As the connection between railroad workers and cancer becomes more apparent, railroad workers and their families are becoming increasingly concerned. In many cases, railroad workers do not know about this connection, and so have no way to attribute their cancer diagnosis to carcinogens they may have been exposed to on the job.

Railroad workers are exposed to a number of dangerous chemicals, including benzene, which exposes them to substantial risk of cancer.

Cancer from chemicals like benzene can take years to show symptoms, making the connection between working on a railroad and a cancer diagnosis even more difficult to put together. Not only does this make it difficult for cancer patients to connect their diagnosis with its potential cause, but it also means that a patient may be at a later stage of cancer before being diagnosed, which makes treatment that much more difficult.

Background of Cancerous Chemicals on the Railroad

Benzene is a dangerous hydrocarbon chemical that is commonly found on the railroad and in railroad products. Benzene is classified as a known carcinogen, a substance capable of causing cancer, by the Department of Health and Human Services, the International Agency for Research on Cancer, and the Environmental Protection Agency.

Many uses of benzene were banned in the U.S. over twenty years ago because of this well-known cancer risk. However, many railroad products still contain this dangerous chemical. While this has little impact on the average person—they do not spend enough time around benzene products to be seriously exposed—railroad workers are surrounded by such products on a day-to-day basis, which significantly increases their risk of cancer.

Railroad workers may be exposed to this benzene cancer risk by inhaling diesel fumes, a substance they may breathe large amounts of each day while working. Benzene is also used as a solvent, often for degreasing locomotives.

Benzene is not the only serious chemical linking railroad workers and cancer together. Another potential problem is creosote, or coal tar, which is used to coat railroad ties. Long-term exposure to creosote, which can occur when railroad workers are surrounded by these products on a daily basis, is known to cause skin cancer.

Railroad Workers and Cancer

Railroad workers may be at risk for a number of kinds of cancer. The types of cancer railroad workers may be diagnosed with may include, but is not limited to:

• Lung cancer
• Bladder cancer
• Kidney cancer
• Colon cancer
• Stomach cancer
• Throat cancer
• Esophageal cancer
• Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
• Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
• Mesothelioma
• Multiple myeloma
• Leukemia

Filing a Railroad Cancer Lawsuit

Railroad companies whose workers have been exposed to dangerous chemicals and developed cancer may be liable for damages under the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA). FELA allows such employees to seek financial compensation for their illnesses and their pain and suffering.

If you or someone you love may have suffered injury due to the link between railroad workers and cancer, you may be able to file a railroad worker lawsuit. While filing a railroad cancer lawsuit cannot reverse the damage of cancer or bring a loved one back to life, it can help to offset the financial costs often incurred by medical expenses and lost wages.