Railroad Settlement - Interstitial Lung Disease
Railroad workers have been for a long time at risk of developing occupational lung diseases like pulmonary fibrisis. Prior to 2010, safety guidelines seldom required workers to wear protective masks and exposed workers to exhaust fumes and dangerous fumes that come from idle engines.
Asbestos exposure, diesel exhaust and many other workplace hazards can cause interstitial pulmonary disease. The symptoms can take decades to appear and it is difficult to establish to establish a direct link established between work-related history and disease.
Asbestos
Asbestos is a mixture of naturally occurring minerals that are widely used in the construction industry due to their fire-resistant, corrosion resistant and insulation properties. Exposure to these fibers can increase the risk of mesothelioma, lung cancer (a rare cancer that occurs in the linings that protect organs), and asbestosis. The signs of asbestos-related diseases can take up to 30 years before they appear.
When asbestos fibers are agitated they split into small, elongated particles known as fibrils. They are easily inhaled and then lodged deep inside the lung. When they cause irritation, the lungs create scar tissue, which makes breathing difficult. Long-term exposure to high levels asbestos particles in the air increases the risk of developing mesothelioma. This is a rare, invasive lung cancer that affects the lining the lungs.
Asbestos is banned from use, however railroad companies often challenge FELA claims made by railroad employees and their families, as the companies knew that the substance could be dangerous to their employees. Asbestos is banned now, but railroad companies frequently combat FELA claims made by railroad workers and their families as they knew the material could pose a risk to employees. This could constitute negligence that can entitle railroad workers and their families to compensation. Call a Virginia railroad injury lawyer today to learn more about filing an FELA lawsuit if you have worked on trains in the past.
Diesel Exhaust
Since the 1940s the diesel engine has been the main source of power for trains in America. Before that, trains utilized coal to produce harmful black soot that workers inhaled regularly.
Diesel exhaust fumes are a mixture with ultrafine and combustible gases. The chemical compounds in the gas component of diesel exhaust change into a liquid or vapor form which is then transported through the air as tiny particles. These particles are inhaled by the lungs and cause irritation of lung tissue over time.
This can result in a chronic lung condition known as railroad workers interstitial lung diseases (ILD). In addition, exposure for a long time to diesel exhaust may increase the risk of COPD.
Diesel engine smoke contains thousands of different chemicals like sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides and carbon monoxide. They also produce polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons which can cause cancer. Colon cancer lawsuit settlements of diesel exhaust is made up of fine particles that could cause irritation and irritation to the lungs.
The toxins are still present in the air, regardless of the fact that diesel pollution has been significantly decreased by the use of more environmentally friendly fuels and catalytic convertors. They can contribute to ground-level ozone that can cause breathing problems for people as well as harm trees, crops and plants. They also can cause acid rain, which can harm the water quality of lakes, streams and rivers.
Smoking
Smoking is a major cause of several serious health problems. It harms the lungs due to harming the tiny air sacs, referred to as alveoli, in the lung. This reduces the lungs' capacity to absorb oxygen, making breathing difficult.
The interstitial lung disorder pulmonary fibrosis causes scarring of the lungs that prevents them from supplying oxygen to the body. The condition is progressive and can cause fatigue, shortness of breath as well as coughing, sneezing, and rubbing fingers and toes. If left untreated, it can cause death.
Railroad workers are at high risk of developing interstitial lung diseases such as asthma, pulmonary fibroids, Emphysema, as well as COPD. In addition to the exhaust fumes from diesel engines, they could also be exposed toxic asbestos fumes and asbestos materials at their job. These toxic exposures can lead to a number of health conditions, such as mesothelioma as well as cancer.
In providing adequate protection for their respiratory systems, railroads could have prevented the onset of lung diseases that are debilitating and even deadly. Failure to do so constitutes negligence under the Federal Employers Liability Act.
Other Exposures
Other conditions, such as autoimmune disease and rheumatoid arthritis can also cause interstitial pulmonary disease. Certain medications can also increase the risk of developing pulmonary fibrosis and other respiratory conditions. There are many dangers, including oil chemicals, and fumes if you work in a rail yard. These exposures can trigger silicosis, a condition that causes lung scarring similar to asbestosis. If the condition worsens it could lead to right-sided heart failure (cor pulmonale) since your heart has to work harder than usual to move blood through obstructed blood vessels. This can eventually lead to respiratory failure and even death.