Railroad Settlement - Interstitial Lung DiseaseLong-term railroad workers are at risk for occupational lung diseases such as pulmonary fibrisis. Before 2010, safety regulations seldom required that workers wear protective masks. This exposed workers to exhaust fumes, as well as dangerous fumes emitted by idle engines.Asbestos exposure as well as diesel exhaust and other workplace hazards can result in interstitial pulmonary disease. It often takes decades before symptoms begin to manifest which makes it difficult to establish an exact link between work-related health and illness.AsbestosAsbestos is a collection of naturally occurring minerals used in the construction industry due to its fire-resistant and corrosion-resistant properties as well as insulation properties. Exposure to these microscopic fibers increases the risk of developing lung cancer, mesothelioma (a rare form of cancer that forms within the protective linings of organs) and asbestosis (scarring of the lungs). The signs of asbestos-related diseases may take up to 30 years before they appear.When asbestos is disturbed, the fibers break into tiny, elongated pieces called fibrils. They can be easily breathed in and can be found deep within the lungs. If they cause irritation the lungs produce scar tissue that makes breathing difficult. Exposed to high levels asbestos in the air for 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 lungs.Asbestos has been banned, but railroad companies still fight FELA claims made by railroad workers and family members because they knew the substance was hazardous. The evidence from the past suggests that many railroads had knowingly exposed workers to asbestos even after they realized that asbestos caused mesothelioma and other illnesses. This could be negligence which is what entitles railroad workers and their families compensation. If you have worked on trains in the past, contact an Virginia railroad injury lawyer now for more information about filing a FELA claim.Diesel ExhaustSince the 1940s diesel engines have been the primary source of power for trains in America. Prior to that, trains relied on coal to create toxic black soot which workers breathed in regularly.Diesel exhaust fumes contain a mix of combustible emissions and ultrafine particulates. The chemicals in diesel exhaust gas change from gaseous to a liquid, vapor or tiny particles. The lungs breathe in these particles, which then irritate the lung tissue over time.If this happens, it could cause a chronic lung disease known as railroad worker's interstitial respiratory disorder (ILD). In addition, long-term exposure to diesel exhaust can increase the risk of COPD.Diesel engine smoke contains hundreds of different chemicals such as sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and carbon monoxide. csx lawsuit settlements produce polycyclic hydrocarbons which are carcinogenic. The fine particles found in diesel exhaust can irritate lungs and cause inflammation.The toxins remain in the air, regardless of the fact that diesel pollution has been significantly reduced by the use of clean fuels and catalytic convertors. Leukemia lawsuit settlement can cause the formation of ground-level ozone, which can cause breathing problems in people, and damages crops, trees and plants. They also can cause acid rain that destroys water quality in rivers, streams and lakes.SmokingSmoking is a major cause of a variety of serious health conditions. Smoking causes damage to the small air sacs that line the lungs, known as alveoli. This damages the lungs' ability to absorb oxygen, making breathing more difficult.Pulmonary fibrosis is an interstitial lung disease which is characterized by scarring of lung that prevents the lungs from providing oxygen to the rest of the body. The condition is progressive, and can lead to fatigue, shortness of breath and coughing. fela railroad settlements causes a lot of pain in the fingers and toes. If left untreated, it can lead to death.Railroad workers are at a high risk for interstitial lung diseases like asthma, pulmonary fibrosis emphysema, and COPD. In addition to diesel exhaust fumes they may be exposed to toxic asbestos materials and fumes in their workplaces. These toxic exposures can lead to cancer and mesothelioma in addition to other health conditions.Railroad companies could have prevented the tens of thousands or so of rail workers from developing fatal and debilitating lung diseases like pulmonary fibrosis if they had provided them with adequate respiratory protection. Failure to provide it is negligence under the Federal Employers Liability Act.Other ExposuresThere are many other conditions that can lead to interstitial lung disease like rheumatoid arthritis and autoimmune diseases. Certain medications can also increase the risk of developing pulmonary fibrosis as well as other respiratory conditions. If you are working in a field that requires working in railroad yards, you're exposed to a variety of hazards, including fumes, chemicals, and oil. These exposures can cause the condition known as silicosis. It is a scarring of the lungs similar to asbestosis. If the condition progresses it could lead to right-sided heart failure (cor pulmonale) because your heart has to perform harder than normal to pump blood through blocked arteries. This could result in respiratory failure and possibly death.