Railroad Settlement - Interstitial Lung Disease
Railroad workers who work for long periods are at risk of developing occupational lung diseases such as pulmonary thermolysis. Prior to 2010, safety guidelines did not always require crews to wear masks that protected them from injury, exposing workers to exhaust fumes as well as harmful fumes emitted by idle work engines.
Asbestos exposure as well as diesel exhaust, and other hazards at work can cause interstitial pulmonary disease. It usually takes a long time before symptoms begin to manifest which makes it difficult to establish any direct link between work history and illness.
Asbestos
Asbestos is a mixture of naturally occurring minerals which are widely used in the construction industry for their fire-resistant, corrosion resistant and insulation properties. Exposure to these fibers increases the risk of lung cancer, mesothelioma, (a rare cancer that develops in the protective linings of organs), and asbestosis. The symptoms of asbestos-related ailments can take as long as 30 years to show up.
When asbestos fibers are agitated they split into small pieces that are elongated. These are known as fibrils. These can be easily breathed in and subsequently lodged deep into the lungs. When they cause irritation, lungs produce scar tissue, which makes breathing difficult. Inhaling high levels of airborne asbestos over long periods of time can also increase the risk of developing mesothelioma, a rare and deadly form of lung cancer that affects the lining of the lungs.
railroad injury settlement amounts is now prohibited from use, but railroad corporations often fight FELA claims that are made by railroad workers and their families since they knew that the material could be harmful for employees. An increasing number of historical records suggest that many railroads knowingly exposed workers to asbestos, even after they had learned that asbestos could cause mesothelioma and other health problems. This could be considered negligence which is what entitles railroad workers and their families compensation. If you've worked on trains in the past, contact an Virginia railroad injury lawyer today for more information about filing an FELA claim.
Diesel Exhaust
Since the 1940s the diesel engine has been the main source of power for trains in America. Before that, trains used coal to produce toxic black soot, which workers breathed in regularly.
Diesel exhaust fumes comprise a mix of combustible emissions and ultrafine particulates. The chemicals in the gas portion of diesel exhaust change to a liquid or vapor form and are then carried through the air as tiny particles. These particles are absorbed by the lungs, which causes irritation to lung tissues over time.
This can lead to a chronic lung condition known as railroad workers interstitial lung disease (ILD). In addition, exposure for a long time to diesel exhaust can increase the risk of COPD.
Diesel engine smoke is made up of many different chemicals, including nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide carbon monoxide, and sulfur dioxide. They also produce polycyclic hydrocarbons, which are carcinogenic. Multiple myeloma settlements of diesel exhaust is composed of fine particles that can cause irritation and inflammation to the lungs.
The toxins remain in the air, regardless of the fact that diesel pollution has been dramatically reduced through the use of catalytic convertors and cleaner fuels. They can contribute to ground-level ozone, which can cause breathing problems for people as well as damage crops, trees, and other vegetation. They can also cause acid rain, which destroys the quality of water in streams, lakes and rivers.
Smoking
Smoking is a major cause of numerous serious health conditions. It can affect the lungs through harming the tiny air sacs known as alveoli, that are found in the lung. This reduces the lungs' capacity to absorb oxygen, making breathing difficult.
Pulmonary fibrosis is an interstitial lung disease which is characterized by scarring of lung, which stops the lungs from providing oxygen to the rest of the body. The condition is progressive and often leads to shortness of breath, fatigue coughing, and the clubbing of the toes and fingers. It can even cause death if left untreated.
Railroad workers are at risk of being at risk for interstitial lung diseases such as pulmonary fibrosis, asthma, Emphysema and COPD. In addition to diesel exhaust fumes they could also be exposed toxic asbestos substances and fumes at their workplace. These exposures to toxic substances can lead to a number of health issues, including mesothelioma and even cancer.
By providing adequate respiratory protection, railroad companies could have slowed the development of lung diseases that are dangerous and even fatal. Failure to provide this protection is negligence under the Federal Employers Liability Act.
Other Exposures
Other conditions, like autoimmune diseases and rheumatoid arthritis can also trigger interstitial pulmonary disease. Certain medications can increase the chance of developing respiratory issues and pulmonary the disease fibrosis. You are exposed hazards, including oil, chemicals, and fumes if you work in a rail yard. The exposures can cause silicosis, a condition that causes the lung scarring that is similar to asbestosis. If the condition worsens it can cause right-sided heart failure (cor pulmonale) as the heart has to be more active than usual in order to move blood through obstructed arteries. union pacific settlements could result in respiratory failure, and even death.