Railroad Lawsuit - Exposure to Toxins Causes Emphysema and MesotheliomaRailroad workers are exposed to numerous toxic substances that are a result of their work. acute myeloid leukemia lawsuit of them is asbestos that was used to insulate and line older train cars.Unfortunately, these hazardous substances can cause serious damage to the lungs of railway workers. Our FELA lawyers assist victims of lung diseases that are caused by railroads hold companies accountable for their actions.AsbestosTrains play a significant role in the nation’s freight network, even though railroads have waned in popularity in recent years due to more people choosing cars. Railroad workers are exposed to toxins for a long time, which can have a negative impact on their health. Particularly our Boston asbestos exposure for railroad workers lawyers highlight that railway workers are often at risk of developing lung diseases such as mesothelioma and asbestosis.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 can cause a variety serious respiratory ailments, including asbestosis, mesothelioma, and lung cancer.For instance, a man diagnosed with mesothelioma following a career on the railroad for more than 30 years has filed an Illinois Central Railroad lawsuit. asbestos lung cancer lawsuit claims the railroad knew about it and allowed him to work in dangerous environments without providing appropriate protective equipment or warnings of possible hazards. He claims that he breathed creosote, diesel exhaust, powders, chemicals, dust and other particulates that impacted his lung.Additionally, the plaintiff claims the Illinois Central Railroad failed to provide him with the proper medical, hospital, surgical and therapeutic care for his injuries and ailments. According to the lawsuit, the railroad violated their Federal Employers Liability Act duty to provide a safe work environment for their employees.Diesel fumesDiesel engine emissions can have a negative effect on the health of railroad workers. In certain cases these fumes could cause lung diseases such as COPD. In the case where a machinist had to breathe in diesel exhaust while at work his employer failed to provide the appropriate protective equipment. The man was diagnosed with COPD and is now required to use oxygen tanks daily.The Guardian reported in a recent article that in the United Kingdom, where diesel exhaust is commonly found at workplaces like bus depots and garages there are "growing legal claims" regarding exposure to toxic diesel fumes. Diesel exhaust contains significant amounts of nitrogen oxides which are harmful to people. Nitrogen oxides can cause irritation of the nose, eyes and throat, and can cause short-term symptoms, such as coughing or phlegm. Inhaling diesel fumes may also cause chest pain and wheezing.Other pollutants that can be found in rail yards are dust and chemicals, as well as creosote. 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 has classified diesel engine exhaust as a certain carcinogen. The agency also warns that exposure to diesel exhaust can increase the risk of bladder cancer in men as well as women.SmokingA railroad conductor recently filed an occupational health claim alleging his long-term exposure to toxic chemicals at work caused him to develop COPD. acute myeloid leukemia lawsuit claims that his employer did not provide him with the appropriate safety equipment that allowed him to breathe in a myriad of compounds every day. These toxic substances include diesel exhaust and fumes silica, creosote, coal smoke, metal dusts sulfur dioxide, benzene dioxins, chemical cleaners and other airborne irritating substances.The problem with these contaminants is that they're capable of reaching deep into the lung tissue where they cause damage, and eventually lead to chronic obstructive lung disease commonly referred to as COPD. This chronic condition causes shortness of breath wheezing, chronic coughing and weight loss. In some instances it may also trigger asthma.Railroad employees who suffer from workplace-related respiratory ailments such as emphysema and other can be compensated under the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA) 45 U.S.C. 51. acute myeloid leukemia lawsuit requires railroad companies to offer their employees an adequately safe environment to work.However this isn't always the case. Railroad companies are aware of the dangers that they face in their work, but they don't take precautions to protect their employees. FELA was established to hold railroad companies accountable for their actions. If you suffer from a medical condition that is associated with your railroad work, seek out a seasoned mesothelioma attorney who has successfully handled FELA cases successfully.