Railroad Settlement - Interstitial Lung Disease
Long-term railroad workers are at risk of occupational lung diseases such as pulmonary and fibrosis. Before 2010, safety regulations rarely required that workers wear protective masks. Workers were exposed to exhaust fumes, as well as dangerous fumes emitted by idle engines.
Asbestos exposure, diesel exhaust and many other workplace hazards can result in interstitial pulmonary disease. The symptoms can take decades to be apparent and it is difficult to establish a direct link to be established between the work environment and disease.
Asbestos
Asbestos consists of naturally occurring minerals that are popular in the construction industry for its fire retardant and insulation properties. It also resists corrosion. railroad back injury settlements to these tiny fibers increases the chance of developing lung cancer, mesothelioma (a rare form of cancer that forms within the protective linings of organs) and asbestosis (scarring of the lungs). The symptoms of asbestos-related ailments may take up to 30 years to manifest.
When asbestos fibers are agitated they break into tiny, elongated particles known as fibrils. These fibrils can be breathed in easily and then lodged in the lung. When they cause irritation the lungs produce scar tissue that make breathing difficult. In the long run, exposure to high levels of asbestos particles in the air increases the risk of developing mesothelioma. This is a rare, but aggressive lung cancer that affects the lining of the lungs.
Asbestos is banned, however, railroad companies continue to fight FELA claims made by railroad workers and relatives because they knew the substance was hazardous. Asbestos is banned now, but railroad companies frequently combat FELA claims made by railroad workers and their families because they knew that the material could be dangerous to employees. This may constitute negligence that entitles railroad workers and their families to compensation. If you've worked on trains in the past, call an Virginia railroad injury lawyer today for more details about filing an FELA claim.
Diesel Exhaust
Diesel engines have replaced coal as the main power source for trains in America since the 1940s. Prior to that trains burned coal- which produced the toxic black smoke that workers were exposed to on a regular basis.
Diesel exhaust fumes are a mixture superfine and combustible gasses. The chemicals found in diesel exhaust gas change from a gaseous type to a liquid, vapor or tiny particles. The lungs inhale these particulates which cause irritation to lung tissues over time.
If this happens, it may result in a long-term lung condition known as railroad worker's interstitial pulmonary disorder (ILD). In addition, long-term exposure to diesel exhaust can also increase the risk of COPD.
The exhaust from diesel engines contains a variety of chemicals which include carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen oxides. They also produce polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, which can cause cancer. The particulate component of diesel exhaust consists of fine particles which can cause irritation and inflammation of the lungs.
union pacific settlements remain in the air despite the fact that diesel pollution has been significantly reduced by the use of clean fuels and catalytic convertors. They can contribute to the formation of ozone at ground level, which causes breathing problems in people, and damages crops, trees and other vegetation. They can also trigger acid rain that destroys the water quality in lakes, streams and rivers.
Smoking
Smoking is the primary cause of several serious health issues. Smoking causes damage to the tiny air sacs within the lungs, called alveoli. This affects the lungs' capacity to absorb oxygen, making breathing more difficult.
Pulmonary fibrosis is an interstitial lung disorder that is characterized by scarring of the lung, which stops the lungs from providing oxygen to the rest of the body. The condition is progressive, and can cause fatigue, shortness of breath, coughing and clubbing fingers and toes. If not treated, it may cause death.
Railroad workers are at an increased risk of developing lung diseases like pulmonary fibrosis, asthma, Emphysema, as well as COPD. Multiple myeloma settlements could also be exposed to toxic asbestos fumes and other workplace-related materials, in addition to diesel exhaust fumes. Colon cancer lawsuit settlements to toxic substances can cause a variety of health issues, including mesothelioma and even cancer.
In providing adequate respiratory protection, railroad companies could have prevented the onset of lung diseases that can be debilitating and even deadly. Failure to do this is negligence under the Federal Employers Liability Act.
Other Exposures
There are a variety of other conditions that could cause interstitial pulmonary disease including rheumatoid arthritis and autoimmune diseases. Certain medications can increase the risk of developing pulmonary fibrosis as well as other respiratory issues. You are exposed hazards, including oil, chemicals, and fumes, especially if you work in a rail yard. Colon cancer lawsuit settlements may cause the condition known as silicosis. It is a recurrence of the lung similar to asbestosis. If the condition deteriorates it can lead to right-sided cardiac failure (cor pulmonale) due to the fact that your heart has to perform harder to pump blood through blocked arterial. This could eventually result in respiratory failure and death.