Railroad Settlement For Emphysema Emphysema is a result of years of exposure to toxic fumes and gases. Our FELA law firm can assist those who suffer from occupational diseases in filing claims. Emphysema patients often rely on the compensation they receive from railroad settlements to pay for the cost of hospitalization, surgery and other costs that are associated with the condition. This lung disease can be caused by a variety of inhaled particles such as diesel exhaust, silica sand and asbestos. Silica Sand Silica can be found in the Earth's crust in tiny granules. It is made from silicon dioxide (SiO2) that has a unique lattice crystal structure that gives it its hardness and other characteristics. It is commonly used in the construction industry. Inhaling silica dust could cause silicosis. It is a work-related lung disease that could lead to the death of the lungs. It occurs when tiny pieces of crystallized silica enter the lung, causing inflammation and scarring. As time passes, fibrosis forms around the silica particle and the lungs become permanently damaged. This could result in lung cancer, emphysema and bronchitis. Railroad workers can be exposed to crystalline silica in a variety of different ways, including drilling or hammering rocks that contains silica; performing blasting abrasive, and working with masonry and concrete materials. Other sources include rice hulls, sand and other plant tissues that contain silica, and some types of paints. The tiniest of silica particles can be inhaled into the lungs, where they cause damage. Railroads need to protect their workers from silica by limiting the time they spend in areas that have significant airborne dust. The railroads should also provide mouthpieces and footwear made of sand for employees who work with equipment that creates sand from the air. Additionally, trains must be equipped with filters to prevent the sand from entering the cab. Welding Fumes When you think of welding you're likely to picture welding professionals who are in a dazzling blaze of sparks and a graceful curling fumes. The romantic image quickly disappears when you think about the effect of these fumes on the health of workers. Welding fumes can be toxic mixture of gasses, metal particles and chemicals. This mix of elements can affect the health of a welder, at both short-term and long-term exposure. The exact composition of welding fumes depends on a variety of factors, such as the type and coatings of metal being welded and the shielding gases employed. Metal fume fever is a common manifestation of welding fumes. It is characterized by flu like symptoms such as fatigue as well as chills and aches. The symptoms include a metallic taste in the mouth, and the general feeling that you are not well. The risk of exposure to welding fumes may be reduced by a variety of control measures, such as local exhaust ventilators (LEV) as well as respiratory protection equipment, and mechanical general ventilation. It is important to remember that these methods should only be utilized as a last-resort. If welding fumes can't be prevented by these methods then an COSHH assessment should be conducted to determine the proper control measures. This involves estimating the risk and determining what steps are required to reduce it if prevention is not reasonable. Diesel Exhaust In recent times, there has been a move to use cleaner diesel engines for vehicles and trucks. For those who work in the fields of construction and agriculture, or other services where large equipment burns fuel, are still exposed to the harmful fumes. These fumes contain hundreds of harmful chemicals which can have a damaging effect on the skin, lungs and internal organs. Railroad workers who operate trains are frequently exposed to exhaust fumes from diesel engines from locomotives while they travel down the track or back in the engine cab. In addition, railroad shop employees who must remain inside the locomotive when it is in the shop might also be exposed the toxic fumes. The diesel exhaust that is produced by diesel engines contains unburned fuel, as well as many toxic chemicals. These chemicals include particulate (soot) nitrogen oxides, hydrocarbons, and volatile organic compounds. Inhaling large amounts of these contaminants can cause respiratory symptoms like coughing, irritation of the throat and nose and shortness of breath. It can also lead to a buildup of fluid in the lungs. Studies of diesel exhaust have demonstrated that it can also increase the risk of lung cancer among humans. This has prompted the International Agency for Research on Cancer (part of the World Health Organization) to declare diesel exhaust carcinogenic to humans. Asbestos Asbestos was once a common material used in the railroad industry. It was strong, durable, and resistant to corrosion and a superb insulator. It was easy to install and affordable to manufacture. However, asbestos has been linked to several different types of lung cancer as well as other illnesses. railroad strike settlement of Simmons Hanly Conroy are familiar of the effects asbestos exposure can have on railroad workers' life and health. We help railroad workers who have been injured and file FELA suits to receive the financial compensation they deserve for their illness. Research has shown that railroad workers have a higher risk of mesothelioma and other asbestos related diseases than others in the workforce. This is especially applicable to those who were employed prior to 1950, when railroads changed from steam to diesel engines. They might have been exposed if they repaired, built or sanded rail cars, railway ties, as well as locomotives made of this flammable material. Because asbestos-related cancers and mesothelioma have a long time of dormancy and many railroad workers who were injured did not realize they had an illness until years after exposure. If you are suffering from a respiratory disorder like COPD, lung carcinoma or mesothelioma that is connected to your railroad work it is imperative that you speak with mesothelioma lawyers immediately.
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