Railroad Settlement - Interstitial Lung DiseaseLong-term railroad workers are at risk for occupational lung diseases such as pulmonary and fibrosis. Prior to 2010, safety guidelines seldom required workers to wear protective masks and exposed 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 cause interstitial lung disease. The symptoms can take years to manifest which makes it difficult to establish a direct link to be made between work history and illness.AsbestosAsbestos is comprised of naturally occurring minerals that are well-known in the construction industry because of their fire retardant as well as their corrosion resistant and insulation properties. Exposure to these microfibers increases workers' chances of developing lung cancer mesothelioma (a rare type of cancer that develops within the protective linings of organs) and asbestosis (scarring of the lung). The symptoms of an asbestos-related disease typically take 15 to 30 years to show up.When asbestos is disturbed the fibers break into tiny, elongated pieces called fibrils. They can be easily inhaled and lodge deep within the lungs. If they cause irritation the lungs form scar tissue that makes breathing difficult. In the long run, exposure to high levels of asbestos in the air increases the chance of developing mesothelioma. This is a rare, aggressive lung cancer that affects lining the lungs. bladder cancer caused by railroad how to get a settlement has been banned however, railroad companies continue to fight FELA claims brought by railroad employees and their family members due to the fact that they knew asbestos was a danger. Asbestos is now banned but railroad corporations often contest FELA claims filed by railroad employees and their families as they knew that the substance could be hazardous to employees. This could be considered negligence that entitles railroad workers and their families to compensation. If you have worked on trains in the past, call a Virginia railroad injury lawyer today for more details about filing a FELA claim.Diesel ExhaustSince the 1940s diesel engines have been the main source of power for trains in America. Before that, trains used coal to produce toxic black soot, which workers were regularly breathing in.Diesel exhaust fumes consist of a mixture of combustible gases and ultrafine particulates. The chemical compounds in diesel exhaust gas change from a gaseous form to a liquid, vapor or tiny particles. The lungs breathe in these particles which then irritate lung tissue over time.When this happens, it could result in a lung disease called railroad worker's interstitial pulmonary disorder (ILD). Long-term exposure of diesel exhaust could also increase the risk of developing COPD.Diesel engine smoke contains thousands of different chemicals like nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide and carbon monoxide. They also produce polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, which can cause cancer. Fine particles in diesel exhaust can irritate lung and cause inflammation.While there has been a substantial reduction in diesel pollution due to the use of cleaner fuel and catalytic converters toxins remain in the atmosphere. They can cause the formation of ground-level ozone, which can cause breathing problems in people and can harm trees, crops and vegetation. They also can cause acid rain, which affects the water quality of streams, lakes, and rivers.SmokingSmoking is the primary cause of a myriad of serious health conditions. It harms the lungs due to harming the tiny air sacs, known as alveoli, that are found in the lung. This reduces the lungs' capacity to absorb oxygen, making breathing difficult.The interstitial lung disorder pulmonary fibrosis is a cause of scarring within the lungs, which prevents them from supplying oxygen to the body. The condition is progressive, and can lead to shortness of breathe, fatigue and coughing. It can also cause a throbbing sensation in fingers and toes. If left untreated, it can cause death.Railroad workers are at high risk for interstitial lung diseases like asthma, pulmonary fibrosis Emphysema, and COPD. In addition to diesel exhaust fumes they may also be exposed to toxic asbestos materials and fumes at their work. The toxic exposures could cause mesothelioma or cancer and other health issues.Railroad companies could have prevented the tens of thousands or so of rail workers from developing debilitating and deadly lung diseases such as pulmonary fibrosis by providing them with the proper respiratory protection. Failure to provide this protection is considered negligence under the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA).Other ExposuresThere are other diseases that can cause interstitial lung diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and autoimmune diseases. Certain medications can also increase the risk of developing pulmonary fibrosis and other respiratory issues. If you're working in a field that requires working in railroad yards, you're exposed to many hazards including chemical fumes, oil and chemicals. These exposures can cause the condition known as silicosis. It is a scarring of the lungs similar to asbestosis. If the condition deteriorates it could lead to right-sided cardiac failure (cor pulmonale) because your heart is forced to exert more effort to pump blood through blocked arterial. This could result in respiratory failure and eventually death.