Railroad Settlement - Interstitial Lung DiseaseRailroad workers have always been at risk of developing occupational lung diseases like pulmonary fibrosis. Prior to 2010, safety guidelines rarely required crews to wear protective masks, exposing workers to exhaust fumes as well as harmful fumes emitted by idle work engines.Asbestos as well as diesel exhaust, and other workplace hazards can trigger interstitial lung disease. The symptoms can take years to manifest and it is difficult to establish an immediate connection to be established between the work environment and illness.AsbestosAsbestos is comprised of minerals that are naturally occurring and are extensively used in the construction industry because of their fire retardant and corrosion-resistant properties. Exposure to these microscopic fibers increases the likelihood of workers developing lung cancer, mesothelioma (a rare form of cancer that forms within the protective linings of organs) and asbestosis (scarring of the lungs). Symptoms of an asbestos-related disease typically take between 15 and 30 years to manifest.When asbestos is disturbed, the fibers split into tiny, elongated particles known as fibrils. They can easily be breathed in and subsequently lodged deep into the lung. If they cause irritation, lungs form scar tissues that make breathing difficult. In the long run, exposure to high levels of asbestos in the air can increase the risk of developing mesothelioma. It is a rare, but aggressive lung cancer that affects the lining the lungs.Asbestos is banned, however railroad companies often challenge FELA claims filed by railroad workers and their families due to the fact that they knew that the substance could be harmful for employees. An increasing amount of evidence suggests that many railroads knew they were exposing workers to asbestos, even after they had learned that asbestos was a cause of mesothelioma as well as other health problems. railroad settlements could be considered negligence and therefore, railroad employees and their families to compensation. Call an Virginia railroad injury lawyer today to find out more about filing a FELA lawsuit if you've been on trains before.Diesel ExhaustSince the 1940s the diesel engine has been the main source of power for trains in America. Before that trains used coal as fuelwhich created toxic black soot that people inhaled on a regular basis.Diesel exhaust fumes comprise gasses that are combustible and ultrafine particles. The chemicals present in the gas component of diesel exhaust change form into either a liquid or vapor and are then carried through the air as tiny particles. The lungs inhale these particulates, which then irritate the lung tissue over time.This can result in a chronic lung condition known as railroad workers interstitial lung disease (ILD). Long-term exposure of diesel exhaust can increase the risk of COPD.The fumes from diesel engines contains a variety of chemicals, including carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen oxides. They also produce polycyclic Hydrocarbons, which are carcinogenic. The particulate fraction of diesel exhaust is made up of fine particles which can irritate and inflame the lungs.The toxins remain in the air, despite the fact that diesel pollution has been significantly reduced by the use of cleaner fuels and catalytic convertors. They can contribute to ground-level ozone that causes breathing problems for people as well as can harm trees, crops and other vegetation. They also can cause acid rain that destroys the quality of water in rivers, lakes, and streams.SmokingSmoking is the primary cause of several serious health issues. Smoking causes damage to the small air sacs that line the lungs called alveoli. This affects the lungs' capacity to absorb oxygen, making breathing difficult.Pulmonary fibrosis is an interstitial lung disorder characterized by scarring of the lung that prevents the lungs from supplying oxygen to the rest of the body. The condition is progressive and can cause fatigue, shortness of breath and coughing. It can also cause a throbbing of the toes and fingers. If not treated, it could lead to death.Railroad employees are at an increased risk of developing interstitial lung diseases, including asthma, COPD, and emphysema. In addition to the exhaust fumes from diesel engines, they could be exposed to toxic asbestos substances and fumes at their work. These toxic exposures can cause mesothelioma and cancer as well as other health issues.In providing adequate respiratory protection, railroad companies could have slowed the development of lung diseases that can be painful and can be fatal. Failure to provide it is negligence under the Federal Employers Liability Act.Other ExposuresOther conditions, like rheumatoid arthritis and autoimmune disease, can also lead to interstitial pulmonary disease. Certain medications can increase the risk of developing pulmonary fibrosis as well as other respiratory conditions. If you work in a profession that involves working in rail yards, you're exposed to various hazards, including the fumes, chemicals and oil. These exposures may cause silicosis which is a scarring of the lung similar to asbestosis. If the condition continues to worsen, it can lead to right-sided heart failure (cor pulmonale) as your heart must be more active than usual in order to pump blood through blocked blood vessels. This can eventually cause respiratory failure and death.