The Railroad Industry’s Knowledge of the Hazards of Asbestos and Diesel Fume Exposures:
What is the Price of Success?
In 1932, the American Railway Association Medical & Surgical Section began to recognize the inherent dangers of exposure to asbestos. In 1955, the Railroad Industry was informed that diesel exhaust might cause cancer. Despite this knowledge, the Railroad Industry contined to allow its employees to be exposed to these dangers for decades. 

The Industry has chosen to ignore the information given to them, and chosen to continue their business without regard to the potentially fatal consequences of their practices. Railroad employees have not been given the same choice. Railroad employees have gone to work every day, completely unaware that their employer is witholding information that could save their lives. The Railroad allows employees to be exposed to dangers on a daily basis without allowing them the benefit of making an informed decision.