csx settlement For EmphysemaEmphysema is a result of years of exposure to toxic gases and fumes. Our FELA law firm assists them in filing occupational disease claims.Emphysema patients often rely on compensation received from railroad settlements to cover the cost of hospitalization, surgery and other costs associated with the condition. This lung disease can be caused by a range of inhaled particles, including diesel exhaust, silica sand, and asbestos.Silica SandSilica is a natural compound that is found in the earth as small granules. It is made of silicon dioxide (SiO2), which has an unique crystal lattice structure that gives it its toughness and other properties. It is utilized in construction.Inhaling million settlement can cause silicosis. This is an occupational lung disease that can lead to the death of the lung. It occurs when tiny pieces of crystallized silica enter the lungs and cause inflammation and scarring. Over time, fibrosis develops around the silica particles, and the lungs become permanently scarred. This makes breathing difficult and may lead to tuberculosis or bronchitis or lung cancer.Rail workers are exposed in many ways to crystalline silicon such as by hammering or drilling silica-rich rock, blasting with abrasive and using concrete or other masonry materials. Other sources include rice hulls, sand and other plant tissues that contain silica as well as certain types of paints.The tiniest particles of silica are breathed deep into the lungs and cause damage to the. Therefore, railroads must ensure that employees are protected from silica exposure, including limiting time in areas where there is significant airborne sand. Railroads should also make sure that they provide sand-free footwear and mouthpieces to employees who will be using equipment that creates airborne sand. Trains should also come with filters to prevent sand from entering the cabin. cancer settlements When you think of welding, it is likely that you see a hardworking welder surrounded with 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 workers' health.The fumes from welding are a poisonous mixture of gasses, metal particles and chemicals. This mix of elements can harm the health of a welder over both short and long exposures. The exact composition of welding fumes will depend on several factors, including the type of metal being welded along with the coatings and paint on the metal, as well as the gas used for shielding.Whatever the composition of the welding fumes, a typical result for the welder is metal fume fever. It is manifested by flu-like symptoms such as chills, fatigue and aches. These symptoms also include a metallic taste in the mouth as well as general feeling of unwellness.The exposure to welding fumes can be reduced with a variety of controls, including local exhaust ventilators (LEV) as well as respiratory protection equipment, and mechanical general ventilation. However, it is important to remember that these measures should be considered as a last resort measure. If welding fumes are not managed by these methods, then a COSHH Assessment should be performed to determine the appropriate controls. This includes estimating the amount of exposure and determining the steps required to reduce it, in the event that prevention is not feasible.Diesel ExhaustIn recent time, there has been a push to use "cleaner" diesel engines for trucks and other vehicles. However, people who work in construction, agriculture and other services that utilize large machinery that burns diesel fuel are still exposed to this dangerous fume. The fumes are a mixture of harmful chemicals that have a damaging effect on the skin, lungs and internal organs.Railroad employees who manage trains are usually exposed to exhaust fumes from diesel engines from locomotives as they travel down the track or back in the engine cab. These toxic fumes may also be inhaled by railroad shop workers, who could need to stay inside the engine while it's in the shop.The diesel exhaust released from diesel engines contains unburned fuel and numerous harmful chemicals. These chemicals comprise particulate (soot) as well as hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds. Breathing in high concentrations of these contaminants can cause respiratory symptoms like coughing, irritation of the throat and nose and shortness of breath. It may also trigger an accumulation of fluid in the lungs.Studies have revealed that diesel exhaust may increase the risk of lung cancer in humans. This has led the International Agency for Research on Cancer (part of the World Health Organization) to classify diesel exhaust as carcinogenic to humans.AsbestosAsbestos is a hazardous material that was once commonly used in the railroad industry. It was strong, resistant to corrosion and an excellent insulator. It was simple to install and affordable to make. However asbestos has been linked with different types of lung cancer, as well as other illnesses. The mesothelioma lawyers at Simmons Hanly Conroy understand the impacts of asbestos exposure on railroad workers' lives and health. We assist injured railroad employees make FELA lawsuits to obtain financial compensation for their diseases and injuries.Railroad employees are at greater risk of mesothelioma or asbestos-related diseases, and various other diseases than the rest of the workforce. This is especially relevant to those who worked prior to 1950, when trains started to run using diesel engines instead steam. The older workers may have been exposed to asbestos while they were building, repairing or sanding the rail cars, ties, and locomotives constructed from asbestos, a deadly material.Many railroad workers who were exposed to mesothelioma or asbestos did not realize the condition until years afterward. If you have a respiratory illness like COPD, lung carcinoma or mesothelioma, which is associated with your railroad job it is crucial that you seek out mesothelioma lawyers immediately.