Railroad Settlement For EmphysemaEmphysema can be a result of years of exposure to harmful gases and fumes. Our FELA law firm can assist those who suffer from occupational diseases in filing claims.Emphysema patients often rely on the compensation they receive from railroad settlements to pay for hospitalization, surgery and therapy costs associated with the condition. This lung condition can be caused by a variety of inhaled particles, such as diesel exhaust, silica sand, and asbestos.Silica SandSilica is a natural substance that exists in the earth as tiny granules. It is composed of silicon dioxide (SiO2) and has a unique crystal lattice structure that gives it its hardness and other properties. It is often used in construction.Inhaling silica dust that is free can cause silicosis, an occupational lung disease that causes the death of the lungs. Small particles of silicon enter the lungs, and cause inflammation and scarring. Over time, fibrosis develops around the silica molecule and the lungs are permanently scarred. This makes breathing difficult and may lead to emphysema, bronchitis, tuberculosis or lung cancer.Railroad workers are exposed to crystalline silica in many different ways, including drilling or hammering rock that contains silica; performing blasting with abrasive; and working with concrete and masonry materials. Other sources include sand, rice hulls and other plant tissues that contain silica, and certain paints.The tiniest pieces of silica are inhaled deeply into the lungs where they cause severe damage. As a result, the railroads must ensure that workers are protected from exposure to silica which includes limiting time spent in areas with significant airborne sand. Railroads should also ensure that they provide sand-free shoes and mouthpieces for employees who are using equipment that produces airborne sand. In addition, trains should be equipped with filters that will prevent the sand from entering the cabin.Welding FumesWhen you think of welding you're likely to picture hard-working welders who is surrounded by sparkling sparks and graceful curling fumes. The romantic image quickly disappears when you think about the effect of these fumes on workers' health.Welding fumes can be toxic mixture of gasses, metal particles and other chemicals. This mix of elements could affect the health of a welder, both in long-term and short-term exposure. The exact makeup of welding fumes will depend on various factors such as the type of metal being welded, the paint and coatings on the metal, as well as the gas used for shielding.Metal fume fever is a common manifestation of welding fumes. It is characterized by flu like symptoms like fatigue as well as chills and aches. These symptoms also include a metallic taste in the mouth, as well as a general feeling of unwellness.The exposure to welding fumes can be reduced by a variety of control measures, such as local exhaust ventilators (LEV) as well as respiratory protection equipment, and mechanical general ventilation. However it is crucial to remember that these measures should be considered as a last resort measure. If welding fume levels can't be controlled using these methods, a COSHH assessment should be completed to determine the most appropriate control. This is done by estimating the exposure and considering what steps must be taken to reduce it if prevention isn't reasonably practicable.Diesel ExhaustIn recent years, there's been a shift to using "cleaner" diesel engines for vehicles and trucks. However, those working in the fields of agriculture, construction and other sectors that require large equipment that burns diesel fuel are still exposed to this dangerous fume. These fumes are full of hundreds of harmful chemicals that could cause damage to the skin, lungs, and internal organs. railroad asbestos settlement are often inhaled by railroad workers who drive trains. Additionally, shop workers who are required to remain inside the locomotive when it is in the shops might also be exposed the toxic fumes.Diesel exhaust from diesel engines contains gasoline that is not burned, as well as toxic chemicals. These chemicals comprise particulate matter (soot) carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, hydrocarbons and volatile organic compounds. Inhaling high levels of these pollutants can cause respiratory symptoms like a snoring cough and irritation of the nose and throat and shortness of breath. It can also cause an increase in fluids in the lungs.Studies have shown that diesel exhaust may increase the risk of lung cancer in human beings. The International Agency for Research on Cancer is part of the World Health Organization, has classified diesel exhaust as carcinogenic to humans.AsbestosAsbestos is a dangerous material that was previously used in the railroad industry. It was strong, durable, and resistant to corrosion and a great insulator. It was also cheap to produce and easy to install in rail automobiles. However asbestos has been linked to a variety of kinds of lung cancer as well as other illnesses. The mesothelioma lawyers at Simmons Hanly Conroy are familiar with the negative impact that exposure to asbestos can have on railroad workers' health and quality of life. We assist injured railroad workers make FELA lawsuits to seek financial compensation for their diseases and injuries.Railroad employees are at greater risk of mesothelioma or asbestos-related diseases, and other illnesses than the general workforce. This is particularly true for those who have been employed prior to the 1950s when railroads started operating on diesel engines, instead of steam. The older workers could have been exposed to asbestos while they were building repairs or sanding railroad ties, rail cars and locomotives constructed from asbestos. The material is deadly.Many railroad workers who were exposed to asbestos or mesothelioma did not discover their illness until years later. If you have a respiratory illness such as COPD, lung carcinoma or mesothelioma, which is related to your work in the railroad industry it is essential to consult an attorney for mesothelioma right away.