Asbestos and Railroad Workers

Railroad workers faced serious asbestos exposure risks for decades. Some are still at risk today as asbestos lingers in older equipment and materials. Some railroad workers now have asbestos illnesses, like mesothelioma, and have filed lawsuits to recover damages.

If you or a loved one were diagnosed with mesothelioma, asbestosis, or asbestos-related lung cancer, you might be entitled to substantial compensation. Fill out our form to receive our free Financial Compensation Packet. Our packet is loaded with information on experienced mesothelioma attorneys in your area, how to file a claim for asbestos trust funds, how to get paid in 90 days, and more. 

Did the Railroad Industry Use Asbestos?

Many products used in the railroad industry contained asbestos. Asbestos use in railroads peaked between the 1930s and 1970s. Asbestos was used in friction parts, insulation, fireproofing, and other materials.

Workers in railways in the past had higher risks of exposure than workers today, who still may be exposed to older parts. Past asbestos exposure puts railroad workers at risk of asbestos illness today, including mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis.

How Were Railroad Workers Exposed to Asbestos?

Like many other industries, railways once used asbestos heavily. Asbestos was used for specific characteristics. It is an effective insulator and also protects against heat and fire.

In locomotives, asbestos reduced the risk of overheating and resulting fire in friction products like brakes and clutches. It was used in gaskets and seals to insulate and prevent leaks and heat loss. Boilers and furnaces were often insulated with asbestos. Passenger railroad cars often contained asbestos floor and ceiling tiles, insulation, and wallboard.

Workers who maintained and repaired areas and parts of locomotives that contained asbestos had the highest risks of exposure. The work they did likely released asbestos fibers. This could cause exposure in these workers but also any other workers or passengers in the area.

Are Railroad Workers Still at Risk for Asbestos Exposure?

Asbestos is no longer as significant a risk as it once was for railroad workers. However, asbestos was previously used in many products and machinery, placing past workers at risk of developing illnesses. Current workers still face risks working on trains or with equipment containing old asbestos materials.

Today’s railroad workers are protected by workplace standards and oversight by the Federal Railway Administration (FRA). Workers should be informed of any asbestos in their workplace and be provided with necessary safety equipment and training. They can make a complaint with the FRA if standards are not met.

Railroad Products, Parts, and Materials with Asbestos

Many parts and products used in locomotives and railroad equipment contained asbestos for insulating and fireproofing. These are some of the commonly used asbestos parts in the railroad industry:

• Brakes and Clutches. Friction parts like brakes and clutches contained asbestos to reduce the risk of overheating. Overheating can cause brakes to fail and can even spark fires.

• Boilers. Locomotive boilers were often insulated with asbestos. This included lagging, insulation, and refractory cement made with asbestos. Firebricks made with asbestos were also used in high-heat areas of locomotives.

• Insulation. Many other areas of locomotives were insulated with asbestos: engines, metal body parts, ceilings, pipes, electrical panels, boxcars, and more.

• Gaskets and Seals. Many parts on trains had gaskets, seals, packing, and rope used to seal machinery components. They often contained asbestos to insulate and increase the strength of the materials.

• Passenger Cars. Many components of passenger cars contained asbestos, including floor and ceiling tiles, insulation, wallboard, plaster, and paint. Disposable ashtrays were also made with asbestos on some trains.

Some of the many companies that supplied railways with asbestos products include:

• Abex Corporation
• General Motors Electro-Motive Diesel
• H.K. Porter
• Johns Manville
• Keasbey & Mattison
• Railroad Friction Products Corporation
• Raybestos-Manhattan

Asbestos Studies on Railroad Workers

The Department of Medicine of Brigham and Women’s Hospital conducted a study during the 1950s involving railroad workers and their exposure to asbestos. According to the study published by the National Institutes of Health (NIH),

“Before the transition from steam- to diesel-powered locomotives during the 1950s certain railroad workers had the opportunity for significant occupational exposure to asbestos. Past studies have demonstrated that older workers with jobs associated with the repair of steam locomotives had the most exposure.”

A 1985 study took health measurements for nearly 400 railroad workers to look for signs of asbestos disease. The researchers found higher-than-average rates of pleural plaques, shortness of breath, and interstitial lung disease, showing these workers suffered as a result of workplace asbestos exposure.

Railroad Asbestos Lawsuits

Since railroad workers don’t always qualify for workers’ compensation, many workers injured by asbestos filed an asbestos lawsuit against their employers, allowed under the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA).

Under FELA, railroad workers can sue employers by proving that negligence contributed to their asbestos-related injuries and illnesses.

These are a few examples of lawsuits brought by railroad workers affected by asbestos:

• Ray Williams filed a lawsuit against his employer, CSX Transportation, under FELA in 2006. He was diagnosed with mesothelioma and died before resolving the case. Williams’s widow Shirley eventually recovered $7.4 million in a jury verdict. The courts found that CSX was negligent in failing to warn workers of the risks of asbestos.

• Stephen Fowlkes died from asbestosis after years of working for Norfolk and Western Railway Co. He repaired locomotives, which exposed him to asbestos. Fowlkes sued the company and was found 80% liable for his injuries because he smoked. The company was still required to pay his surviving family $1 million.

What to Do if You Worked in the Railroad Industry

If you worked in the railroad industry and now have an asbestos illness, let a mesothelioma lawyer help you decide what legal steps to take next.

They can help you navigate FELA or file a lawsuit against an asbestos supplier. You could be eligible for compensation through a lawsuit or an asbestos trust fund claim.

Additional Help for Railroad Workers

Remember, if you’ve been diagnosed with mesothelioma, asbestosis, or asbestos-related cancer, you may qualify for significant compensation. Remember to fill out our form for your free Financial Compensation Packet, with information on asbestos and mesothelioma lawyers in your area.