Railroad Lawsuit - Exposure to Toxins Causes Emphysema and Mesothelioma
Because of the work they do, railroad workers can be exposed to various harmful toxins. One of the most toxic substances is asbestos that was used to line and insulate older train cars.
Unfortunately, these hazardous substances can cause serious damage to the lung of railway workers. wasatch railroad contractors lawsuit assist victims of lung disease on railroads hold companies accountable for their wrongful actions.
Asbestos
Trains continue to play a crucial role in the country's transportation network, despite the fact that railroads have been losing popularity in recent decades because of the increased use of automobiles. Railroad workers are exposed to toxins for a long period of time, which can negatively affect their health. Specifically our Boston asbestos exposure for railroad workers lawyers highlight that railway workers are usually at risk of developing lung diseases like asbestosis and mesothelioma.
Asbestos is a hazardous 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 the lung tissue, which can lead to a number of serious respiratory diseases, such as mesothelioma, asbestosis and lung cancer.
For example one man diagnosed with mesothelioma following a career on the railroad for more than 30 years has filed an Illinois Central Railroad lawsuit. The railroad allowed workers to work in dangerous conditions, without providing him with protective equipment or warnings about potential dangers. He claims that he inhaled diesel fumes, chemicals, dust and powders, in addition to other particles, which affected his lungs.
Furthermore, the plaintiff claims that the Illinois Central Railroad failed to provide him with adequate medical surgery, hospital, and therapeutic treatment for his injuries and illnesses. According to his lawsuit the railroad has violated its Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA) obligation to provide its employees with a safe working environment.
Diesel fumes
Diesel engine emissions can have a negative impact on the health of railroad workers. In some instances the fumes can cause lung diseases like COPD. In the instance where an machinist was exposed diesel exhaust while at work the company did not provide the appropriate protective equipment. In the process, the man developed COPD and has to use oxygen tanks every day.
In the United Kingdom, where diesel engine exhaust is common in workplaces like bus depots and garages, a recent article published by The Guardian reports that "UK legal cases increase over exposure to the toxic diesel fumes." Diesel emissions contain high levels of nitrogen oxides, which can be harmful to humans. Nitrogen oxides can cause irritation of the nose, eyes or throat and cause short-term symptoms such as a cough or phlegm. Inhaling diesel fumes could cause chest discomfort and wheezing.
In addition to the diesel fumes, other pollutants that are found in certain rail yard environments include creosote, chemicals, dust and powders. These toxins are breathed in, and can cause long-term issues like COPD or lung cancer. The International Agency for Research on Cancer classified exhausts from diesel engines as carcinogens. The agency warns that there are indications that exposure to diesel engine exhaust can increase the risk of bladder cancer, both for females and males.
Smoking
A railroad conductor recently filed an occupational ill health claim claiming that his exposure to toxic chemicals at work led him to develop COPD. He claims his employer did not provide him with adequate safety equipment, allowing him to breathe in hundreds of chemicals every day. These contaminants include diesel fumes and exhaust, silica dust creosote and metal dusts that are found in coal smoke sulfur dioxide and benzene as also chemical degreasers, and dioxins.
These toxins can be absorbed into lung tissue and cause damage that can lead to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (also known as COPD). It is a chronic disease that causes shortness of breath wheezing and coughing for a long time and weight loss, and in some instances, asthma.
Railroad workers who suffer from work-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 with an acceptable and secure place to work.
Unfortunately this isn't always the situation. Railroad corporations are well aware of the dangers that are inherent to their work however, they are often unable to safeguard their workers. This negligence is what FELA was designed to be accountable for. If you have developed a medical condition linked to your railroad experience, get in touch with an experienced mesothelioma lawyer who has handled successfully FELA cases.