Railroad Settlement - Interstitial Lung Disease Railroad workers have for a long time been at risk of developing occupational lung diseases such as pulmonary fibrisis. Prior to 2010, safety regulations did not always require crews to wear protective masks and exposed workers to exhaust fumes and dangerous fumes that come from idle engines. Asbestos, diesel exhaust, and other workplace hazards can cause interstitial lung disease. It can take a long time before symptoms begin to manifest so it can be difficult to establish a direct connection between work-related health and disease. Asbestos Asbestos is a group of naturally occurring minerals that are popular in the construction industry for its fire-resistant, corrosion-resistant and insulation properties. The exposure to asbestos fibers can increase the risk of lung cancer, mesothelioma, (a rare cancer that occurs within the protective linings surrounding organs) and asbestosis. The signs of asbestos-related illnesses can take as long as 30 years to appear. When asbestos is disturbed the fibers separate into tiny, elongated pieces known as fibrils. These fibrils can be breathed in easily and can be lodged deep within the lungs. If they cause irritation the lungs develop scar tissue that make breathing difficult. Long-term exposure to high amounts of asbestos in the air can increase the risk of developing mesothelioma. This is a rare, aggressive lung cancer that affects the lining of the lungs. Asbestos has been banned from use, however railroad companies often challenge FELA claims filed by railroad workers and their families due to the fact that the companies knew that the substance could pose a risk to their employees. A growing historical record suggests that many railroads knowingly exposed workers to asbestos, even after they had learned that asbestos could cause mesothelioma and other illnesses. This could constitute negligence that can entitle railroad workers and their families to compensation. Contact an Virginia railroad injury lawyer today to find out more about filing a FELA lawsuit if you've worked on trains before. Diesel Exhaust Since the 1940s, the diesel engine has been the primary source of power for trains in America. Before that trains ran on coal- which produced harmful black soot which workers inhaled on a regular basis. Diesel exhaust fumes consist of an assortment of combustible gasses and ultrafine particulates. The chemicals present in diesel exhaust gas change from gaseous to a liquid, vapor or tiny particles. These particles are inhaled by the lungs, which causes irritation to lung tissue over time. This can result in an ongoing lung condition known as railroad workers interstitial lung disease (ILD). Long-term exposure to diesel exhaust can also increase COPD risk. Diesel engine exhaust contains thousands of different chemicals including nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide, and carbon monoxide. They also produce polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons which can cause cancer. The fine particles found in diesel exhaust may cause irritation to the lungs and cause inflammation. The toxins are still present in the air, even though diesel pollution has been dramatically reduced with the use more environmentally friendly fuels and catalytic convertors. They can contribute to the formation of ground-level ozone, which can cause breathing problems for people as well as damages crops, trees and other vegetation. They can also trigger acid rain that destroys water quality in rivers, lakes, and streams. Smoking Smoking cigarettes is a major cause of several serious health issues. Smoking causes damage to the small air sacs within the lungs, referred to as alveoli. This affects the lungs' capacity to take in oxygen, making breathing more difficult. Pulmonary fibrosis is an interstitial lung disorder characterized by scarring of the lung that prevents the lungs from supplying oxygen to the rest of the body. The condition progresses and is often accompanied by fatigue, breathlessness and coughing. It can also cause a throbbing of the toes and fingers. If not treated, it may cause death. Railroad employees are at an increased risk of developing an interstitial lung disease, such as asthma, COPD, and emphysema. They could also be exposed to toxic asbestos fumes and other workplace-related materials as well as diesel exhaust fumes. These toxic exposures can cause a range of health conditions, such as mesothelioma and cancer. In providing adequate respiratory protection, railroad companies could have prevented the development of lung diseases that are debilitating and even deadly. Failure to do this is negligence under the Federal Employers Liability Act. Other Exposures There are other diseases that can cause interstitial lung disease like rheumatoid arthritis and autoimmune diseases. railroad cancer settlement amounts can increase the chances of developing respiratory problems and pulmonary inflammation. You are exposed to a variety of dangers, including oil, chemicals, and fumes, when you work in a rail yard. These exposures can trigger silicosis, a condition that causes scarring of the lungs similar to asbestosis. If the condition worsens it could result in right-sided cardiac failure (cor pulmonale), as your heart will have to perform harder to pump blood through blocked arteries. This could lead to respiratory failure and possibly death.
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