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Railroad Settlement - Interstitial Lung Disease

Railroad workers who work for long periods are at risk for occupational lung diseases like pulmonary fibrosis. Prior to 2010, safety regulations did not require workers to wear masks that protected them from injury that exposed workers to exhaust fumes and dangerous fumes that come from idle engines.

Asbestos exposure, diesel exhaust and many other workplace hazards can cause interstitial pulmonary disease. The symptoms can take years to be apparent and it is difficult to establish to establish a direct link made between work history and disease.

Asbestos

Asbestos consists of naturally occurring minerals that are popular in the construction industry for its fire retardant, corrosion-resistant and insulation properties. The exposure to these tiny fibers increases workers' chances of developing lung cancer mesothelioma (a rare form of cancer that develops 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 appear.

When asbestos is disturbed fibers break down into tiny, elongated particles known as fibrils. They can easily be inhaled and lodge deep within the lung. If they cause irritation, the lungs create scar tissue which makes breathing difficult. Exposure to high levels of asbestos in the air for long periods of time also increases the chance of developing mesothelioma. This is a rare and aggressive type of lung cancer that affects the lining of the lungs.

Asbestos has been banned from use, but railroad corporations frequently fight FELA claims that are made by railroad workers and their families because they knew that the substance could be harmful for employees. Asbestos is banned now, however, railroad companies often combat FELA claims made by railroad workers and their families as they knew the material could be harmful to employees. This could be considered negligence that can entitle railroad workers and their families to compensation. If you were a train worker in the past, call an Virginia railroad injury lawyer today to learn more about filing an FELA claim.

Diesel Exhaust

Since the 1940s, diesel engines have been the primary source of power for trains in America. Prior to that, trains relied on coal to produce toxic black soot that people were regularly breathing in.

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 liquid or vapor forms, then get carried through the air as tiny particles. These particles are breathed in by the lungs, causing irritation to lung tissues over time.

This could result in an ongoing lung condition known as railroad workers interstitial lung diseases (ILD). Long-term exposure of diesel exhaust can also increase COPD risk.

The fumes from diesel engines contains thousands of different chemicals, including carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides. They also produce polycyclic hydrocarbons which can cause cancer.  Multiple myeloma settlements  of diesel exhaust is composed of fine particles, which can irritate and inflame the lungs.

The toxins remain in the air regardless of the fact that diesel pollution has significantly decreased by the use of cleaner fuels and catalytic convertors. They can cause ground-level ozone, which causes breathing problems in people and causes damage to trees, crops and plants. They can also cause acid rain, which can destroy the quality of water in streams, lakes and rivers.

Smoking

Smoking is a major cause of a variety of serious health problems. It affects the lungs by damaging the tiny air sacs, known as alveoli, inside the lung. This affects the lungs' capacity to absorb oxygen, making breathing more difficult.

Pulmonary fibrosis is an interstitial lung disorder caused by scarring of lungs which prevents the lungs from providing oxygen to the rest of the body. The condition progresses and is often accompanied by shortness of breath, fatigue as well as coughing and rubbing of the toes and fingers. If not treated, it may cause death.

Railroad workers are at an increased risk for interstitial lung diseases such as pulmonary fibrosis, asthma, Emphysema and COPD. They could also be exposed to asbestos-related toxic fumes and other materials in their workplace and diesel exhaust fumes. These exposures to toxic substances can cause a variety of health conditions, such as mesothelioma as well as cancer.

By providing adequate protection for their respiratory systems, railroads could have prevented the development of lung diseases that are dangerous and even fatal. Failure to do so constitutes negligence under the Federal Employers Liability Act.

Other Exposures

Other conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis and autoimmune disease can lead to interstitial pulmonary disease. Certain medications can increase the chance of developing respiratory issues and pulmonary inflammation. If you're engaged in a career that involves working in railway yards, you're exposed to a variety of hazards, including fumes, chemicals, and oil. These exposures can cause silicosis which is a scarring of the lung, similar to asbestosis. If the condition gets worse it could lead to right-sided cardiac failure (cor pulmonale), as your heart has to perform harder to pump blood through blocked blood vessels. This can lead to respiratory failure and possibly death.