Railroad Settlement For EmphysemaEmphysema can be a result of years of exposure to toxic gases and fumes. Our FELA law firm aids with filing occupational disease claims.Emphysema patients typically rely on compensation from railroad settlements to pay for the cost of hospitalization, surgery and other costs that are associated with the condition. Many different types of inhaled particulates could cause the condition, such as silica sand, diesel exhaust as well as asbestos.Silica SandSilica is a natural substance that is found in the earth as small granules. It is a product of silicon dioxide (SiO2) that has an unique lattice crystal structure that gives it its hardness and other properties. It is utilized in construction.Inhaling silica dust may cause silicosis. This is an occupational lung disease which can cause the death of the lung. Small particles of silicon get into the lungs and cause inflammation and scarring. Over time, fibrosis grows around the silica particles, and the lungs become permanently scarred. This makes breathing difficult, and can result in tuberculosis, bronchitis, emphysem, or lung cancer.Rail workers are exposed in a variety of ways to crystalline silicon, for example, by drilling and hammering silica-rich rocks, Abrasive blasting, and working with concrete or bricks and mortar. Other sources include sand, rice hulls and other plant tissues that contain silica, and certain paints.The smallest particles of silica get absorbed into the lungs, where they cause significant damage. In the end, railroads should make sure that employees are protected from silica exposure and should limit their time in areas where there is significant airborne sand. Railroads should also ensure to provide sandless shoes and mouthpieces to employees who will be using equipment that produces airborne sand. Furthermore, trains should be outfitted with filters that will prevent the sand from getting into the cab.Welding FumesWhen you think of welding it is likely you'll 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.Welding fumes can be toxic mixture of gases, metal particles, and chemicals. This mix of elements can harm a welder's health over both the long and short timeframes. The exact makeup of welding fumes is determined by several factors, including the type of metal to be welded and the coatings and paint on the metal, and the shielding gas used.No matter the composition of welding fumes, a typical result for the welder is metal fume fever, which is characterized by flu-like symptoms, such as chills, fatigue and aches. These symptoms include a metallic taste in the mouth, and an overall feeling that you're not well.The exposure to welding fumes may be minimized by a range of measures to control the fumes, including local exhaust ventilators (LEV) as well as respiratory protection equipment, and mechanical general ventilation. It is important to remember that these solutions are only to be used as a last resort. When welding fume levels cannot be controlled with these methods then an COSHH evaluation should be conducted to determine the appropriate controls. This includes estimating the amount of exposure and determining what steps must be taken to reduce it if prevention is not reasonably practicable.Diesel ExhaustIn recent years, there has been an increase in the use of "cleaner" engines for vehicles and trucks. People who work in agriculture and construction as well as other sectors which require large equipment that burns fuel, remain exposed to the dangers of fumes. The fumes are a mixture of hundreds of harmful chemicals that can cause damage to your skin as well as the lungs and internal organs.Diesel exhaust fumes are frequently inhaled by railroad workers who operate trains. Additionally, shop workers who have to stay in the locomotive while it is in the shop are also exposed to the toxic fumes.Diesel exhaust from diesel engines is made up of gasoline that is not burned, as well as toxic chemicals. These chemicals include particulate (soot) hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds. Breathing in high concentrations of these contaminants can cause respiratory symptoms such as coughing and irritation of the nose and throat and breath shortness. It may also cause a buildup in the lungs.Studies of diesel exhaust have demonstrated that it can also increase the risk of lung cancer among humans. The International Agency for Research on Cancer is part of the World Health Organization, has classified diesel exhaust as carcinogenic for humans.AsbestosAsbestos can be a deadly material that was once commonly used in the railroad industry. It was strong, corrosion-resistant and a great insulator. It was also inexpensive to produce and easy to install in rail cars. Unfortunately asbestos has been linked with different types of lung cancer, as well as other diseases. The mesothelioma lawyers at Simmons Hanly Conroy are familiar with the impact asbestos exposure has on a railroad worker’s health and well-being. We assist railroad workers who have been injured file FELA suits to receive the financial compensation they deserve for their illness.Research has shown that railroad workers have a higher risk of mesothelioma and other asbestos related illnesses than the general workforce. lung cancer lawsuit settlement is particularly relevant to those who worked prior to the 1950s, when railroads started operating on diesel engines, instead of steam. The older workers might have been exposed if they constructed, repaired or sanded rail cars tracks, and locomotives made of this flammable material.Many railroad workers who were exposed to asbestos or mesothelioma did not discover their illness until a long time afterward. If you suffer from a respiratory disease like COPD, lung carcinoma or mesothelioma that is associated with your railroad job, it is vital to consult an attorney for mesothelioma right away.