Railroad Settlement - Interstitial Lung DiseaseLong-term railroad workers are more susceptible to occupational lung diseases such as pulmonary thermolysis. Prior to 2010, safety regulations did not require workers to wear masks that protected them from injury, exposing workers to exhaust fumes as well as hazardous fumes from idle work engines.Asbestos exposure as well as diesel exhaust, and other workplace hazards can result in interstitial pulmonary disease. The symptoms can take years to manifest, making it difficult for an exact link to be established between the work environment and the illness.AsbestosAsbestos is made up of naturally occurring minerals which are widely used in the construction industry because of their fire retardant and corrosion resistant properties. Exposure to these microfibers increases the likelihood of workers developing lung cancer, mesothelioma (a rare form of cancer that grows in the linings that protect organs) and asbestosis (scarring of the lungs). Symptoms of an asbestos-related disease typically take 15 to 30 years to show.When asbestos is disturbed the fibers break into tiny, elongated fragments called fibrils. These fibrils can be inhaled easily and then lodged in the lung. If they cause irritation the lungs develop scar tissue that make breathing difficult. The exposure to high levels of airborne asbestos over long periods of time also increases the likelihood of developing mesothelioma, a rare and deadly form of lung cancer that affects the lining of the lungs.Asbestos is now banned, however, railroad corporations continue to fight FELA claims made by railroad workers and their relatives because they knew the substance was hazardous. An increasing amount of evidence suggests that many railroads were aware of the dangers of exposing workers to asbestos even after they learned that the substance caused mesothelioma and other health problems. This could constitute negligence that is liable to railroad workers and their families to compensation. Call a Virginia railroad injury attorney today to find out more about filing a FELA lawsuit if you've worked on trains in the past.Diesel ExhaustDiesel engines have replaced coal as the primary power source for trains in America since the 1940s. Prior to that trains burned coalthat produced toxic black soot that workers regularly breathed in.Diesel exhaust fumes comprise with ultrafine and combustible gases. The chemicals in diesel exhaust gas change from a gaseous type to liquid, vapor, or tiny particles. The lungs breathe in these particles and then cause irritation to the lung tissues over time.If cancer lawsuit settlements happens, it may result in a lung disease called railroad worker's interstitial respiratory disorder (ILD). In addition, long-term exposure to diesel exhaust can increase the risk of COPD.The diesel engine's smoke has a myriad of different chemicals including carbon monoxide sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides. They also produce polycyclic hydrocarbons, which are carcinogenic. The fine particles found in diesel exhaust may cause irritation to the lungs and cause inflammation.Although there has been a significant reduction in diesel pollution with the use of cleaner fuel and catalytic converters, the pollutants remain in the air. 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, which can destroy the quality of water in rivers, streams and lakes.SmokingSmoking is the primary cause of several serious health conditions. Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma settlement affects the lungs by damaging the tiny air sacs, referred to as alveoli, inside the lung. This reduces the lungs' capacity to absorb oxygen, making breathing difficult.Pulmonary fibrosis is an interstitial pulmonary disease caused by scarring of lung tissue that blocks the lungs from providing oxygen to the rest of the body. The condition is progressive, and can lead to breathing problems, fatigue and coughing. It also causes a lot of pain in the fingers and toes. It can lead to death if not treated.Railroad workers are at a greater chance of developing interstitial lung disease, such as asthma, COPD, and emphysema. They may also be exposed to toxic asbestos fumes and other materials in their workplace as well as diesel exhaust fumes. These exposures to toxic substances can lead to a number of health issues, including mesothelioma as well as cancer.By ensuring adequate respiratory protection, railroad companies could have prevented the development of lung diseases that are painful and can be fatal. Failure to do so constitutes negligence under the Federal Employers Liability Act.Other ExposuresThere are other conditions that can cause interstitial lung disease, such as rheumatoid arthritis and autoimmune diseases. Certain medications can increase the risk of developing respiratory problems and pulmonary inflammation. If you're in a profession that involves working in railway yards, you're exposed to numerous hazards such as oil, chemicals and fumes. Colon cancer lawsuit settlements can trigger the condition known as silicosis. It is a scarring of the lungs similar to asbestosis. If the condition continues to worsen it could lead to right-sided heart failure (cor pulmonale) as your heart must perform harder than normal to move blood through blocked arteries. This could eventually lead to respiratory failure and death.