Railroad Settlement - Interstitial Lung DiseaseRailroad workers who work for long periods are at risk of occupational lung diseases such as pulmonary fibrosis. Prior to 2010, safety guidelines did not require workers to wear protective masks which 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. It often takes decades for the symptoms to appear, making it difficult to establish an exact link between the history of work and the disease.AsbestosAsbestos is a collection of naturally occurring minerals used in the construction industry for its fire-resistant and corrosion-resistant properties as well as insulation properties. The exposure to asbestos fibers can increase the risk of mesothelioma and lung cancer (a rare cancer that occurs in the protective linings of organs) and asbestosis. The signs of an asbestos-related illness typically take 15 to 30 years to manifest.When asbestos is disturbed the fibers split into tiny, elongated pieces known as fibrils. The fibrils can be inhaled easily and lodge deep inside the lungs. If they cause irritation, the lungs develop scar tissue that makes breathing difficult. Exposure to long-term high levels of airborne asbestos increases the risk of developing mesothelioma. This is a rare, aggressive lung cancer that affects lining the lungs.Asbestos is now banned, but railroad companies still fight FELA claims made by railroad workers and family members due to the fact that they knew the material was dangerous. An increasing number of historical records suggest that many railroads knew they were exposing workers to asbestos, even after learning that asbestos could cause mesothelioma and other health problems. This could be a case of negligence and therefore, railroad employees and their families to compensation. If you've worked on trains in the past, contact a Virginia railroad injury lawyer today for more information about filing a FELA claim.Diesel ExhaustSince the 1940s diesel engines have been the main source of power for trains in America. Before that trains used coal as fuelproducing toxic black soot that workers regularly breathed in.Diesel exhaust fumes comprise an assortment of combustible gasses and ultrafine particulates. The chemical compounds in diesel exhaust gas change from a gaseous type to a liquid, vapor or tiny particles. The lungs breathe in these particles which cause irritation to lung tissue over time.This can result in a chronic lung disease known as railroad workers' interstitial lung disease (ILD). In addition, prolonged exposure to diesel exhaust can increase the risk of COPD.Diesel engine smoke contains thousands of different chemicals including nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide and carbon monoxide. They also produce polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, which can cause cancer. The fine particles found in diesel exhaust may cause irritation to the lung and cause inflammation.The toxins remain in the air in spite of the fact that diesel pollution has been significantly decreased by the use of more environmentally friendly fuels and catalytic convertors. They can cause the formation of ground-level ozone, which can cause breathing problems for people as well as affects trees, crops, and plants. They can also trigger acid rain, which can destroy the water quality of lakes, streams and rivers.SmokingSmoking is the main cause of numerous serious health problems. CSX Transportation settlement affects the lungs by harming the tiny air sacs known as alveoli, in the lung. This decreases the lungs' capacity to absorb oxygen, making breathing more difficult.Pulmonary fibrosis is an interstitial pulmonary disease characterized by scarring of the lung tissue that blocks the lungs from providing oxygen to the rest of the body. The condition is progressive, and can lead to breathing problems, fatigue and coughing. It also causes a lot of pain in the fingers and toes. It can cause death if untreated.Railroad workers are at a greater risk of developing lung disease, such as asthma, COPD, and emphysema. In addition to diesel exhaust fumes, they could be exposed to asbestos-based toxic fumes and asbestos-related materials at their work. These toxic exposures could lead to a variety of health issues, including mesothelioma and cancer.Railroad companies could have prevented the tens of thousands or so of rail workers from developing debilitating and deadly lung diseases like pulmonary fibrosis by providing them with adequate respiratory protection. Failure to provide it is negligence under the Federal Employers Liability Act. lung cancer settlements There are other conditions that can cause interstitial pulmonary disease such as rheumatoid joint and autoimmune diseases. Certain medications can also increase the risk of developing pulmonary fibrosis and other respiratory ailments. You are exposed dangers, including oil chemicals, and fumes for example, if you work at a rail yard. These exposures can cause the condition known as silicosis. It is a recurrence of the lung, similar to asbestosis. If the condition progresses it can lead to right-sided heart failure (cor pulmonale) since your heart has to perform harder than normal to pump blood through blocked blood vessels. This can eventually cause respiratory failure and death.