Railroad Settlement - Interstitial Lung Disease
Railroad workers have long been at risk of suffering occupational lung diseases like pulmonary fibrisis. Before 2010, safety regulations only rarely required workers to wear protective masks. This exposed workers to exhaust fumes and hazardous fumes from idle engines.
Asbestos as well as diesel exhaust, and other workplace hazards can cause interstitial lung disease. It often takes decades for symptoms to show which makes it difficult to draw an exact link between work history and illness.
Asbestos
Asbestos is composed of minerals that are naturally occurring and are widely used in the construction industry for their fire-resistant as well as their corrosion resistant and insulation properties. Exposure to these microscopic fibers increases workers' chances of developing lung cancer, mesothelioma (a rare type of cancer that develops within the protective linings of organs) and asbestosis (scarring of the lung). The signs of an asbestos-related illness generally take between 15 and 30 years to manifest.
When asbestos fibers are agitated they split into small particles that are elongated, known as fibrils. They can be easily inhaled and lodge deep within the lung. If they cause irritation, the lungs create scar tissues that make breathing difficult. Long-term exposure to high levels airborne asbestos increases the risk of developing mesothelioma. This is a rare, but aggressive lung cancer that afflicts the lining the lungs.
Asbestos has been banned but railroad corporations still fight FELA claims made by railroad employees and their family members, despite knowing the substance was hazardous. Asbestos is now banned however, railroad companies often contest FELA claims filed by railroad workers and their families because they knew the material could be harmful to employees. This could be considered negligence, which entitles railroad employees and their families to compensation. Contact an Virginia railroad injury attorney today to learn more about filing an FELA lawsuit if you've been involved in trains before.
Diesel Exhaust
Since the 1940s, the diesel engine has been the primary source of power for trains in America. Before that trains ran on coalthat produced toxic black soot that people were exposed to on a regular basis.
Diesel exhaust fumes consist of a mix of combustible emissions and ultrafine particulates. The chemical compounds in the gas portion of diesel exhaust change to the form of vapor or liquid which is then transported through the air as tiny particles. The lungs breathe in these particles and then cause irritation to the lung tissues over time.
When this happens, it can cause a chronic lung disease known as railroad worker's interstitial respiratory disorder (ILD). Additionally, exposure to diesel exhaust can increase the risk of COPD.
Diesel engine exhaust contains many different chemicals, including nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide carbon monoxide, and sulfur dioxide. They also produce polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, which can cause cancer. The particulate fraction of diesel exhaust is comprised of fine particles which can irritate and inflame the lungs.
Although there has been Colon cancer lawsuit settlements in the pollution from diesel through the use of cleaner fuel and catalytic converters, pollutants remain in the air. They can contribute to ground-level ozone that can cause breathing problems for people as well as affect trees, crops and plants. They also can cause acid rain that destroys the quality of water in streams, lakes and rivers.
Smoking
Smoking is the most significant cause of numerous serious health problems. It affects the lungs by damaging the tiny air sacs, also known as alveoli, in the lungs. This reduces the lungs' capacity to take in oxygen, which makes breathing more difficult.
The interstitial lung disorder pulmonary fibrosis causes scarring in the lungs, which blocks them from supplying oxygen to the body. The condition can progress, and can lead to shortness of breathe, fatigue, coughing and clubbing fingers and toes. If left untreated, it can cause death.
Railroad workers are at high risk of developing interstitial lung diseases like pulmonary fibrosis, asthma, emphysema, and COPD. They could also be exposed to toxic asbestos fumes and other workplace-related materials as well as diesel exhaust fumes. These exposures to toxic substances can cause mesothelioma or cancer and other health issues.
Railroad companies could have prevented the tens of thousands or so of rail workers from developing fatal and debilitating lung diseases such as pulmonary fibrosis by providing them with adequate respiratory protection. Failure to do this is negligence under the Federal Employers Liability Act.
Other Exposures
Other conditions, like autoimmune diseases and rheumatoid arthritis can lead to interstitial pulmonary disease. Certain medications can increase the likelihood of developing respiratory issues and pulmonary the disease fibrosis. If you work engaged in a career that involves working in rail yards, you're exposed to numerous hazards such as fumes, chemicals, and oil. These exposures can lead to silicosis, a condition that causes the lung scarring that is similar to asbestosis. If the condition worsens it could result in right-sided cardiac failure (cor pulmonale) due to the fact that your heart is forced to be more efficient in pumping blood through blocked arterial. This can eventually cause respiratory failure and even death.
