Railroad Settlement For EmphysemaRailroad workers suffer from emphysema due to years of exposure to toxic fumes, dust and gases. Our FELA firm assists them with filing occupational disease claims.Emphysema patients often rely on the compensation of a railroad settlement to cover medical, surgical and therapeutic expenses associated with their condition. Several different types of inhaled particulates could cause this lung disease, including silica sand, diesel exhaust as well as asbestos.Silica SandSilica is found in the earth's crust as small particles. It is composed of silicon dioxide (SiO2) that has an unique lattice crystal structure that gives it hardness and other properties. It is often used in the construction of.Silica dust inhalation can cause silicosis. It is a work-related lung disease that can lead to the death of the lungs. Small pieces of silicon can enter the lungs and cause inflammation and scarring. Over time, fibrosis begins to form around the silica particles and the lungs become permanently scarred. This can make breathing very difficult and could lead to tuberculosis, bronchitis and emphysem or lung cancer.Railroad workers may be exposed to crystalline silica in a variety of different ways, like drilling or hammering rocks that contains silica; performing abrasive blasting; and working with masonry and concrete materials. Other sources of crystalline silica are rice hulls and sand, as well as other plant tissues containing silica as well as various types of paints.The smallest silica particles are inhaled deeply into the lungs and cause harm. Railroads must safeguard their workers from silica by limiting the amount of time they spend in places with significant dust from the air. Railroads should also provide mouthpieces and footwear made of sand for employees who use equipment that creates sand from the air. Trains must also be fitted with filters that prevent dust from entering the cabin.Welding FumesWhen you think of welding it is likely that you see an energetic welder surrounded by sparkling sparks and graceful curled fumes. The romantic image quickly disappears 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 metal particles, gases and other chemicals. This mix of elements could affect the health of a welder, both in the short-term as well as the long-term exposure. The exact composition of welding fumes is determined by various factors including the type of metal to be welded, the paint and coatings on the metal, and the gas used for shielding.Metal fume fever is an atypical sign of welding fumes. It is characterized by flu like symptoms such as fatigue, chills and aches. The symptoms can also include a sour metallic taste in the mouth, as well as a general feeling of unwellness.Exposure to welding fume can be reduced by a variety of measures to control the fumes like local exhaust ventilation (LEV), respiratory protective equipment, and mechanical general air ventilation. million settlement is important to remember that these solutions should be used only as a last-resort. If welding fumes cannot be controlled with these methods, then an COSHH Assessment should be performed to determine the appropriate control measures. This involves estimating exposure and considering the steps that need to be taken to limit it if preventing it is not feasible.Diesel ExhaustIn recent years, there has been a shift to using "cleaner" diesel engines for trucks and other vehicles. Workers in the fields of agriculture and construction, or other services that use large equipment that burns fuel, are exposed to the dangerous fumes. million settlement are full of hundreds of harmful chemicals that can cause damage to the skin, lungs, and internal organs.Railroad workers who operate trains are frequently exposed to exhaust fumes from diesel engines from locomotives while they travel across the track or return in the engine cab. In addition, railroad shop employees who must stay in the locomotive while it is in the shop are also exposed to these toxic fumes.The diesel exhaust released from diesel engines contains unburned fuel, as well as many toxic chemicals. These chemicals include particulate matter (soot), carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, volatile organic compounds and hydrocarbons. Breathing high levels of these pollutants can cause respiratory problems such as a cough, irritation in the throat and nose and a shortness of breath. million settlement may also cause an accumulation of toxins in the lung.Studies of diesel exhaust have shown that it can increase the risk of lung cancer in humans. The International Agency for Research on Cancer, which is part of World Health Organization, has classified diesel exhaust as carcinogenic to humans.AsbestosAsbestos was a once-common material used in the railroad industry. It was tough and resistant to corrosion. It also served as an excellent insulation. It was easy to install and inexpensive to make. Asbestos has been linked to lung cancer as well as many other diseases. The mesothelioma attorneys at Simmons Hanly Conroy are familiar with the negative impact that exposure to asbestos can have on railroad workers' health and quality of life. We assist injured railroad workers submit FELA lawsuits to receive financial compensation for their diseases and injuries.Railroad employees are at greater risk of developing mesothelioma, asbestos-related diseases and other diseases than the rest of the workforce. This is especially relevant to those who worked before 1950, when trains switched from steam to diesel engines. These older workers could have been exposed when they built, repaired or sanded rail cars ties, and locomotives made from this flammable material.Since asbestos-related diseases and mesothelioma have a lengthy dormancy time, many injured railroad workers didn't know they had a condition until decades after their exposure. If you suffer from an illness of the respiratory system such as COPD lung cancer, COPD or mesothelioma related to your past work on the railroad, it's essential to speak with an experienced mesothelioma lawyer as soon as possible.