Common cancers linked to PFAS in the railroad industry

PFAS are found in lubricants, hydraulic fluids, and aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF), used to combat fuel fires. Long-term exposure leads to accumulating high PFAS levels in the blood and in the organs, potentially leading to a serious health complication like cancer.

If you were exposed to PFAS and later developed cancer, you may be able to file claims under the Federal Employers' Liability Act (FELA) if you can prove that your employer's negligence in protecting you from toxins led to your occupational disease.

Cancer types commonly developed by railroad workers

While lung cancer is a commonly recognized risk in the railroad industry, workers are also at high risk of developing other types of cancer. They are exposed to these chemicals through high-volume AFFF release during fires or through cumulative exposure with PFAS-containing products. Under FELA, an employer must ensure a reasonably safe environment for their employees. If it is proven that they failed to provide reasonable protection from chemical exposure, they may be held liable for damages. Research studies have identified several mechanisms in which PFAS can cause harm, including oxidative stress, endocrine disruption, and epigenetic alterations. There has also been a strong association found between PFAS and the following cancers:

• Kidney cancer. When health issues linked to PFAS were first revealed to the public, kidney cancer was among the most pressing concerns. A study found that people who had high levels of PFAS in their blood were twice as likely to develop kidney cancer as those with low PFAS levels.
• Thyroid cancer. PFAS have been found to affect thyroid health, with scientists proposing several potential mechanisms. First, the chemical structure of PFAS allows it to bind to thyroid receptors and disrupt hormone regulation. The chemical also has the potential to interfere with how the body takes up iodine, which may lead to iodine deficiency, a risk factor for various cancers.
• Blood cancers. When PFAS enter the body, significant amounts remain in the blood, which is why PFAS are detectable in the blood of most people worldwide. The mechanisms of how PFAS may contribute to developing blood cancer are still unknown, but a 2023 study has found an association between PFAS and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Other blood cancers associated with PFAS are Non-Hodgkin lymphoma and multiple myeloma.

ELG Law can also file a claim for railroad workers who suffer from testicular cancer, liver cancer, prostate cancer, breast cancer (male and female), and bladder cancer. FELA also protects railroad workers from damages for catastrophic injuries and from respiratory cancers caused by asbestos and diesel exhaust.

Filing FELA claims for occupational illnesses caused by PFAS

Standard workers' compensation often excludes occupational illnesses or does not cover the full cost of damages to the worker's life. Under FELA, a railroad worker may file legal action to recover all damages, including medical expenses, loss of future income, loss of earning capacity, and pain and suffering. However, the burden of proving the employer's negligence is on the worker. ELG Law can help you in this case by assessing the details of your case and checking your proof of exposure (employment records) and diagnosis (medical records). If eligible, we can file the FELA claim on your behalf as you focus on recovering from your illness or injury.