Railroad Settlement - Interstitial Lung Disease Railroad workers have been for a long time at risk of suffering occupational lung diseases like pulmonary fibrosis. Before 2010, safety regulations seldom required that workers wear masks. This exposed workers to exhaust fumes and hazardous fumes from idle engines. Asbestos as well as diesel exhaust and other workplace hazards can trigger interstitial lung disease. The symptoms can take many years to manifest which makes it difficult to establish an immediate connection to be established between work history and the illness. Asbestos Asbestos is composed of minerals that are naturally occurring and are widely used in the construction industry for their fire-resistant and corrosion resistant properties. The exposure to these tiny fibers increases the chance of developing lung cancer mesothelioma (a rare type of cancer that develops in the linings that protect organs) and asbestosis (scarring of the lungs). The signs of asbestos-related diseases can take up to 30 years to appear. When asbestos is disturbed the fibers break into tiny, elongated pieces known as fibrils. The fibrils can be inhaled easily and can be lodged deep within the lungs. When they cause irritation, the lungs produce scar tissue which makes breathing difficult. In the long run, exposure to high levels of asbestos in the air can increase the risk of developing mesothelioma. union pacific settlements is a rare, aggressive lung cancer that afflicts the lining the lungs. Asbestos is banned, however railroad companies frequently challenge FELA claims filed by railroad workers and their families due to the fact that the companies knew that the substance could pose danger for employees. Asbestos is banned now, however, railroad companies often contest FELA claims filed by railroad workers and their families because they knew the material could be harmful to employees. This could be considered negligence which is what entitles railroad workers and their families to compensation. Call an Virginia railroad injury lawyer today to learn more about filing an FELA lawsuit if you've been involved in trains before. Diesel Exhaust Since the 1940s, diesel engines have been the main source of power for trains in America. Before that, trains used coal to produce harmful black soot that workers inhaled regularly. Diesel exhaust fumes contain an assortment of combustible gasses and ultrafine particulates. The chemical compounds in the gas portion of diesel exhaust change form into a liquid or vapor form which is then transported through the air as tiny particles. These particles are absorbed by the lungs, which causes irritation to lung tissue over time. If this happens, it may cause a chronic lung disease known as railroad worker's interstitial respiratory disorder (ILD). In addition, prolonged exposure to diesel exhaust may increase the risk of COPD. The exhaust from diesel engines has a myriad of different chemicals including carbon monoxide sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides. They also produce polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, which can cause cancer. Fine particles in diesel exhaust may cause irritation to the lungs and cause inflammation. While there has been a significant reduction in diesel pollution due to the use of cleaner fuels and catalytic converters, the toxic substances remain in the atmosphere. Colon cancer lawsuit settlements can contribute to the formation of ground-level ozone, which can cause breathing problems in people, and causes damage to trees, crops and other vegetation. They can also trigger acid rain, which harms the water quality of streams, lakes and rivers. Smoking Smoking cigarettes is a major cause of numerous serious health conditions. Smoking causes damage to the small air sacs in the lungs, referred to as alveoli. This affects the lungs' capacity to absorb oxygen, making breathing difficult. Pulmonary fibrosis is an interstitial lung condition caused by scarring of lungs which prevents the lungs from providing oxygen to the rest of the body. The condition is progressive, and can cause breathing problems, fatigue as well as coughing, sneezing, and rubbing fingers and toes. Untreated, railroad back injury settlements can cause death. Railroad workers are at high risk of developing lung diseases such as pulmonary fibrosis, asthma, Emphysema, and COPD. They may also be exposed to asbestos fumes that are toxic and other workplace-related materials, in addition to diesel exhaust fumes. These toxic exposures can cause mesothelioma and cancer and other health issues. Railroad companies could have prevented hundreds of thousands of railroad workers from suffering debilitating and fatal lung diseases like pulmonary fibrosis if they had provided them with the proper respiratory protection. Failure to do so is a breach of the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA). Other Exposures There are a variety of other conditions that could cause interstitial pulmonary disease like rheumatoid arthritis and autoimmune diseases. Certain medications may also increase the likelihood of developing pulmonary fibrosis and other respiratory conditions. You are exposed hazards, including oil, chemicals, and fumes when you work in a rail yard. These exposures can trigger the condition silicosis, which causes the lung scarring that is similar to asbestosis. If the condition gets worse, it may lead to right-sided cardiac failure (cor pulmonale), as your heart will have to work harder to pump blood through blocked blood vessels. This can lead to respiratory failure and possibly death.
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