Asbestos Exposure in Railroad Workers

Asbestos in Railroad Workers

Asbestos Risks in Railroads: Prioritizing Worker Safety

Railroad workers faced extensive exposure to asbestos due to its widespread use in various components and structures within the industry through the 1980s. Even those not directly involved in railroad repairs were likely exposed to asbestos. Workers in roadhouses, railroad shops, and repair shops routinely handled asbestos-containing materials, cutting or smoothing them, leading to the release of airborne asbestos fibers. Conductors and yardmasters were at risk when public cabins and carriages, including floor tiles and wallboards, contained asbestos that could become airborne through wear and tear.

Brakes on locomotives, frequently containing asbestos, posed another significant risk. As brake pads and linings wore down, workers were exposed to asbestos dust during replacement procedures. Maintenance workers faced high exposure risks dealing with piping, electrical systems, and HVAC systems containing asbestos.

Railroad workers encountered various asbestos-containing products, including boilers, ceiling and floor tiles, brakes, cement ties, gaskets, insulation materials, wallboards, and more. Specific trades within the railroad industry faced heightened risks, including engineers, conductors, brake operators, switch operators, car couplers, yardmasters, inspectors, hydraulic engineers, refrigeration engineers, boilermakers, electricians, machinists, and train crews.

Health risks for railroad workers exposed to asbestos include mesothelioma, lung cancer, asbestosis, and other asbestos-related illnesses. Older workers, especially those exposed to steam-powered equipment before the 1950s, faced higher risks.

Symptoms of Asbestos Exposure in Railroad Workers

Asbestos exposure in railroad workers often goes unnoticed until decades later. Many workers inhale asbestos dust while handling brakes, insulation, or train parts, and symptoms may not appear until 20–40 years after exposure.

Common signs include:

• Shortness of breath or wheezing
• Chronic coughing or chest pain
• Fatigue and unexplained weight loss
• Persistent respiratory infections
• Hoarseness or difficulty swallowing
• Swelling in the neck or face
• Coughing up blood in the later stages

These symptoms could point to mesothelioma, lung cancer, or asbestosis — all linked to prolonged asbestos exposure in railroad workers.

Most At-Risk Railroad Jobs

Asbestos was widely used in railroad equipment for insulation and fireproofing. Workers involved in maintenance, mechanical, and operations roles faced the highest levels of exposure.

Jobs with the highest asbestos risk include:

• Locomotive mechanics and engineers
• Brake and clutch repair workers
• Car repairmen and insulators
• Welders and boiler room staff
• Track maintenance and signalmen
• Railroad shop workers and machinists
• Yard crew and cleaning personnel in confined spaces

Dust from asbestos brake pads, gaskets, and steam pipes was easily inhaled, especially during maintenance or repair without proper ventilation.

Can Railroad Workers Still File a Claim?

Yes — railroad workers can still pursue compensation if they’ve been diagnosed with an asbestos-related illness. Most legal time limits (statutes of limitations) begin when a diagnosis is made, not when the exposure occurred.

You may qualify for:

• A personal injury lawsuit
• Asbestos trust fund claims from bankrupt manufacturers
• Wrongful death claims if a loved one passed from asbestos exposure
• Railroad retirement disability claims or VA claims (if applicable)

Speak with a qualified attorney to determine your eligibility. Case reviews are free and confidential, and there are no fees unless we win.

Known Asbestos Sites for the Railroad Industry

Railway companies that are known to have used asbestos include:

• Long Island Railroad
• Railroad Friction Products Corporation
• Metro-North Railroad
• National Railroad Passenger Corporation

Products used by Railroads and railroad workers that may contain asbestos include but are not limited to:

• Rail car brakes
• Large electrical motors
• Large insulated turbines and generators
• Asbestos-insulated pumps
• Brake linings
• Brake pads
• Asbestos-insulated valves
• Large fans and blowers
• Asbestos insulation or lining
• Cement powder
• Sealing cement
• Plaster
• Asbestos-wrapped piping
• Gaskets
• Railroad ties
• Wallboard
• Ceiling tiles
• Floor tiles
• Boilers