Many Railroad Workers Exposed to Dangerous Chemicals Linked to Parkinson’s Disease and ALS

Symptoms Often Emerge 10-40 Years After Exposure

 

What is the Problem?

 

Railroad workers can come into contact with many health-altering toxic chemicals while performing their job duties. Many of these chemicals are found in everyday, ordinary products that workers must use while performing occupational duties.

 

What are the most common chemicals railroad employees may encounter while on the job?

 

The most common chemicals that railroad workers may interact with include:

 

• Trichloroethylene (TCE): an ingredient often found in fuel, lubricants, degreasers, adhesives and paints

• Perchloroethylene (PERC): Often used in metal degreasers, sealants, aerosols, solvent soaps, silicones and lubricants

• Carbon Tetrachloride (CCL4): This inorganic compound is commonly found in oil solvents, lacquers, refrigerants and aerosol can propellants

 

Which Railroad occupations are more likely to encounter dangerous solvents and chemicals?

 

All railroad employees can encounter these chemicals, but the workers most likely to be exposed are:

 

• Welders

• Steamfitters

• Painters

• Maintenance workers

• Trackmen

 

What is Parkinson’s Disease?

 

Parkinson’s Disease is a chronic movement/activity disorder where the symptoms gradually decline over time. Parkinson’s affects the critical nerves in the brain known as neurons. The damaged neurons produce dopamine which is a brain chemical that controls movement and coordination. As the disease worsens, the amount of dopamine becomes less and less and leaves the sufferer unable to normally control their movement. PD symptoms include:

 

• Tremors of hands, face, jaw, legs, arms

• Stiffness of the torso and limbs

• Slow movements (Brandy Kinesis)

• Faulty coordination and balance

 

What is ALS?

 

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, better known as ALS or Lou Gehrig’s disease, affects the upper motor neutrons which are in the brain and the lower motor neurons located in the spinal cord and brainstem. The degeneration of the upper motor neurons causes muscle tightness (spasticity). Damage to the lower motor neurons results in twitching and muscle shrinkage (atrophy). Symptoms include:

 

• Weak muscles

• Muscle spasms

• Coordination issues

• Impaired speech

• Vocal cord spasms

• Fatigue

• Difficulty with swallowing

• Severe constipation

 

How can the Federal Employers Act protect current and former railroad workers?

 

FELA is a U.S. law developed to protect and compensate railroad employees who were injured or became ill as a result of working for the railroad. 1-800-LAW-HELP has years of experience helping current and former employees navigate this complex law to get the justice and compensation they and their families deserve. Millions of dollars have been paid by railroad employers to settle toxic chemical/solvent cases alone.

 

What Are My Legal Options?

 

1-800-LAW-HELP has over thirty years of experience working with railroad employees and their families. If you or a loved one is a current or former railroad worker diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease or ALS, contact the FELA team at 1-800-LAW-HELP. All calls are free and confidential. There is no obligation and no upfront fees.