Railroad workers have historically been exposed to various occupational hazards, including the risk of asbestos exposure. Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was commonly used in construction, insulation, and other industries due to its heat resistance and insulating properties. However, it was later discovered that asbestos fibers, when inhaled, can pose significant health risks.
Bailey & Glasser, LLP is experienced in taking cases for people who have developed health conditions due to asbestos. If that’s you or someone you know, contact us today to get started.
How are Railroad Workers at Risk?
Railroad workers can be at risk of asbestos exposure through various pathways in their work environment. Here are some specific ways in which they might be exposed to asbestos:
- Maintenance and repair activities: Railroad workers involved in the maintenance and repair of trains and railway infrastructure may come into direct contact with asbestos-containing materials. These materials can include brake linings, gaskets, insulation, and seals, which were commonly used in train components.
- Demolition and renovation: When older trains, buildings, or railway structures are demolished or renovated, asbestos-containing materials can become disturbed and release asbestos fibers into the air. Workers involved in these activities are at risk if proper precautions are not taken.
- Trackside operations: Workers who operate and maintain trackside equipment might encounter asbestos-containing materials in signal houses, control rooms, and other structures.
- Depot and shop environments: Railroad depots, repair shops, and maintenance facilities were often constructed with asbestos. Workers in these environments might be exposed to asbestos through building materials and equipment.
- Second-hand exposure: Workers who do not directly handle asbestos-containing materials can still be at risk due to second-hand exposure. Asbestos fibers can linger in the air for a long time after materials are disturbed, potentially exposing others nearby.
Asbestos Sources
Railroad workers were often exposed to asbestos in several ways:
- Brake linings and clutch facings: Asbestos was used extensively in brake linings and clutch facings in trains. When these components wore down, asbestos fibers could become airborne, and workers in close proximity could inhale them. Regular maintenance, repair, or replacement of these components could release asbestos dust and fibers into the air.
- Construction and maintenance: Railroad buildings, such as depots and repair shops, were often constructed using materials that contained asbestos. Maintenance and renovation work on these structures could disturb asbestos fibers.
- Train maintenance and repair: Workers involved in maintaining and repairing trains could come into contact with asbestos-containing components such as gaskets, seals, and insulation materials.
- Insulation and lagging: Asbestos was commonly used as insulation for steam pipes, boilers, and other equipment in railroad operations. When this insulation aged or deteriorated, asbestos fibers could be released into the air. Workers who handle or repair these insulated components may inadvertently release asbestos fibers.
- Vehicle interiors: Asbestos was used in the construction of train interiors, including ceiling tiles, flooring, and insulation. Workers involved in refurbishing or repairing these interiors could be exposed to asbestos fibers.
While today, the use of asbestos is highly regulated, older trains and railroads may still contain asbestos. Additionally, the latency period for asbestos related illnesses is so long, meaning that it takes years or even decades for someone to become sick from asbestos exposure. This means that people who worked as railroad workers in the past may only just now be experiencing health issues.
Asbestos Health Risks
The inhalation of asbestos fibers can lead to serious health conditions, including:
- Asbestosis: A chronic lung disease caused by the buildup of scar tissue in the lungs due to asbestos exposure. This can result in difficulty breathing and decreased lung function.
- Lung cancer: Prolonged exposure to asbestos increases the risk of developing lung cancer, especially in combination with smoking.
- Mesothelioma: A rare and aggressive cancer that primarily affects the lining of the lungs, abdomen, or heart. It is almost exclusively caused by asbestos exposure.
- Other respiratory diseases: Asbestos exposure can also contribute to the development of other respiratory conditions such as pleural plaques and pleural effusions.
Recognizing the health risks associated with asbestos, regulations and safety measures have been implemented over time to protect workers from exposure. These measures include the use of protective equipment, proper handling and removal of asbestos-containing materials, and ongoing monitoring of workers’ health.
Manufacturers of Asbestos-Containing Railroad Parts
- Abex Corporation: Abex products gaskets, brake linings, and packing used on trains.
- American Standard, Inc.: Produced vehicle control systems, brake linings, and insulated rope gaskets.
- General Motors: Electro-Motive Diesel was a division of General Motors that produced locomotive parts.
- Griscom-Russell Company: Known for creating engine valves for locomotives.
- H.K. Porter: The largest manufacturer of industrial locomotives in the U.S.
- Johns Manville: JM manufactured many construction and insulation products, which have been used in industries such as mining, textiles, construction, and railroads.
- Keasbey & Mattison: K&M is known for producing construction products, such as asbestos cement, gaskets, block insulation, and pipe insulation.
- Railroad Friction Products Corp.: Produced disc brake linings and brake shoes for locomotives.
- Raybestos-Manhattan: Raybestos made several products used on trains, including brake linings and gaskets.
- The Flintkote Company: Established in 1901, Flintkote supplied cement, shingles and siding.
In addition to these asbestos product manufacturers, the following railroad companies have been involved in asbestos litigation:
- Amtrak
- Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway
- Birmingham Southern Railroad Company
- BNSF Railway Co.
- Carolina & Western Railway Co. Inc.
- Chesapeake and Ohio Railway Company
- Conrail
- CSX Transportation
- Elgin, Joliet & Eastern Railroad Co.
- Iowa Interstate Railroad Ltd.
- Kansas City Southern Railway Company
- Metro-North Commuter Railroad Co.
- Seminole Gulf Railway
- Transtar Inc.
Final Thoughts
If you’re a railroad worker who has developed health issues related to asbestos exposure, it’s crucial to know that you have legal rights and options available to you. Your health and well-being should always be a top priority, and seeking justice for asbestos-related illnesses is your right.
Bailey & Glasser, LLP is here to support you in this journey. Our experienced team of attorneys specializes in asbestos-related cases and can provide you with the legal guidance and representation you need.
Don’t hesitate – reach out to us today to explore your legal options and take the first step toward securing the compensation and justice you deserve. Your voice matters, and together, we can hold responsible parties accountable for your suffering. Contact Bailey & Glasser, LLP now to take action for your future.
