Railroad workers who spent their careers repairing locomotives, replacing brake linings, and maintaining steam systems were repeatedly exposed to asbestos fibers. Research has established that these fibers can reach the larynx, pharynx, and esophagus through inhalation and ingestion, making throat and upper digestive tract cancers a consequence of occupational asbestos exposure.
Claim ApplicationAsbestos fibers disturbed during maintenance and repair became airborne and were inhaled through the nose and mouth, bringing them into direct contact with laryngeal and pharyngeal tissue. Fibers not retained in the lungs were cleared upward by the mucociliary system and swallowed, exposing the esophagus to the same chronic irritation, oxidative stress, and DNA damage that drives asbestos-related malignancies elsewhere in the body.
The International Agency for Research on Cancer classifies asbestos as a proven cause of laryngeal cancer, and a major meta-analysis published in the American Journal of Industrial Medicine found significantly elevated laryngeal cancer risk across multiple occupational asbestos cohorts.
The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine concluded that the evidence for a causal association between exposure to asbestos and laryngeal cancer is sufficient, and that the evidence in occupational studies is suggestive of positive associations between exposure to asbestos and pharyngeal and esophageal cancers.
Railroad employees in mechanical, repair, and maintenance roles faced repeated asbestos contact over entire careers, accumulating the kind of cumulative exposure that occupational research consistently ties to elevated cancer risk.
FELA allows railroad workers to seek compensation when occupational conditions contributed to a cancer diagnosis. With 35 years of experience handling railroad toxic exposure claims, ELG Law knows how to examine the evidentiary record these cases require. Reach out today to find out whether your diagnosis qualifies.