Railroad Settlement - Interstitial Lung Disease
Long-term railroad workers are at risk of developing occupational lung diseases like pulmonary fibrisis. Prior to 2010, safety rules did not require workers to wear masks that protected them from injury, exposing workers to exhaust fumes and hazardous fumes from idle work engines.
railroad injury settlement amounts as well as diesel exhaust and other workplace hazards may cause interstitial pulmonary disease. The symptoms can take decades to appear, making it difficult for an exact link to be established between work history and health issues.
Asbestos
Asbestos is a collection of naturally occurring minerals that are popular in the construction industry for its fire retardant and corrosion-resistant properties as well as insulation properties. The exposure to these tiny fibers increases the chance of developing lung cancer, mesothelioma (a rare form of cancer that develops in the linings of protective organs) and asbestosis (scarring of the lung). The symptoms of asbestos-related diseases typically take between 15 and 30 years to show.
When asbestos is disturbed the fibers separate into tiny, elongated fragments called fibrils. They can be easily inhaled and lodge deep within the lungs. When they cause irritation, the lungs form scar tissue that makes breathing difficult. The exposure to high levels of airborne asbestos over long periods of time also increases the chance of developing mesothelioma, a rare and deadly type of lung cancer that affects the lining of the lung.
Asbestos is banned from use, however railroad companies frequently challenge FELA claims made by railroad workers and their families due to the fact that the companies knew that the substance could pose danger to their employees. Asbestos is banned now, however, railroad companies often contest FELA claims filed by railroad workers and their families due to the fact that they knew that the material could be dangerous to employees. This could constitute negligence that is liable to railroad workers and their families to compensation. If you were a train worker in the past, call a Virginia railroad injury lawyer today for more details about filing an FELA claim.
Diesel Exhaust
The diesel engine has replaced coal as the main power source for trains in America since the 1940s. Before that trains used coal as fuelthat produced toxic black soot that people inhaled on a regular basis.
Diesel exhaust fumes are a mixture gasses that are combustible and ultrafine particles. The chemicals in diesel exhaust gas change from gaseous to liquid, vapor or tiny particles. The lungs inhale these particles, which then irritate the lung tissue over time.
When this happens, it may lead to a chronic lung disease known as railroad worker's interstitial respiratory disorder (ILD). In addition, exposure for a long time to diesel exhaust can also increase the risk of COPD.
The smoke from diesel engines is a mixture of thousands of different chemicals including carbon monoxide nitrogen oxides and sulfur dioxide. They also produce polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons which are carcinogenic. The fine particles found in diesel exhaust may cause irritation to the lungs and cause inflammation.
railroad injury settlement amounts are still present in the air, in spite of the fact that diesel pollution has been dramatically reduced with the use more environmentally friendly fuels and catalytic convertors. Colon cancer lawsuit settlements can cause the formation of ground-level ozone, which can cause breathing problems in people and damages crops, trees and other vegetation. They can also cause acid rain, which affects the water quality of lakes, streams and rivers.
Smoking
Smoking is a major cause of many serious health issues. Smoking damages the tiny air sacs that line the lungs called alveoli. This reduces the lungs' capacity to absorb oxygen, making breathing more difficult.
The interstitial lung disorder pulmonary fibrosis is a cause of scarring within the lungs, which blocks them from supplying oxygen to the body. The condition can progress, and can cause fatigue, shortness of breath and coughing. It also causes a lot of pain in the fingers and toes. It can cause death if it is not treated.
Railroad workers are at a higher risk of developing interstitial lung diseases, including asthma, COPD, and emphysema. They could also be exposed to asbestos-related toxic fumes and other workplace-related materials, in addition to diesel exhaust fumes. These toxic exposures could lead to a variety of health conditions, including mesothelioma as well as cancer.
Railroad companies could have prevented the tens of thousands or so of rail workers from developing debilitating, fatal lung diseases like pulmonary fibrosis, by providing them with adequate respiratory protection. Failure to do this is negligence under the Federal Employers Liability Act.
Other Exposures
There are a variety of other conditions that could lead to interstitial lung disease, such as rheumatoid arthritis and autoimmune diseases. Certain medications can increase the chance of developing respiratory issues and pulmonary the disease fibrosis. You are exposed to many hazards, such as oil, chemicals, and fumes, if you work in the rail yard. These exposures can cause the condition silicosis, which is a scarring of the lung that is similar to asbestosis. If the condition worsens, it can lead to right-sided heart failure (cor pulmonale) as your heart must be more active than usual in order to move blood through blocked coronary arteries. This can eventually result in respiratory failure and even death.