contact an experienced mesothelioma attorney who has handled FELA cases successfully.