Railroad Lawsuit - Exposure to Toxins Causes Emphysema and MesotheliomaRailroad workers are exposed numerous toxic toxins that can harm them due to their work. One of the most toxic substances is asbestos, which was used to insulate and line older train cars.Unfortunately, these toxic substances can be destructive to the lung of railroad workers. Our FELA attorneys assist those suffering from lung diseases that are caused by railroads hold companies accountable for their negligent acts.AsbestosWhile railroads have lost favor as a means of transportation in recent decades since more people are turning to cars, trains still have a crucial role to play in the country's freight system. Railroad workers have long been exposed to a variety of toxins that could influence their health. Our Boston railroad worker asbestos lawyers observe that railroad workers are at risk of developing lung ailments such as asbestosis or mesothelioma.Asbestos is a dangerous substance that is able to break down into microscopically thin fibers that can be inhaled into the lung. These fibers can cause serious scarring of lung tissue, which can cause a variety of serious respiratory ailments, including asbestosis, mesothelioma and lung cancer.For example one man diagnosed with mesothelioma after working on the railroad for more than 30 years has filed an Illinois Central Railroad lawsuit. He claims the railroad knew about it and allowed him to work in hazardous conditions without providing proper protective equipment or warnings of possible dangers. He claims that he breathed diesel fumes or chemicals, dust or powders, along with other particles that affected his lungs.Furthermore, the plaintiff claims that the Illinois Central Railroad failed to provide him with adequate medical, hospital, surgical and therapeutic treatment for his injuries and ailments. According to his lawsuit, the railroad violated its Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA) duty to provide its employees with a safe and secure work environment.Diesel fumesThe exhaust fumes produced by diesel engines can impact a railroad worker's health. In some instances these fumes could cause lung diseases like COPD. In the case of a machine operator who was exposed diesel exhaust during work His employer failed to provide adequate protective equipment. The man was diagnosed with COPD and now needs to use oxygen tanks every day.In the United Kingdom, where diesel engine exhaust is prevalent in workplaces like bus depots and garages, an article recently published by The Guardian reports that "UK legal cases increase over exposure at work to toxic diesel fumes." Diesel exhausts contain high levels of nitrogen oxides which can be harmful to human health. Nitrogen oxides may cause irritation to the eyes, nose and throat and may 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 chemicals, creosote, and dust. These toxins are breathed in, and can cause long-term health issues such as COPD or lung cancer.  class action lawsuit for lung cancer  for Research on Cancer has classified diesel engine exhaust as a definitive carcinogen. The agency also warns that exposure to diesel exhaust can increase the risk of bladder cancer among men and women.SmokingA railroad worker filed a claim for occupational illness recently and claims that his long-term exposure to toxic chemicals caused him to develop COPD. He claims that his employer did not provide him with the appropriate safety equipment which allowed him to breathe in hundreds of chemicals every day. These toxic substances include diesel exhaust and fumes silica, creosote metal dusts, coal smoke sulfur dioxide, benzene dioxins, chemical cleaners and other airborne irritating substances.The toxins can seep deep into the lung tissue, where they cause damage that can lead to chronic obstructive respiratory disorder (also known as COPD). This is a chronic condition that causes shortness of breath as well as wheezing and coughing incessantly as well as weight loss and, in certain cases asthma.The Federal Employers Liability Act, 45 U.S.C. offers compensation for railroad employees suffering from emphysema and other respiratory illnesses that result from their work. 51. The law requires railroad companies to provide their employees with an adequately safe environment to work.However, this isn't always the case. Railroad companies are aware of the risks associated with their work, yet they fail to safeguard their workers. This is what FELA was created to ensure they are accountable for. If you've suffered from an illness that is related to your railroad work, consult an experienced mesothelioma lawyer who has handled successfully FELA cases.