Railroad Settlement For EmphysemaRailroad workers suffer from emphysema due to years of exposure to toxic fumes, dust and gases. Our FELA firm assists them in filing occupational disease claims.Emphysema patients often rely on the compensation they receive from railroad settlement s to cover the cost of hospitalization, surgery and other costs related to the condition. This lung disease can be caused by a variety of inhaled particles, such as diesel exhaust, silica sand and asbestos.Silica SandSilica is found in the earth's crust in small grains. It is made from silicon dioxide (SiO2) that has a unique crystal structure that gives it its hardness and other properties. It is employed in the construction industry.Inhaling silica dust that is free can cause silicosis. It is an occupational lung disease that leads to the death of the lungs. Small particles of crystalline silicon enter the lungs, and cause inflammation and scarring. As time passes, fibrosis begins to develop around the silica molecule and the lungs become permanently scarred. This can lead to lung cancer, emphysema or bronchitis.Rail workers can be exposed in various ways to crystalline silicon, including through drilling and hammering silica-rich rocks, blasting with abrasive and using concrete or bricks and mortar. Other sources include rice hulls, sand and other plant tissues that contain silica and certain types of paints.The smallest silica particles are inhaled deep into the lungs and can cause damage. Railroads need to protect their workers from silica by restricting the time they spend in locations with significant dust from the air. Railroads should also be sure that they provide sand-free footwear and mouthpieces to workers who use equipment that creates airborne sand. Trains should also be equipped with filters that prevent sand from entering the cab.Welding FumesIf you imagine welding, it is likely that you see an experienced welder, surrounded by sparkling sparks and graceful curled fumes. The romantic image quickly fades when you consider the impact of the fumes that are released into the air on the health of workers.Welding fumes can be toxic mixture of gases, metal particles, and chemicals. This mixture of elements can impact the health of welders both in the short-term as well as the long-term exposure. The exact composition of welding fumes varies on a variety of factors, including the type and coatings of metal being welded as well as the shielding gases employed.No matter the composition of welding fumes, a typical effect on the welder is metal fume fever. This is characterized by flu-like symptoms, such as chills, fatigue and aches. These symptoms include an metallic taste in your mouth, as well as a general feeling that you're not well.The risk of exposure to welding fumes can be reduced through a variety of measures for control, such as local exhaust ventilation (LEV), respiratory protective equipment, and mechanical general ventilation. It is important to remember that these options should only be used as a last resort. When welding fume levels cannot be controlled using these methods then it is recommended that a COSHH assessment should be completed to identify appropriate controls. This is done by estimating the level of exposure and determining the steps required to limit it if prevention is not reasonable.Diesel ExhaustIn recent years, there has been an increase in the use of "cleaner" engines for trucks and other vehicle types. However, people working in agriculture, construction and other sectors that require large machinery that burns diesel fuel are still exposed to this harmful fume. million settlement are a mixture of hundreds of harmful chemicals which can cause damage to the skin, lungs, and internal organs.Diesel exhaust fumes are often inhaled by railroad workers who drive trains. These toxic fumes may also be inhaled by railroad shop workers, who might be required to stay in a locomotive while it's in the shop.Diesel exhaust from diesel engines is made up of gasoline that has not been burnt as well as toxic chemicals. These chemicals comprise particulate (soot) as well as hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds. Breathing in high levels of these pollutants can result in respiratory symptoms such as coughing, irritation in the nose and throat and breath shortness. It may also trigger the accumulation of fluid inside the lungs.Studies have shown that diesel exhaust can increase the risk of lung cancer in human beings. This has prompted the International Agency for Research on Cancer (part of the World Health Organization) to declare diesel exhaust carcinogenic to humans.AsbestosAsbestos was once a popular material used in the railroad industry. It was tough, corrosion-resistant and a great insulation. It was simple for installation and cost-effective to manufacture. However asbestos has been linked to a variety of kinds of lung cancer, as well as other illnesses. The mesothelioma experts at Simmons Hanly Conroy are familiar with the effect asbestos exposure can have on a railroad worker's health and well-being. We help railroad workers who have been injured file FELA lawsuits to obtain the financial compensation they deserve for their illness. csx settlement are at a greater risk for mesothelioma, asbestos-related diseases, and various other diseases than the general workforce. This is particularly true for those who have worked prior to the 1950s, when railroads began operating on diesel engines instead of steam. These workers of the past might have been exposed if they repaired, built or sanded rail vehicles, railway ties, as well as locomotives made of this deadly material.Many railroad workers who were exposed to asbestos or mesothelioma didn't realize their condition until years afterward. If you suffer from an illness of the respiratory system such as COPD or lung cancer mesothelioma that has a connection to your past work on the railroad, it's essential to speak with an experienced mesothelioma lawyer as soon as possible.