Railroad Settlement - Interstitial Lung DiseaseLong-term railroad workers are more susceptible to occupational lung diseases such as pulmonary thermolysis. Before 2010, safety regulations rarely required workers to wear protective masks. Workers were exposed to exhaust fumes and hazardous fumes from idle engines.Asbestos exposure as well as diesel exhaust, and other workplace hazards may cause interstitial pulmonary disease. The symptoms can take decades to manifest which makes it difficult to establish an exact link to be established between the work environment and illness.AsbestosAsbestos is a collection of naturally occurring minerals that are used in the construction industry for its fire retardant and insulation properties. It also resists corrosion. Exposure to these microscopic fibers increases the risk of developing lung cancer, mesothelioma (a rare type of cancer that develops in the linings that protect organs) and asbestosis (scarring of the lungs). The symptoms of an asbestos-related disease generally take between 15 and 30 years to show up.When asbestos fibers are agitated they break up into smaller pieces that are elongated. These are known as fibrils. They are easily inhaled and then lodged deep inside the lungs. When they cause irritation, the lungs create scar tissue that makes breathing difficult. Inhaling high levels of airborne asbestos over long periods of time also increases the risk of developing mesothelioma. This is a rare and deadly form of lung cancer that affects the lining of the lung.Asbestos has been prohibited from use, but railroad corporations frequently fight FELA claims made by railroad employees and their families, as the companies knew that the substance could be harmful for employees. Asbestos is banned now, however, railroad corporations frequently contest FELA claims filed by railroad employees and their families as they knew the material could be harmful to employees. This may constitute negligence, which entitles railroad employees and their families to compensation. Contact a Virginia railroad injury lawyer today to find out more about filing a FELA lawsuit if you've worked 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 fuelproducing harmful black soot which workers regularly breathed in.Diesel exhaust fumes comprise with ultrafine and combustible gases. The chemicals present in the gas component of diesel exhaust transform into liquid or vapor forms and are then carried through the air as tiny particles. These particulates are inhaled by the lungs, which causes irritation to lung tissue over time.When railroad injury settlement amounts happens, it could lead to a chronic lung disease known as railroad worker's interstitial pulmonary disorder (ILD). Long-term exposure to diesel exhaust can also increase the risk of COPD. railroad back injury settlements from diesel engines contains thousands of different chemicals that include carbon monoxide sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen oxides. They also produce polycyclic hydrocarbons, which can cause cancer. The fine particles in diesel exhaust can cause irritation to the lung and cause inflammation.The toxins remain in the air, even though diesel pollution has been significantly reduced by the use of catalytic convertors and cleaner fuels. They can cause the formation of ozone at ground level, which can cause breathing problems for people as well as damage crops, trees, and other vegetation. They can also trigger acid rain, which can destroy water quality in streams, lakes and rivers.SmokingSmoking cigarettes is a significant cause of numerous serious health conditions. railroad injury settlement amounts can affect the lungs through harming the tiny air sacs, known as alveoli in the lungs. This affects the lungs' ability to take in oxygen, which makes breathing more difficult.The interstitial lung disorder pulmonary fibrosis causes scarring in the lungs that prevents them from providing oxygen to the body. The condition is progressive and often causes fatigue, shortness of breath coughing, and the clubbing of the fingers and toes. Untreated, it can cause death.Railroad workers are at risk of being at risk for interstitial lung diseases like asthma, pulmonary fibrosis Emphysema and COPD. They are also exposed to asbestos fumes that are toxic and other materials in their workplace, in addition to diesel exhaust fumes. These exposures to toxic substances can lead to a number of health conditions, such as mesothelioma and even cancer.Railroad companies could have prevented tens of thousands of rail workers from developing debilitating, fatal lung diseases like pulmonary fibrosis by providing them with adequate respiratory protection. Failure to provide this protection is considered negligence under the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA).Other ExposuresThere are a variety of other conditions that could cause interstitial lung disease like rheumatoid arthritis and autoimmune diseases. Certain medications may also increase the likelihood of developing pulmonary fibrosis and other respiratory problems. You are exposed hazards, including oil, chemicals, and fumes especially if you work in a rail yard. These exposures may cause the condition known as silicosis. It is a recurrence of the lung similar to asbestosis. If the condition gets worse it can cause right-sided heart failure (cor pulmonale) as the heart has to perform harder than normal to move blood through blocked blood vessels. This could eventually lead to respiratory failure and death.