For decades, railroad workers were unknowingly exposed to asbestos while performing their daily duties. Many spent years working in environments where asbestos was prevalent in locomotive insulation, brake pads, and maintenance yards. Today, the consequences of that exposure have come to light, with many retired railroad workers developing asbestos-related cancers such as mesothelioma, lung cancer, throat cancer, esophageal cancer, stomach cancer, and colon cancer. But what happens once asbestos fibers enter the body? Understanding the dangers of inhaled or ingested asbestos is crucial for those at risk.
How Asbestos Enters the Body
Asbestos exposure primarily occurs through inhalation or ingestion of microscopic fibers. These fibers are durable and resistant to breakdown, which makes them useful in industrial applications but hazardous to human health.
Inhalation of Asbestos Fibers
The most common route of asbestos exposure is inhalation. When asbestos-containing materials are disturbed, such as during train maintenance or construction work, tiny asbestos fibers are released into the air. Workers who breathe in these fibers unknowingly allow them to enter their respiratory system. The body’s natural defense mechanisms, such as nasal hairs and mucus, can trap some fibers, but many are small enough to bypass these barriers and penetrate deep into the lungs.
Once inhaled, asbestos fibers can lodge in the lung tissue and remain there for years or even decades. Over time, these fibers cause irritation, scarring, and genetic damage, potentially leading to severe illnesses like mesothelioma and lung cancer.
Ingestion of Asbestos Fibers
While less common, asbestos exposure can also occur through ingestion. Workers may swallow asbestos fibers if they consume contaminated food or beverages or if they inadvertently ingest dust particles while working in an asbestos-contaminated environment. Secondhand exposure is also a concern, as workers may bring asbestos dust home on their clothing, exposing family members.
Once ingested, asbestos fibers can travel through the digestive system and embed themselves in the stomach lining or intestines. Over time, this exposure may lead to stomach cancer, colon cancer, and other gastrointestinal diseases.
The Long-Term Effects of Asbestos Exposure
The dangers of asbestos stem from the body’s inability to break down or expel these fibers. Unlike organic materials that decompose over time, asbestos remains embedded in human tissues indefinitely. This long-term presence leads to inflammation, cell damage, and ultimately, cancer. Here’s what happens once asbestos settles in different parts of the body:
Asbestos in the Lungs
Once asbestos fibers reach the lungs, they can cause conditions such as:
- Asbestosis: A chronic lung disease characterized by scarring and fibrosis, leading to breathing difficulties.
- Mesothelioma: A rare and aggressive cancer affecting the lining of the lungs (pleura), often diagnosed decades after exposure.
- Lung Cancer: Unlike mesothelioma, lung cancer originates in lung tissue and can spread throughout the body.
Asbestos in the Digestive System
When asbestos fibers are ingested, they can embed in the stomach lining, leading to:
- Stomach Cancer: Linked to prolonged exposure to ingested asbestos fibers.
- Colon Cancer: Studies suggest a strong correlation between asbestos exposure and an increased risk of colorectal cancer.
Asbestos in Other Tissues
Although less common, asbestos fibers can also affect other organs:
- Throat Cancer: Long-term inhalation of asbestos can contribute to cancers of the larynx and pharynx.
- Esophageal Cancer: Asbestos fibers that travel through the throat and esophagus can cause mutations leading to cancer.
Why Do Asbestos-Related Diseases Take So Long to Develop?
One of the most alarming aspects of asbestos exposure is its long latency period. Diseases caused by asbestos typically take 20 to 50 years to develop, meaning individuals exposed decades ago are only now experiencing symptoms. This delay makes early detection and diagnosis challenging, often resulting in poor prognoses for asbestos-related cancers.
Diagnosing Asbestos-Related Diseases
Given the prolonged latency period, many asbestos-related illnesses are diagnosed in advanced stages. However, early screening and medical intervention can improve outcomes. Some common diagnostic methods include:
- Chest X-Rays: Can detect lung abnormalities, such as scarring or masses, linked to asbestos exposure.
- CT Scans: Provide detailed imaging of lung tissue and help identify early-stage tumors.
- Biopsies: Tissue samples confirm the presence of mesothelioma or other asbestos-related cancers.
- Pulmonary Function Tests: Assess lung capacity and detect signs of asbestosis.
Treatment Options for Asbestos-Related Illnesses
Treatment options for asbestos-related diseases depend on the stage and type of illness. Common treatments include:
- Surgery: Removal of tumors in early-stage mesothelioma or lung cancer.
- Chemotherapy: Used to shrink tumors and slow disease progression.
- Radiation Therapy: Targets cancer cells to reduce pain and improve quality of life.
- Immunotherapy: Emerging treatments that help the immune system fight cancer more effectively.
While there is no cure for mesothelioma, advancements in treatment provide hope for extended survival and improved quality of life for affected individuals.
Seeking Compensation for Asbestos Exposure
Because many asbestos-related illnesses result from workplace exposure, affected individuals may be eligible for compensation. Retired railroad workers, in particular, have legal options to seek financial relief.
Asbestos Trust Funds
With over $30 billion available in asbestos trust funds, former railroad workers diagnosed with asbestos-related cancers can file claims without going to court. These funds were established by companies that manufactured or used asbestos-containing products, ensuring victims receive compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.
In many cases, filing a claim through an asbestos trust fund can lead to faster financial relief than pursuing a lawsuit. The process is often straightforward, requiring proof of employment history and a medical diagnosis. Because these trusts were created to help victims without the need for litigation, many claims are resolved within months.
Wrongful Death Claims
If a loved one has passed away due to asbestos-related cancer, surviving family members may be eligible for compensation through wrongful death claims. These claims help cover medical bills, funeral expenses, and loss of financial support. In addition, families may also be entitled to damages for emotional distress and the loss of companionship.
Wrongful death claims can provide essential financial stability for surviving spouses, children, and dependents. Given the high costs associated with end-of-life care, legal compensation can help ease the financial burden on grieving families.
The Importance of Acting Quickly
Due to strict statutes of limitations, asbestos claims must be filed within a certain timeframe. In California, victims typically have one to three years from diagnosis to file a claim. Failing to meet this deadline can prevent victims and their families from receiving compensation. Other states may have different statutes of limitations, making it crucial to seek legal advice as soon as possible.
Additionally, asbestos trust funds are depleting over time. The sooner claims are filed, the better the chances of securing full financial compensation. Many companies that once used asbestos have declared bankruptcy, and trust funds may eventually run out. Acting promptly ensures that victims and their families receive the compensation they are entitled to before funds diminish.
Contact Sammons & Berry, P.C. for Legal Assistance
If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, lung cancer, throat cancer, esophageal cancer, stomach cancer, or colon cancer due to asbestos exposure in the railroad industry, now is the time to take action. Sammons & Berry, P.C. specializes in helping retired railroad workers in California secure the compensation they deserve without the stress of courtroom proceedings.
Most claims can be resolved through asbestos trust funds or settlements, allowing victims to receive financial support for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Our legal team is dedicated to guiding you through every step of the claims process, ensuring that your rights are protected.
Because asbestos-related diseases often have devastating health and financial consequences, securing legal assistance as soon as possible can make all the difference. Many retired railroad workers were unknowingly exposed to asbestos for years, making legal compensation a critical step toward justice.
Protecting the Rights of Railroad Workers Affected by Asbestos Exposure
Asbestos exposure remains a serious health hazard for retired railroad workers. Once inhaled or ingested, asbestos fibers can cause long-term damage, leading to life-threatening illnesses such as mesothelioma, lung cancer, and other respiratory diseases. These conditions often take decades to develop, meaning many workers are diagnosed long after their exposure occurred. Because of this, early detection and legal action are essential to securing financial compensation.
Medical treatments for asbestos-related illnesses can be costly, and victims may face significant financial burdens due to medical bills, lost wages, and long-term care needs. Seeking compensation through asbestos trust funds, settlements, or wrongful death claims can provide much-needed financial relief for affected individuals and their families.
Sammons & Berry, P.C. is dedicated to helping retired railroad workers receive the financial support they deserve. Our experienced legal team will guide you through the claims process, ensuring you get the maximum compensation available.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with an asbestos-related illness, don’t wait. Legal deadlines can limit your ability to file a claim. Contact Sammons & Berry, P.C. today for a free consultation and take the first step toward securing your financial future.
See if you qualify for compensation
Sammons & Berry, P.C.
800-519-1440
View our Google Listing
View our Facebook
