Railroad worker cancer has become the subject of recent concern for class action lawsuit investigators, with numerous former workers reporting they developed the deadly disease from their occupation.

Former employees or their loved ones who were diagnosed with railroad cancer between 2013 and 2016 may be able to file legal action against their respective railroad company. This railroad worker cancer investigation was initiated after studies indicated potential work hazards in the railroad industry.

In addition, there have been recent studies finding a correlation between different railroad industry occupations and increased risk of cancer.

There are multiple railroad worker cancer variants to be concerned with including, but not limited to:

• Asbestosis
• Asbestos lung cancer
• Bladder cancer
• Bone 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

These studies found that some railroad workers were exposed to carcinogens on a regular basis, which increased the risk of railroad worker cancer.

The risk of railroad worker cancer stems from the materials used to operate the trains, as well as the hazardous materials transported by the trains. Due to these dangerous components used in their occupation, railroad workers are regularly exposed to benzene, asbestos and radioactive materials.

Overview of Railroad Worker Cancer Risks

Benzene, often used as a solvent for degreasing trains, is emitted from diesel exhaust. Benzene is a known carcinogen, and it has been the subject of concern for health officials for decades. It has blamed for causing cases of railroad worker cancer.

Benzene is especially dangerous because it can also be absorbed through the skin and can inflict serious damage to the immune system. As dangerous as benzene is, it is not the only known carcinogen associated with the railroad industry.

Asbestos is also commonplace in the railroad industry, and has been used in various capacities in the industry for decades, namely between the 1930s to the 1970s. Asbestos was commonly used for a number of purposes in the industrial industry for its fire resistant qualities, making it an ideal choice for insulation.

However, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) warned against asbestos exposure in the 1970s, when the OSHA heavily restricted use of the material. A number of former railroad workers have reportedly developed asbestosis and cancers related to asbestos exposure.

In addition to the dangerous chemicals emitted from the trains, railroad workers also have had to be wary against dangerous cargo. Occasionally, radioactive materials are transported on freight trains between military bases or companies specializing in hazardous materials. This can cause industry employees to regularly be exposed to radioactivity, which can further increase the risk of railroad worker cancer.

Railroad worker cancer is also a significant risk to certain occupations in the industry. These include:

• Engineers
• Conductors
• Switchman
• Carnman
• Track maintenance workers
• Machinists
• Clerk workers

People who have been diagnosed with railroad worker cancer may be able to file a FELA (Federal Employers Liability Act) lawsuit. Under FELA, companies must maintain a safe work environment for their employees by providing sufficient protective equipment and disclosing potential work hazards.