Are Railroad Workers at Risk for Asbestos Exposure?
Yes. Railroad workers were exposed to asbestos in locomotive insulation, brake shoes, gaskets, steam pipe lagging, and building materials in railroad shops and roundhouses. Workers in maintenance-of-way, shop crafts, and train operations all faced exposure to asbestos fibers throughout their careers.
Asbestos in the Railroad Industry
The American railroad industry used asbestos materials extensively throughout the 20th century. Steam locomotives relied on asbestos insulation for their boilers, fireboxes, and steam pipes. Diesel locomotives that replaced them contained asbestos in brake shoes, gaskets, electrical insulation, and engine compartment materials. Railroad cars, cabooses, and passenger coaches used asbestos in flooring, wall panels, insulation, and brake components.
Railroad maintenance shops and roundhouses were heavily contaminated environments. Workers who repaired and overhauled locomotives and rolling stock stripped and replaced asbestos insulation, serviced asbestos-containing brakes, and worked with asbestos gaskets and packing materials on a daily basis. The enclosed nature of these shop buildings trapped airborne fibers at high concentrations.
Occupations at Risk
Multiple railroad occupations involved asbestos exposure. Boilermakers who maintained locomotive boilers had among the highest exposures, handling asbestos insulation directly. Machinists, pipefitters, and electricians in railroad shops encountered asbestos during equipment overhauls. Brake mechanics serviced asbestos-containing brake shoes on locomotives and railcars. Even track workers (gandy dancers) and signal maintainers could encounter asbestos in older signal equipment and underground conduit.
Train crews — engineers, conductors, and brakemen — were exposed to asbestos from deteriorating insulation in locomotive cabs and from brake dust generated during train operations. While their exposures were generally less concentrated than those of shop workers, the cumulative effect of daily exposure over long careers could still be significant.
Legal Protections for Railroad Workers
Railroad workers have unique legal protections under the Federal Employers’ Liability Act (FELA). Unlike standard workers’ compensation systems, FELA allows railroad employees to sue their employer for negligence in failing to provide a safe workplace. Railroad workers diagnosed with mesothelioma may pursue FELA claims in addition to product liability claims against asbestos manufacturers.
This dual avenue of recovery can result in more comprehensive compensation than is available to workers in other industries. An attorney experienced in both FELA and asbestos litigation can evaluate your case and pursue all available claims on your behalf.
Next Steps After Diagnosis
If you worked for a railroad and have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, contact an experienced attorney promptly. Statutes of limitations apply to both FELA and product liability claims, and early action preserves your ability to pursue full compensation. An initial case evaluation is free and carries no obligation.
- Exposure sources: Locomotive boiler insulation, brake shoes, gaskets, pipe lagging, and shop building materials
- FELA protection: Railroad workers may file claims under the Federal Employers’ Liability Act
- Steam era risk: Steam locomotive boilers were heavily insulated with asbestos
- Shop workers: Maintenance and repair workers in railroad shops faced the most concentrated exposure
Reviewed by: Paul Danziger, J.D. — Texas Bar — 30+ years mesothelioma litigation
Last updated: March 15, 2026
Sources: Federal Railroad Administration, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR)
Our attorneys have handled mesothelioma cases for over 30 years. We can evaluate your situation, explain every option available to you, and answer your questions — all at no cost and with no obligation.
Request a Free Consultation
Your information is confidential and protected. We typically respond within 24 hours.
Call 1-800-400-1805 for immediate help.