Occupational Hazards Among Locomotive Shop Employees and Railroad Car Department Workers
Employees in locomotive shops and railroad car departments play a vital role in maintaining and repairing the nation’s railway infrastructure. This workforce includes machinists, pipefitters, and electricians, who are responsible for ensuring that locomotives and railcars remain operational. However, their work exposes them to various hazardous substances, such as diesel exhaust, asbestos, secondhand smoke, welding fumes, and solvents containing benzene, as well as degreasers, lubricants, thinners, and fuels. Chronic exposure to these toxins can lead to severe health issues, including mesothelioma, lung cancer, laryngeal cancer, bladder cancer, kidney cancer, myelodysplastic syndrome, and acute myeloid leukemia.
The Role of Machinists, Pipefitters, and Electricians in Exposure Risks
Machinists, pipefitters, and electricians are the most vulnerable locomotive shop workers. Their daily tasks involve direct contact with hazardous materials, making them more susceptible to toxic exposure.
- Machinists work with metal components, often using benzene-containing solvents to clean and degrease parts, which exposes them to risks of inhalation and dermal absorption.
- Pipefitters handle insulation, gaskets, and other asbestos-containing materials, increasing their risk of mesothelioma and lung cancer.
- Electricians frequently use degreasers and lubricants that contain benzene and other carcinogens, putting them at risk for leukemia and other cancers.
Diesel Exhaust: A Silent Killer
One of the most pervasive hazards in locomotive shops is diesel exhaust. Diesel-powered locomotives emit a complex mixture of particulate matter, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and volatile organic compounds. Chronic exposure to these pollutants has been linked to lung, bladder, and kidney cancer.
Locomotive shop employees, particularly machinists and pipefitters, are frequently in enclosed or semi-enclosed spaces where diesel exhaust accumulates. The fine particulate matter in diesel exhaust penetrates deep into the lungs, leading to inflammation and an increased risk of lung cancer. Additionally, studies have shown that prolonged exposure to diesel exhaust can lead to bladder cancer due to the carcinogenic properties of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) found in the emissions.
Asbestos: A Lingering Threat
Asbestos was a common insulating material used in locomotive components, particularly in brake pads, gaskets, and insulation surrounding pipes and boilers for decades. Machinists and pipefitters, who frequently handled and repaired these parts, were routinely exposed to asbestos fibers. When disturbed, asbestos fibers become airborne and, when inhaled, embed themselves in lung tissue, leading to mesothelioma, a rare but aggressive cancer.
Unlike lung cancer, which can be caused by various factors, mesothelioma is almost exclusively linked to asbestos exposure. Railroad workers who inhaled asbestos dust decades ago are now experiencing devastating consequences, as mesothelioma has a long latency period, often taking 20 to 50 years to develop.
Secondhand Smoke: An Overlooked Risk Factor
Although smoking is a well-documented cause of lung cancer and laryngeal cancer, many locomotive shop employees were also exposed to secondhand smoke before workplace smoking bans were enacted. In the past, smoking was common in locomotive shops and rail facilities, leading to widespread exposure among non-smokers.
Secondhand smoke contains more than 7,000 chemicals, including benzene, formaldehyde, and arsenic, all of which are known carcinogens. Prolonged exposure to secondhand smoke significantly increases the risk of lung cancer and laryngeal cancer, particularly when combined with exposure to diesel exhaust and asbestos.
Welding Fumes and Metal Toxicity
Welding is a critical task in locomotive and railcar maintenance, often performed by machinists and pipefitters. However, welding fumes contain a mix of toxic metal oxides, including manganese, nickel, and chromium, which pose serious health risks. Inhalation of these fumes has been linked to lung cancer, kidney cancer, and myelodysplastic syndrome.
The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classifies nickel and chromium compounds found in welding fumes as Group 1 carcinogens. These metals damage cellular DNA, increasing the likelihood of cancerous mutations. Myelodysplastic syndrome, a precursor to acute myeloid leukemia, has also been associated with prolonged exposure to welding fumes due to the presence of benzene and other hepatotoxic substances.
Benzene-Containing Solvents and Degreasers: A Hidden Danger
Benzene, a known carcinogen, has been widely used in locomotive maintenance to clean parts, degrease components, and thin lubricants and fuels. Machinists, pipefitters, and electricians who frequently used benzene-containing solvents were often exposed through inhalation and skin absorption.
Chronic benzene exposure is a major risk factor for acute myeloid leukemia and myelodysplastic syndrome. These blood disorders develop when benzene interferes with the bone marrow’s ability to produce healthy blood cells. Studies have found that railroad workers exposed to benzene are at a significantly higher risk of developing leukemia than the general population.
Lubricants, Thinners, and Fuels: Toxic Chemicals in Everyday Tasks
Lubricants and thinners are essential in locomotive and railcar maintenance, used to keep moving parts operating smoothly and to clean metal surfaces. However, many of these substances contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and heavy metals that pose significant health risks.
Repeated exposure to these chemicals has been linked to kidney cancer and bladder cancer. Many lubricants and thinners contain nitrosamines and aromatic amines, which are potent carcinogens. Pipefitters and electricians who regularly handled these substances without adequate protective equipment were unknowingly putting themselves at risk.
Legal Protections and Compensation for Affected Workers
Many locomotive shop employees and railroad car department workers have suffered severe health consequences due to prolonged exposure to toxic substances. Fortunately, legal avenues exist to seek compensation for occupational diseases.
Under the Federal Employers’ Liability Act (FELA), railroad workers diagnosed with occupational cancers or other serious illnesses may be eligible for compensation. Unlike traditional workers’ compensation, FELA allows workers to file lawsuits against their employers if negligence contributed to their exposure. Many lawsuits have successfully held railroad companies accountable for failing to provide adequate protective equipment or failing to warn workers about the dangers of toxic exposures.
Additionally, asbestos trust funds have been established to compensate workers diagnosed with mesothelioma. Many locomotive workers have received settlements from these funds, helping to cover medical expenses and provide financial security for their families.
Prevention and Protective Measures
Although many toxic exposures occurred in the past, current locomotive shop employees can still take measures to protect themselves from ongoing hazards:
- Proper Ventilation – Ensuring work areas have adequate airflow can reduce the concentration of diesel exhaust and welding fumes.
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) – Respirators, gloves, and protective clothing can minimize exposure to hazardous substances.
- Substituting Safer Chemicals – Using non-toxic degreasers and solvents can significantly reduce benzene exposure.
- Regular Health Screenings – Early detection of occupational diseases improves treatment outcomes.
- Workplace Safety Training – Educating workers about the risks and proper handling of hazardous materials can prevent exposure-related illnesses.
