Railroad Settlement - Interstitial Lung DiseaseLong-term railroad workers are at risk of occupational lung diseases, such as 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 harmful fumes emitted by idle work engines.Asbestos, diesel exhaust and other workplace hazards can lead to interstitial lung disease. The symptoms can take a long time to manifest which makes it difficult to establish to establish a direct link established between the work environment and health issues. Multiple myeloma settlements is a mixture of naturally occurring minerals that are widely used in the construction industry because of their fire retardant as well as their corrosion resistant and insulation properties. Exposure to these fibers increases the risk of mesothelioma, lung cancer (a rare cancer that occurs in the protective linings around organs) and asbestosis. Colon cancer lawsuit settlements of asbestos-related diseases typically take 15 to 30 years to show up.When asbestos fibers are agitated they break into tiny, elongated particles known as fibrils. They can be easily inhaled and lodge deep within the lungs. If they cause irritation, the lungs create scar tissues that make breathing difficult. Exposed to high levels asbestos from the air over a long period of time also increases the likelihood of developing mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is rare and deadly type of lung cancer that affects the lining of the lungs.Asbestos is now 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 pose danger to employees. An increasing number of historical records suggest that many railroads were aware of the dangers of exposing workers to asbestos, even after they had learned that asbestos was a cause of mesothelioma and other illnesses. This could be a case of negligence which is what entitles railroad workers and their families to compensation. If you have worked on trains in the past, call an Virginia railroad injury lawyer today for more information about filing an FELA claim.Diesel ExhaustSince the 1940s the diesel engine has been the primary source of power for trains in America. Before that, trains used coal to create toxic black soot, which workers inhaled regularly.Diesel exhaust fumes comprise gasses that are combustible and ultrafine particles. The chemical compounds in diesel exhaust gas change from gaseous to liquid, vapor, or tiny particles. The lungs breathe in these particles, which then irritate the lung tissues over time.If this happens, it could lead to a chronic lung disease known as railroad worker's interstitial lung disease (ILD). In addition, exposure for a long time to diesel exhaust can also increase the risk of COPD.The exhaust from diesel engines contains a variety of chemicals, including carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen oxides. They also produce polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons which can cause cancer. The fine particles in diesel exhaust can cause irritation to the lung and cause inflammation.Although there has been a substantial reduction in diesel emissions due to the use of cleaner fuel and catalytic converters pollutants remain in the air. They can cause ground-level ozone, which causes breathing problems in people and damages crops, trees and other vegetation. Multiple myeloma settlements can cause acid rainfall, which damages the water quality of lakes, streams and rivers.SmokingSmoking is the primary cause of many serious health conditions. Smoking causes damage to the small air sacs within the lungs, called alveoli. This decreases the lungs' capacity to absorb oxygen, making breathing difficult.The interstitial lung disorder pulmonary fibrosis causes scarring of the lungs, preventing them from providing oxygen to the body. The condition can progress, and can lead to shortness of breath, fatigue and coughing. It also causes a lot of pain in the fingers and toes. It can lead to death if left untreated.Railroad workers are at high risk of developing interstitial lung diseases like asthma, pulmonary fibroids, Emphysema and COPD. They could also be exposed to asbestos-related toxic fumes and workplace materials along with diesel exhaust fumes. These exposures to toxic substances can cause a variety of health issues, including mesothelioma, cancer and other.Railroad companies could have prevented tens of thousands of rail workers from developing debilitating and deadly lung diseases such as pulmonary fibrosis if they had provided them with adequate respiratory protection. Failure to do this is considered negligence under the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA).Other ExposuresOther conditions, like autoimmune diseases and rheumatoid arthritis, can also lead to interstitial pulmonary disease. Certain medications can also increase the chance of developing pulmonary fibrosis as well as other respiratory ailments. You are exposed hazards, including oil, chemicals, and fumes for example, if you work at a rail yard. These exposures can cause the condition silicosis, which causes lung scarring that is similar to asbestosis. If the condition deteriorates it can lead to right-sided cardiac failure (cor pulmonale) due to the fact that your heart is forced to perform harder to pump blood through blocked blood vessels. This can lead to respiratory failure, or even death.