Railroads and rail yards are places one might typically associate with toxic materials. However, few people understand how prevalent asbestos can be in these places and how many workers it actually affects. In fact, rail workers remain one of highest at-risk groups in the development of asbestos-related health complications. Although asbestos was banned in the late 1970’s, several older fixtures and rail cars still have high levels of asbestos in their construction. Asbestos related disease takes many years to develop within the body, meaning that even those workers who railroad fixtures and cars 20-30 years ago may still be at risk of exposure. Railroads have been the site of many exposures leading to such disease and current and former workers should be aware of the risk.
Where do jobsite exposures occur on railroads and are rail passengers at risk as well? The good news is that rail passengers have very little to worry about with regards to railroad asbestos exposure. Asbestos was almost always used in an industrial setting and passenger cars had almost no asbestos use. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for the rail shipping industry, which used asbestos in many cars as an insulation material. Asbestos was a "wonder material" in that it was incredibly fire-retardant and a great insulator. It was also toxic. Asbestos was used to coat refrigerated cars as well as train electrical and mechanical fixtures, such as brake pads.
However, rail cars are not the only use asbestos was applied to in the rail industry. In fact, some recent cases of asbestos related disease have come from an unlikely setting: The commuter rail industry. Commuter rails are used in larger cities, meaning their own infrastructure must often adapt to that of the city. For instance, Metro North railroad of New York City has an elaborate system of underground tunnels and air vents that process the heat and pressure from underground. It is often in these fixtures that asbestos is found. Asbestos is common on steam pipes as it prevents heat transfer and eliminated the possibility of freeze damage. Many rail workers have been exposed to these materials and were not even aware what they were dealing with. Those who repair or frequently encounter these types of fixtures are most at risk and should be aware of the risk.
Rail workers who know they have been exposed to asbestos materials should immediately seek the attention of a physician who is versed malignant mesothelioma. It is also important for those who believe they may have been exposed to monitor their respiratory health closely. Early detection and diagnosis of bodily asbestos damage is the single most important factor in battling asbestos-related disease. It also determines the types of mesothelioma treatments that individuals may have access to in cases of mesothelioma. There are support systems in place to assist those exposed to asbestos to treatment, counseling, and financial compensation.