While the engines keep the freight moving, occupational diseases caused by toxic workplaces often sideline the skilled tradespeople working behind the scenes. In particular, locomotive shop worker toxic exposure has been a significant concern. Workers inhaled diesel exhaust, asbestos dust, welding fumes, and toxic chemicals in railroad shops every day. Ventilation was poor, protective equipment was scarce, and warnings were almost nonexistent.
The result is a toxic legacy of cancers, lung disease, and other serious illnesses. Many railroad shop workers and their families still face these issues today.
The Hazards Inside Locomotive Shops
Locomotive shop workers routinely encountered toxic substances as part of their jobs. Notably, many of these substances are now recognized as known or probable carcinogens by The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC).
Asbestos
Manufacturers integrated asbestos into electrical panels, pipe insulation, brake linings, and gaskets. Cutting, drilling, or removing these materials releases tiny fibers into the air. These fibers can cause disease many years after exposure.
The IARC classifies asbestos as a Group 1 carcinogen. This means it is a substance that can cause cancer in humans.
Diesel Exhaust
Diesel exhaust permeated shops where locomotives were cold started, load tested or just left idling continuously. Other diesel-powered equipment such as cranes and heaters operated continuously. This exhaust contains benzene, arsenic, formaldehyde, and other carcinogens. The IARC classifies both diesel exhaust and many of its constituents as Group 1 carcinogens.
Solvents & Degreasers
Workers used solvents and degreasers daily to clean parts and components. Many contained benzene or chlorinated chemicals like trichloroethylene (TCE) and perchloroethylene (PERC), which evaporated quickly and lingered in poorly ventilated spaces. The IARC also classifies these chemicals as known or probable carcinogens. Researchers have linked these exposures to various forms of leukemia and neurological diseases like encephalopathy and Parkinson’s
Welding Fumes
Welding fumes released toxic metals—manganese, chromium, nickel, and lead—into the air. These particles combined with dust from grinding and machining operations to create a hazardous breathing environment. The IARC has classified welding fumes and many of their metal constituents as Group 1 carcinogens.
Occupational Exposures by Trade
Electricians
Railroad electricians kept locomotives running by repairing wiring, installing new electrical systems, and troubleshooting failures. They embedded asbestos in the components they handled. Contact cleaners and degreasers were standard tools for their work.
Associated illnesses: Mesothelioma, lung cancer, acute myeloid leukemia, myelodysplastic syndrome, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, multiple myeloma
Machinists
Machinists disassembled and rebuilt engines, transmissions, compressors, and braking systems. They experienced a wide array of exposures to solvents, cutting oils, grinding dust, and welding fumes in enclosed spaces with limited ventilation.
Associated illnesses: Lung cancer, bladder cancer, COPD, kidney cancer, leukemia, multiple myeloma
Pipe Fitters
Pipe fitters installed and maintained the piping systems that carried fuel, hydraulic fluids, and compressed air. Much of their work took place in pits beneath locomotives, where smoke and fumes accumulated. They stripped asbestos insulation, welded in confined spaces, and used chlorinated solvents for degreasing.
Associated illnesses: Mesothelioma, lung cancer, kidney cancer, leukemia, Parkinson’s disease, neurological disorders
Laborers
Laborers supported every trade in the shop. They swept floors contaminated with asbestos dust, handled solvent-soaked materials, and worked near idling locomotives and diesel equipment. Their exposures were both constant and varied.
Associated illnesses: Multiple cancers, leukemia, respiratory diseases, neurological disorders
A Pattern of Knowledge Without Action
Evidence shows that railroad companies were aware of these hazards far earlier than they acknowledged publicly. By the 1930s, they had information indicating asbestos and silica sand posed health risks. By the 1950s, industry documents reflected knowledge that diesel exhaust contained carcinogens and that solvents posed serious dangers.
Despite this awareness, no one warned the workers. They did not upgrade the ventilation systems. They rarely provided respiratory protection. Locomotives continued to idle indoors. Regulatory agencies like OSHA forced compliance, which delayed meaningful safety improvements.
Consequently, generations of workers were exposed to substances that would cause illness years or decades later.
Legal Rights for Affected Workers
Former locomotive shop workers who have developed mesothelioma, lung cancer, leukemia, bladder cancer, kidney disease, COPD, Parkinson’s disease, or other serious illnesses may have legal options under the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA).
These cases are subject to time limits, and early consultation with an experienced attorney is important.
Hughes Law Offices has represented railroad workers in toxic exposure cases for years. The law firm understands the working conditions in locomotive shops and the connection between those exposures and illness.
Locomotive shop workers kept America’s railroads running. When railroads failed to protect them, the law provides a path to accountability.
Contact Hughes Law Offices online, or call 312-877-5588 for a free consultation with a railroad toxic tort attorney.
