Railroad Settlement - Interstitial Lung DiseaseRailroad workers have long been at risk of suffering occupational lung diseases such as pulmonary fibrisis. Prior to 2010, safety guidelines rarely required crews to wear protective masks which exposed workers to exhaust fumes as well as hazardous fumes from idle work engines.Asbestos, diesel exhaust, and other workplace hazards can trigger interstitial lung disease. It usually takes a long time for symptoms to manifest which makes it difficult to establish an immediate link between work-related health and illness.AsbestosAsbestos is one of the naturally occurring minerals popular in the construction industry for its fire retardant, corrosion-resistant and insulation properties. Exposure to these microfibers increases the likelihood of workers developing lung cancer, mesothelioma (a rare form of cancer that develops in the linings of protective organs) and asbestosis (scarring of the lung). The symptoms of an asbestos-related disease typically take between 15 and 30 years to manifest.When asbestos is disturbed, the fibers separate into tiny, elongated fragments known as fibrils. These fibrils can be inhaled easily and then lodged in the lung. When they cause irritation, lungs form scar tissue, which makes breathing difficult. The exposure to high levels of asbestos from the air over a long period of time can also increase the risk of developing mesothelioma, a rare and deadly form of lung cancer that affects the lining of the lung.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 they knew that the material could pose danger to employees. The evidence from the past suggests that many railroads had knowingly exposed workers to asbestos, even after learning that asbestos could cause mesothelioma as well as other health problems. This may constitute negligence that is liable to railroad workers and their families to compensation. Call a Virginia railroad injury lawyer today to find out more about filing a FELA lawsuit if you've worked on trains in the past.Diesel ExhaustSince the 1940s, diesel engines have been the primary source of power for trains in America. Prior to that trains ran on coalwhich created the toxic black smoke that workers breathed in on a regular basis.Diesel exhaust fumes comprise combustible gasses and ultrafine particles. The chemicals in diesel exhaust gas change from gaseous to liquid, vapor or tiny particles. The lungs inhale these particulates which cause irritation to lung tissue over time.If railroad knee injury settlements happens, it may result in a long-term lung disease called railroad worker's interstitial lung disease (ILD). In csx injury settlements , prolonged exposure to diesel exhaust can increase the risk of COPD.Diesel engine exhaust contains thousands of different chemicals like sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides carbon monoxide, and sulfur dioxide. They also produce polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons which can cause cancer. The particulate component of diesel exhaust is made up of fine particles that can cause irritation and inflammation of the lungs.The toxins remain in the air regardless of the fact that diesel pollution has significantly reduced with the use catalytic convertors and cleaner fuels. They can contribute to ground-level ozone, which can cause breathing problems for people as well as cause damage to trees, crops, and other vegetation. They can also trigger acid rain that destroys the quality of water in rivers, lakes, and streams.SmokingSmoking is the leading cause of a myriad of serious health problems. Smoking can damage the tiny air sacs inside the lungs, known as alveoli. This reduces the lungs' capacity to absorb oxygen, making breathing more difficult.The interstitial lung disorder pulmonary fibrosis causes scarring in the lungs that prevents them from providing oxygen to the body. The condition progresses and often causes fatigue, breathlessness, coughing, and clubbing of the toes and fingers. It can lead to death if untreated.Railroad workers are at a greater risk of developing lung disease, such as asthma, COPD, and emphysema. They are also exposed to toxic asbestos fumes and other materials in their workplace along with diesel exhaust fumes. These toxic exposures can cause a range of health conditions, such as mesothelioma and even cancer.Railroad companies could have prevented hundreds of thousands of railroad workers from developing debilitating and deadly lung diseases such as pulmonary fibrosis if they had provided them with adequate respiratory protection. Failure to provide this protection is considered negligence under the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA).Other ExposuresOther conditions, such as autoimmune disease and rheumatoid arthritis, can also lead to interstitial pulmonary disease. Certain medications can increase the risk of developing pulmonary fibrosis as well as other respiratory issues. If csx injury settlements work engaged in a career that involves working in railway yards, you're exposed to a variety of hazards, including oil, chemicals and fumes. These exposures can lead to silicosis, which is the lung scarring that is similar to asbestosis. If the condition worsens it can lead to right-sided heart failure (cor pulmonale) because your heart has to perform harder than normal to move blood through blocked coronary arteries. This could lead to respiratory failure and possibly death.