Railroad Settlement - Interstitial Lung DiseaseLong-term railroad workers are at risk of developing occupational lung diseases, such as pulmonary fibrosis. Prior to 2010, safety guidelines did not require workers to wear masks that protected them from injury and exposed workers to exhaust fumes as well as hazardous fumes from idle work engines.Asbestos exposure along with diesel exhaust and other hazards at work can cause interstitial pulmonary disease. The symptoms can take many years to appear which makes it difficult to establish a direct link to be made between work history and disease.AsbestosAsbestos is one of the naturally occurring minerals that are used in the construction industry for its fire-resistant, corrosion-resistant and insulation properties. The exposure to these tiny fibers increases the likelihood of workers developing lung cancer, mesothelioma (a rare form of cancer that grows in the protective linings of organs) and asbestosis (scarring of the lungs). The signs of an asbestos-related illness generally take between 15 and 30 years to show.When asbestos fibers are disturbed, they separate into small particles that are elongated, known as fibrils. They can easily be breathed in and subsequently lodged deep into the lungs. When they cause irritation, the lungs develop scar tissues that make breathing difficult. Exposure to long-term high levels of asbestos particles in the air increases the risk of developing mesothelioma. It is a rare and aggressive lung cancer that affects the lining the lungs.Asbestos has been banned, but railroad companies still fight FELA claims brought by railroad workers and relatives because they knew the substance was hazardous. Asbestos is banned now, however, railroad companies often defend FELA claims brought by railroad workers and their families since they knew that the material could be hazardous to employees. This could be considered negligence that can entitle railroad workers and their families to compensation. Call a Virginia railroad injury attorney today to learn more about filing a FELA lawsuit if you've been involved in trains before. cancer lawsuit settlements Since the 1940s the diesel engine has been the main source of power for trains in America. Before that trains burned coalproducing the toxic black smoke that workers regularly breathed in.Diesel exhaust fumes comprise with ultrafine and combustible gases. The chemicals present in the gas component of diesel exhaust change into either a liquid or vapor and then are carried through the air as tiny particles. The lungs inhale these particles which then irritate lung tissue over time.When this happens, it can cause a chronic lung disease known as railroad worker's interstitial lung disorder (ILD). Long-term exposure to diesel exhaust can increase the risk of COPD.Diesel engine exhaust contains thousands of different chemicals like nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide carbon monoxide, and sulfur dioxide. They also produce polycyclic hydrocarbons that are carcinogenic. The fine particles that are present in diesel exhaust may cause irritation to the lungs and cause inflammation.The toxins remain in the air, in spite of the fact that diesel pollution has significantly reduced by the use of more environmentally friendly fuels and catalytic convertors. They can contribute to ground-level ozone that causes breathing problems for people and can harm trees, crops and plants. They can also trigger acid rainfall, which damages the water quality of lakes, streams, and rivers.SmokingSmoking is the leading cause of a myriad of serious health issues. Smoking causes damage to the small air sacs that line the lungs called alveoli. This affects the lungs' ability to take in oxygen, which makes breathing more difficult.The interstitial lung disorder pulmonary fibrosis can cause scarring in the lungs, preventing them from providing oxygen to the body. The condition is progressive and can cause shortness of breathe, fatigue, coughing and clubbing fingers and toes. If not treated, it may lead to death.Railroad workers are at an increased risk for interstitial lung diseases, such as asthma, pulmonary fibrosis Emphysema, as well as COPD. In addition to the exhaust fumes from diesel engines, they may be exposed to asbestos-based toxic fumes and asbestos-related materials in their workplaces. These toxic exposures could lead to a variety of health conditions, including mesothelioma and cancer.By ensuring adequate protection for their respiratory systems, railroads could have prevented the development of lung diseases that can be debilitating and even deadly. Failure to provide it is negligence under the Federal Employers Liability Act.Other ExposuresOther conditions, like autoimmune diseases and rheumatoid arthritis can also cause interstitial pulmonary disease. Certain medications may also increase the likelihood of developing pulmonary fibrosis and other respiratory issues. You are exposed to many hazards, including oil, chemicals, and fumes, especially if you work in the rail yard. These exposures can trigger silicosis, a condition that causes lung scarring that is similar to asbestosis. If the condition gets worse, it can lead to right-sided heart failure (cor pulmonale) as the heart has to work harder than usual to move blood through blocked arteries. This could result in respiratory failure and death.