Railroaders are at a increased risk for laryngeal cancer due to prolonged exposure to several occupational hazards in their work environment. One of the primary concerns is the inhalation of diesel exhaust, which contains a mix of carcinogenic substances, including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and nitroarenes. When these harmful chemicals are inhaled, they pass through the respiratory tract and come into direct contact with the larynx. This repeated exposure can lead to cellular mutations and the potential for cancerous growths in the laryngeal tissues. In a case-control study, researchers concluded that railroad workers were at an increased risk of developing laryngeal cancer in comparison to other industries.

Additionally, railroaders frequently encounter hazardous materials, such as asbestos, in older trains and railway infrastructure. Asbestos fibers, when inhaled, can become lodged in the laryngeal tissue, causing irritation, inflammation, and increasing the risk of cancer. Chronic exposure to these irritants can cause the cells lining the larynx to mutate and grow uncontrollably, resulting in laryngeal cancer.