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Railroad Settlement - Interstitial Lung Disease

Railroad workers who work for long periods are at risk of developing occupational lung diseases, such as pulmonary fibrisis. Prior to 2010, safety guidelines rarely required crews to wear masks that protected them from injury 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. It often takes decades for symptoms to show so it can be difficult to make a direct connection between the work environment and disease.

Asbestos

Asbestos is a group of naturally occurring minerals that are used in the construction industry for its fire retardant and insulation properties. It also resists corrosion. The exposure to these tiny fibers increases the chance of developing lung cancer mesothelioma (a rare type of cancer that develops within the protective linings of organs) and asbestosis (scarring of the lungs). The signs of asbestos-related illnesses may take up to 30 years to show up.

When asbestos fibers are disturbed they break up into smaller fragments that are elongated and called fibrils. They can be inhaled easily and then lodged in the lung. If they cause irritation, lungs form scar tissue, which makes breathing difficult. Exposed to high levels asbestos that is in the air over long periods of time can also increase the risk of developing mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is rare and aggressive type of lung cancer that affects the lining of the lung.

Asbestos is banned from use, however railroad companies often challenge FELA claims that are made by railroad workers and their families because the companies knew that the substance could pose a risk to their employees. The evidence from the past suggests that many railroads had knowingly exposed workers to asbestos even after they learned that asbestos was a cause of mesothelioma as well as other health problems. This could be considered negligence that entitles railroad workers and their families to compensation. Contact an Virginia railroad injury attorney today to learn more about filing a FELA lawsuit if you've 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. Prior to that, trains burned coal -- which produced toxic black soot that people were exposed to on a regular basis.

Diesel exhaust fumes are a mixture of combustible gases and ultrafine particulates. The chemicals in diesel exhaust gas change from gaseous to a liquid, vapor or tiny particles. The lungs inhale these particulates which cause irritation to lung tissue over time.

When this happens, it can lead to a chronic lung disease known as railroad worker's interstitial respiratory disorder (ILD). Long-term exposure of diesel exhaust could also increase the risk of developing COPD.

The diesel engine's smoke contains a variety of chemicals which include carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides. They also produce polycyclic hydrocarbons which can cause cancer. The fine particles found in diesel exhaust can irritate lung and cause inflammation.

Although there has been a significant reduction in diesel pollution with the use of cleaner fuel and catalytic converters, toxic substances remain in the atmosphere. They can contribute to the formation of ground-level ozone, which can cause breathing problems in people and causes damage to trees, crops and vegetation. They also can cause acid rain that destroys water quality in rivers, streams and lakes.

Smoking

Smoking is the primary cause of a variety of serious health issues. Smoking damages the tiny air sacs within the lungs called alveoli. This reduces the lungs' capacity to take in oxygen, making breathing more difficult.

Pulmonary fibrosis is an interstitial lung condition caused by scarring of lung that prevents the lungs from providing oxygen to the rest of the body. The condition progresses and can cause fatigue, shortness of breath, coughing, and clubbing of the fingers and toes. It can cause death if untreated.

Railroad workers are at high risk of developing lung diseases such as asthma, pulmonary fibrosis emphysema, and COPD. In addition to diesel exhaust fumes, they may be exposed to asbestos-based toxic fumes and asbestos-related materials at their job. These toxic exposures can lead to a number of health conditions, such as mesothelioma and even cancer.

By ensuring  Multiple myeloma settlements , railroad companies could have prevented the onset of lung diseases that are fatal and debilitating. Failure to do this is negligence under the Federal Employers Liability Act.

Other Exposures

There are other conditions that can cause interstitial pulmonary disease such as rheumatoid joint and autoimmune diseases. Certain medicines can increase the chances of developing respiratory problems and pulmonary inflammation. You are exposed to many dangers, including oil, chemicals, and fumes, if you work in a rail yard. These exposures can lead to silicosis, which is lung scarring that is similar to asbestosis. If the condition continues to worsen it can cause right-sided heart failure (cor pulmonale) since your heart has to perform harder than normal to move blood through obstructed arterial. This could result in respiratory failure and eventually death.