Railroad Settlement - Interstitial Lung DiseaseRailroad workers have always been in danger of contracting occupational lung diseases, such as pulmonary fibrosis. Prior to 2010, safety regulations seldom required workers to wear masks that protected them from injury and 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. The symptoms can take decades to be apparent, making it difficult for an immediate connection to be established between the work environment and illness.AsbestosAsbestos is a group of naturally occurring minerals used in the construction industry due to its fire-resistant, corrosion-resistant and insulation properties. lung cancer settlements to these microfibers increases the risk of developing lung cancer mesothelioma (a rare form of cancer that forms in the linings of protective organs) and asbestosis (scarring of the lungs). The symptoms of asbestos-related ailments can take up to 30 years to appear.When asbestos fibers are disturbed they break into tiny particles that are elongated, known as fibrils. The fibrils can be inhaled easily and can be lodged deep within the lung. When they cause irritation, the lungs create scar tissues that make breathing difficult. Inhaling high levels of asbestos from the air over a long period of time also increases the likelihood of developing mesothelioma. CSX Transportation settlement is a rare and deadly form of lung cancer that affects the lining of the lung.Asbestos is now banned from use, but railroad companies frequently challenge FELA claims that are made by railroad workers and their families, as they knew that the substance could be harmful to their employees. Asbestos is now banned, but railroad corporations often fight FELA claims made by railroad employees and their families due to the fact that they knew that the substance could be harmful to employees. This could be negligence and therefore, railroad employees and their families compensation. Contact a Virginia railroad injury lawyer today to find out more about filing a FELA lawsuit if you have worked on trains before.Diesel ExhaustDiesel engines have replaced coal as the main power source for trains in America since the 1940s. Prior to that trains used coal as fuel- which produced toxic black soot that people inhaled on a regular basis.Diesel exhaust fumes are a mixture with ultrafine and combustible gases. The chemicals present in the gas component of diesel exhaust transform into a liquid or vapor form which is then transported through the air as tiny particles. The lungs inhale these particles which then irritate lung tissue over time.This can lead to a chronic lung condition known as railroad workers interstitial pulmonary disease (ILD). In addition, exposure for a long time to diesel exhaust could increase the risk of COPD.The exhaust from diesel engines contains a variety of chemicals including carbon monoxide nitrogen oxides and sulfur dioxide. They also produce polycyclic hydrocarbons, which are carcinogenic. The particulate portion of diesel exhaust is comprised of fine particles that can cause irritation and irritation to the lungs.The toxins are still present in the air, even though diesel pollution has been drastically reduced with the use cleaner fuels and catalytic convertors. They can contribute to ground-level ozone that causes breathing problems for people and affects trees, crops, and other vegetation. They can also cause acid rain, which can harm the water quality of streams, lakes and rivers.SmokingSmoking is the leading cause of many serious health issues. It impacts the lungs by harming the tiny air sacs, known as alveoli, that are found in the lungs. This reduces the lungs' capacity to absorb oxygen, making breathing difficult.Pulmonary fibrosis is an interstitial lung disease characterized by scarring of the 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 as well as coughing, sneezing, and rubbing fingers and toes. It could lead to death if it is not treated.Railroad workers are at a high risk of developing lung diseases, such as pulmonary fibrosis, asthma, Emphysema, and COPD. In addition to the exhaust fumes from diesel engines, they could be exposed to toxic asbestos materials and fumes at their work. These exposures to toxic substances can lead to cancer and mesothelioma and other health issues.By providing adequate protection for their respiratory systems, railroads could have prevented the development of lung diseases that are fatal and debilitating. Pancreatic cancer settlement to do so is negligence under the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA).Other ExposuresThere are many other conditions that can cause interstitial pulmonary disease, such as rheumatoid arthritis and autoimmune diseases. Certain medications can also increase the chance of developing pulmonary fibrosis as well as other respiratory issues. If you're in a profession that involves working in rail yards, you are exposed to many hazards including oil, chemicals and fumes. The exposures could cause silicosis, a condition that causes scarring of the lung that is similar to asbestosis. If the condition continues to worsen it can cause right-sided heart failure (cor pulmonale) as your heart must perform harder than normal to pump blood through blocked arteries. This can ultimately cause respiratory failure and death.