Revision as of 01:11, 26 August 2023 by 77.75.126.150 (talk) (Created page with "Railroad Settlement - Interstitial Lung Disease<br /><br />Long-term railroad workers are at risk of developing occupational lung diseases like pulmonary fibrosis. Before 2010...")(diff) ← Older revision | Latest revision (diff) | Newer revision → (diff)Railroad Settlement - Interstitial Lung DiseaseLong-term railroad workers are at risk of developing occupational lung diseases like pulmonary fibrosis. Before 2010, safety regulations rarely required crews wear protective masks. This exposed workers to exhaust fumes, as well as dangerous fumes emitted by idle engines.Asbestos, diesel exhaust and other workplace hazards can lead to interstitial lung disease. It usually takes a long time for symptoms to manifest and it is difficult to establish an immediate link between the history of work and the disease.AsbestosAsbestos is comprised of minerals that naturally occur and are widely used in the construction industry for their fire retardant and corrosion-resistant properties. Exposure to these fibers increases the risk of mesothelioma, lung cancer, (a rare cancer that occurs in the protective linings around organs) and asbestosis. The symptoms of asbestos-related diseases can take as long as 30 years to appear.When asbestos is disturbed, the fibers separate into tiny, elongated particles known as fibrils. They can be inhaled easily and can be lodged deep within the lung. If they cause irritation, lungs form scar tissue, which makes breathing difficult. Exposure to high levels of asbestos from the air over a long period of time also increases the likelihood of developing mesothelioma. It is a rare and aggressive type of lung cancer that affects the lining of lungs.Asbestos is prohibited from use, but railroad companies frequently challenge FELA claims made by railroad workers and their families because they knew that the material could pose danger to employees. Asbestos is now banned however, railroad companies often combat FELA claims made by railroad workers and their families because they knew the material could be harmful to employees. This could be a case of negligence which is what entitles railroad workers and their families to compensation. Call an Virginia railroad injury attorney today to find out more about filing an FELA lawsuit if you've worked on trains in the past.Diesel ExhaustSince the 1940s, the diesel engine has been the primary source of power for trains in America. Prior to that, trains burned coal -that produced toxic black soot that people regularly breathed in.Diesel exhaust fumes are a mix of combustible gasses and ultrafine particles. The chemical compounds in the gas component of diesel exhaust change into liquid or vapor forms which is then transported through the air as tiny particles. The lungs breathe in these particles, which then irritate the lung tissue over time.If this happens, it could result in a lung condition known as railroad worker's interstitial pulmonary disorder (ILD). Long-term exposure to diesel exhaust can also increase the risk of COPD.The smoke from diesel engines is a mixture of thousands of different chemicals, including carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen oxides. They also produce polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, which can cause cancer. The particulate portion of diesel exhaust is composed of fine particles that could irritate and inflame the lungs.Although there has been a substantial reduction in diesel pollution with the use of cleaner fuel and catalytic converters contaminants remain in the air. They can contribute to the formation of ozone at ground level, which causes breathing problems in people, and affects trees, crops, and plants. They also can cause acid rain, which destroys water quality in rivers, lakes, and streams.SmokingSmoking is a major cause of many serious health issues. It can affect the lungs through harming the tiny air sacs known as alveoli, inside the lung. This reduces the lungs' ability to absorb oxygen, which makes breathing more difficult.Pulmonary fibrosis is an interstitial lung disease caused by scarring of lung that prevents the lungs from providing oxygen to the rest of the body. The condition is progressive, and can lead to shortness of breath, fatigue and coughing. It also causes a lot of pain in the fingers and toes. It could lead to death if not treated.Railroad employees are at an increased chance of developing interstitial lung diseases, including asthma, COPD, and emphysema. They could also be exposed to toxic asbestos fumes and workplace materials and diesel exhaust fumes. These exposures to toxic substances can cause a variety of health issues, including mesothelioma and even cancer.In providing adequate protection for their respiratory systems, railroads could have prevented the onset of lung diseases that can be fatal and debilitating. Failure to provide this protection is negligence under the Federal Employers Liability Act.Other ExposuresThere are a variety of other conditions that could cause interstitial lung diseases including rheumatoid arthritis and autoimmune diseases. Certain medications can increase the likelihood of developing respiratory issues and pulmonary fibrosis. railroad shoulder injury settlements are exposed to many dangers, including oil chemicals, and fumes, when you work in the rail yard. These exposures can cause silicosis, a condition that causes scarring of the lung that is similar to asbestosis. If the condition progresses it could lead to right-sided heart failure (cor pulmonale) since your heart has to perform more than usual to move blood through blocked arteries. This could lead to respiratory failure and eventually death.