Railroad Settlement - Interstitial Lung Disease Railroad workers who work for long periods are at risk of occupational lung diseases like pulmonary fibrisis. Prior to 2010, safety guidelines did not always require crews to wear masks that protected them from injury and exposed workers to exhaust fumes and dangerous fumes from idling work engines. Asbestos exposure as well as diesel exhaust, and other workplace hazards can cause interstitial pulmonary disease. It typically takes years before symptoms begin to manifest, making it difficult to make any direct link between work history and illness. Asbestos Asbestos is comprised of naturally occurring minerals which are popular in the construction sector for their fire-resistant and corrosion-resistant properties. wayne and mary union pacific railroad settlement to these tiny fibers increases the likelihood of workers developing lung cancer, mesothelioma (a rare type of cancer that develops in the protective linings of organs) and asbestosis (scarring of the lung). The symptoms of asbestos-related diseases can take as long as 30 years to show up. When asbestos fibers are disturbed they break up into smaller, elongated particles known as fibrils. These fibrils can be inhaled easily and swell up inside the lungs. If they cause irritation, lungs produce scar tissue that makes breathing difficult. Exposure to high levels of airborne asbestos over long periods of time can also increase the risk of developing mesothelioma. This is a rare and deadly type of lung cancer that affects the lining of lungs. Asbestos is banned, however railroad companies frequently challenge FELA claims that are made by railroad workers and their families because the companies knew that the substance could pose a risk to employees. An increasing amount of evidence suggests that many railroads had knowingly exposed workers to asbestos, even after learning that the substance caused mesothelioma as well as other health problems. This could be considered negligence, which entitles railroad employees and their families to compensation. Call an Virginia railroad injury attorney today to learn more about filing an FELA lawsuit if you have been on trains before. Diesel Exhaust Since the 1940s, the diesel engine has been the primary source of power for trains in America. Before that, trains utilized coal to create toxic black soot, which workers inhaled regularly. Diesel exhaust fumes are a mixture of combustible gases and ultrafine particulates. The chemicals in the gas component of diesel exhaust change form into either a liquid or vapor and then are carried through the air as tiny particles. These particles are breathed in by the lungs, which causes irritation of lung tissues over time. This can result in an ongoing lung condition known as railroad workers' interstitial lung disease (ILD). Long-term exposure to diesel exhaust can also increase COPD risk. The exhaust from diesel engines contains a variety of chemicals, including carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides. They also produce polycyclic hydrocarbons which can cause cancer. The fine particles in diesel exhaust can irritate lung and cause inflammation. The toxins remain in the air, regardless of the fact that diesel pollution has significantly decreased by the use of catalytic convertors and cleaner fuels. They can cause the formation of ozone at ground level, which causes breathing problems in people, and damages crops, trees and vegetation. They also can cause acid rain, which can harm the water quality of streams, lakes, and rivers. Smoking Smoking is the primary cause of many serious health conditions. It harms the lungs due to damaging the tiny air sacs, referred to as alveoli, in the lung. The lungs are damaged because of their ability to absorb oxygen, making breathing more difficult. Pulmonary fibrosis is an interstitial lung condition which is characterized by scarring of lung, which stops the lungs from supplying oxygen to the rest of the body. The condition is progressive and can lead to fatigue, shortness of breath as well as coughing, sneezing, and rubbing fingers and toes. If left untreated, it can lead to death. Railroad employees are at an increased risk of developing interstitial lung disease, such as asthma, COPD, and emphysema. In addition to the exhaust fumes from diesel engines, they may be exposed to toxic asbestos substances and fumes at their workplace. These exposures to toxic substances can lead to cancer and mesothelioma in addition to other health conditions. In providing adequate protection for their respiratory systems, railroads could have prevented the onset of lung diseases that can be painful and can be fatal. Failure to do this is negligence under the Federal Employers Liability Act. Other Exposures There are other conditions that can cause interstitial lung diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and autoimmune diseases. Certain medications may also increase the likelihood of developing pulmonary fibrosis and other respiratory issues. If you're in a profession that involves working in railway yards, you're exposed to many hazards including oil, chemicals and fumes. The exposures could cause silicosis, a condition that causes scarring of the lung similar to asbestosis. If the condition continues to worsen it can cause right-sided heart failure (cor pulmonale) since your heart has to be more active than usual in order to move blood through blocked blood vessels. This can ultimately lead to respiratory failure and death.
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