Railroad workers across the country are exposed to serious health risks from their work environment, with many alleging serious risks of cancer.

The cancer risk for railroad workers is higher than in some other lines of work. Rail workers may be exposed to dangerous chemicals and substances on a daily basis. For example, both asbestos and benzene are known carcinogens, which significantly increase the risk of cancer development.

Former and current railroad workers may not be aware of the risks associated with their work field, along with why they may be developing serious health problems. The cancer risk for railroad workers can be attributed to chemical exposure, asbestos exposure, or electromagnetic fields exposure.

Railroad workers are exposed to chemicals and other hazards on a daily basis, which adds to the risks of cancer.

Overview of Railroad Cancer Risks

In terms of chemical exposure, the primary hazards workers should be wary of is benzene and creosote.

Benzene is a crude oil product that is commonly used in other chemicals that are used in the railroad industry. These uses includes: dyes, detergents, lubricants, rubber products, and is also used a solvent used for extraction of dissolving substances. While having a variety of uses, this chemical has been indicated to increase the cancer risk for railroad workers, and its use has been significantly restricted for decades.

Creosote is a liquid substance derived from heat treated coal, wood, or other plant matter. Similar to benzene, creosote has many uses but is primarily used as a wood preservative. This chemical has also been linked to increased cancer risk for railroad workers.

Asbestos is a naturally occurring fibrous material that is used for a variety of manufacturing and insulation purposes. While asbestos is harmless if it’s left dormant, patients can develop serious forms of cancer in the lungs or abdomen if the fibers are inhaled.

In addition to asbestos, workers are exposed to electromagnetic fields generated by the electronic motors, gauges, computers, radio equipment, and other technology used in the cabs of the train. Electromagnetic fields also increase the cancer risk for railroad workers, especially with cancers of the blood.

Due to the hazardous work environment, railroad workers are exposed to a risk of a number of different cancers including:

• Bladder Cancer
• Colon Cancer
• Esophageal Cancer
• Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
• Kidney Cancer
• Lung Cancer
• Mesothelioma
• Multiple Myeloma
• Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
• Laryngeal Cancer
• Rectal Cancer
• Stomach Cancer
• Throat Cancer
• Leukemia
• Other Cancers

Railroad companies that failed to provide employees with a safe work environment may be in violation of the federal employment laws. Current and former railroad workers who were diagnosed with cancer may be in a position to seek compensation for their illness under the Federal Employers Liability Act .