Due to its strength, insulating properties, and natural fire resistance, asbestos has been used since the 1800s in the railroad industry. Unfortunately, its fibrous nature makes it very dangerous when it is removed or installed.

Asbestos exposure among railroad workers has been found to cause increased lung cancer risk, injury to the lungs, and an increased risk of a specific and rare form of cancer called mesothelioma. In fact, in spite of the overall rarity of mesothelioma, it is the most common form of cancer connected to asbestos exposure.

If you have been exposed to asbestos in the course of your work in the railroad industry or elsewhere, a consultation with the attorneys at Schlichter, Bogard & Denton can help determine if you might be eligible for compensation.

Why is Asbestos Dangerous?

The natural structure of asbestos makes it dangerous to anyone who inhales it. Asbestos is made up of a collection of microscopic fibers. While this makes it a highly effective insulator, when these fibers escape into the air and are breathed into the lungs, they remain there and over time can cause severe damage. Asbestos has also been determined to be carcinogenic.

Long-term effects of asbestos exposure include:

• Scarring in the lungs
• Inflammation in the lungs
• Lung cancer
• Mesothelioma

Symptoms of these conditions can take some time to manifest, so exposure to asbestos at any time in the past can remain a danger even if no symptoms have occurred years later.

Regulation of Asbestos

In the 1970s, government agencies began to regulate the use of asbestos in the United States. The Consumer Product Safety Commission banned its use in gas fireplaces and patching compounds. In 1989, the Environmental Protection Agency banned any future development of use for asbestos. It also set up regulations requiring schools to be inspected for asbestos and to have the risk of exposure minimized for students by removing or shielding any asbestos materials.

In spite of these regulations and a significant overall decrease in use of asbestos in the United States, many cases of asbestos exposure and subsequent serious respiratory ailments still occur in the railroad industry. At Schlichter, Bogard & Denton, our extensive experience with pharmaceutical litigation, combined with a history of working with the railroad industry, can supply exactly the help you need to receive the compensation you deserve for your asbestos-related injuries.

If you have been exposed to asbestos in the course of your work in the railroad industry, please contact the experienced asbestos attorneys at Schlichter, Bogard & Denton for an initial consultation. We work with clients nationwide and will do everything we can to help you make your case.