The Myths And Facts Behind Railroad Workers

Railroad Workers and Cancer

Every every day railroad workers are exposed to harmful chemicals. This includes diesel fumes that can lead to lung cancer, as well as other cancer-causing substances like benzene and asbestos.

People who have been diagnosed with an incurable disease that is linked to their job at a railroad may be entitled to compensation under a law known as the Federal Employer’s Liability Act (FELA). Learn more about the law and how to make a claim.

Workplace Exposures

Rail workers are exposed to a wide range of hazardous substances, including asbestos and benzene. These substances can cause long-term illnesses that don’t appear for a long time, or Railroad Workers and Cancer even decades after exposure. These illnesses include cancers, lung diseases and other serious diseases.

Mesothelioma and Lung cancer are two of the most frequent occupational diseases that affect railroad workers. Railroad workers are at a higher chance of developing these diseases because of their continuous exposure to diesel exhaust and smoke. These particles can cause irritation to the airways which can lead to bronchitis or asthma.

Rail workers are also exposed various other toxic substances that can cause sickness. These chemicals include silica and welding fumes. These are known carcinogens and can cause lung cancer bladder and esophageal tumors as well as kidney cancer and leukemia.

Railroad companies are aware that these conditions can lead many diseases but they haven’t taken any measures to prevent them. This is a breach of duty on the part of railroad companies and they should be held accountable. Railroad workers may be able to pursue a claim for compensation under the Federal Employers’ Liability Act (FELA) when their injuries or illnesses were the result of Railroad companies negligence. In order to qualify for a FELA claim, the Railroad worker must demonstrate that the railroad’s negligence was at a minimum responsible for the formation of their condition or injury.

Lung Cancer

Railroad workers have been exposed to a variety of chemicals that can cause lung cancer. This includes wood treated with creosote as well as silica dust found in gravel, as well as solvents used to clean industrial equipment. Railroad workers can also be exposed to lead paints that are poisonous, herbicides and fumes generated by welding metal locomotive and train car components. Other forms of cancers that could develop as a result of occupational exposures are blood cancers, such as leukemia and lymphoma kidney, bladder and colon cancer.

Lung cancer can develop in the chest wall, lungs, or throat, and may be caused by genetic mutations in DNA. Railroad workers who are exposed to asbestos or benzene are at an increased risk for developing this type of cancer.

Benzene is a natural component of gasoline, crude oil and cigarettes. It is also present in diesel exhaust fumes, degreasing chemicals and other chemicals. Railroad workers are at an increased chance of developing cancers involving benzene because they are often in close proximity to trains.

Benzene causes non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and small cell lung cancer (SCLC). NSCLC and SCLC are both types of lung cancer that may be a result of many years or even one instance of exposure to a carcinogen.

Mesothelioma

Asbestos is a family of minerals that have thin, microscopic fibers that are extremely chemical-resistant and heat-resistant. These minerals could cause serious health issues when inhaled. Railroad workers are especially vulnerable to asbestos exposure due the frequent use of these materials in rail cars and other railway equipment. Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that affects the lungs as well as other organs. The risk of developing mesothelioma grows when asbestos is exposed. Mesothelioma is diagnosed by an expert in medical care and can be fatal.

The long period of latency for asbestos-related ailments means that many mesothelioma cases of railroad workers are yet be discovered. However older railroad workers especially those that employed steam locomotives prior to the 1950s are at a greater risk for asbestos-related illnesses.

Railroad workers may also be exposed to carcinogenic substances in the work environment. These substances include wood dust from creosote treated timber asbestosis, lead, asbestosis silicosis, and fumes created through welding of metal train parts or in railyards.

People who suffer from mesothelioma or other asbestos-related illnesses as a result of working in railroads are entitled to compensation under the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA). Compensation from a FELA claim may help pay medical bills, cover the loss of wages, cut down on the likelihood of earning a profit in the future and help with other issues that arise out of an asbestos-related illness.

Other Cancers

Although railroads are nowadays used primarily to transport cargo, many workers encounter dangerous chemicals and substances while working on rails, constructing train cars, or maintaining the trains. These exposures could increase the risk of developing cancers such mesothelioma and lung cancer and bladder cancer. Studies have also linked railroad work with blood cancers like leukemia and Lymphoma, and the throat, colon, and kidney cancer. Asbestos, welding fumes, silica dust, solvents lead paint, and wood treated with creosote are also common causes of certain cancers among railroad workers.

Benzene is a carcinogen that is found in diesel exhaust from locomotives and in degreasing agents. Workers are also exposed to a weed killer known as Glyphosate, which is inhaled through the skin or inhaled, and can cause various types of cancer.

People who develop lung cancer or any other form of cancer that they believe are linked to their job at the railroad could make a claim in a lawsuit. Contrary to the majority of workers, who are able to make a claim for compensation under the state’s laws on workers’ compensation railroad employees are able to bring legal action against their employers under the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA). If successful, FELA compensation claims can be used to cover medical expenses and other living expenses in addition to compensating future lost earnings.