Railroad Settlement - Interstitial Lung DiseaseRailroad workers have been for a long time at risk of developing occupational lung diseases like pulmonary and fibrosis. Before 2010, safety regulations only rarely required that workers wear masks. Workers were exposed to exhaust fumes, as well as hazardous fumes from idle engines.Asbestos, diesel exhaust, and other workplace hazards can lead to interstitial lung disease.  lung cancer settlements  can take years to be apparent which makes it difficult to establish an exact link to be established between work-related history and disease.Pancreatic cancer settlement  consists of naturally occurring minerals that are used in the construction industry for its fire-resistant, corrosion-resistant and insulation properties. The exposure to these tiny fibers increases the risk of developing lung cancer, mesothelioma (a rare form of cancer that forms in the linings of protective organs) and asbestosis (scarring of the lungs). The symptoms of asbestos-related ailments can take as long as 30 years before they appear.When asbestos fibers are disturbed, they separate into small, elongated particles known as fibrils. They can be easily breathed in and subsequently lodged deep into the lungs. When they cause irritation, the lungs develop scar tissue which makes breathing difficult. Exposure to long-term high levels of asbestos particles in the air increases the risk of developing mesothelioma. This is a rare, invasive lung cancer that affects lining the lungs.Asbestos is banned, however railroad corporations frequently fight FELA claims made by railroad workers and their families due to the fact that the companies knew that the material could be harmful for employees.  lung cancer settlements  increasing amount of evidence suggests that many railroads knowingly exposed workers to asbestos even after they realized that asbestos caused mesothelioma as well as other health problems. This may constitute negligence that can entitle railroad workers and their families to compensation. If you've worked on trains in the past, contact an Virginia railroad injury lawyer now for more information about filing an FELA claim.Diesel ExhaustDiesel engines have replaced coal as the primary power source for trains in America since the 1940s. Before that, trains utilized coal to create harmful black soot that workers were regularly breathing in.Diesel exhaust fumes are a mix of gasses that are combustible and ultrafine particles. The chemicals present in the gas component of diesel exhaust transform into the form of vapor or liquid which is then transported through the air as tiny particles. The lungs inhale these particulates, which then irritate the lung tissues over time.This can result in a chronic lung condition known as railroad workers interstitial pulmonary disease (ILD). Long-term exposure of diesel exhaust can increase the risk of COPD.The fumes from diesel engines has a myriad of different chemicals, including carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides. They also produce polycyclic hydrocarbons which are carcinogenic. The particulate portion of diesel exhaust consists of fine particles, which can irritate and inflame the lungs.The toxins are still present in the air despite the fact that diesel pollution has been significantly reduced with the use catalytic convertors and cleaner fuels. They can cause ground level ozone which can cause breathing problems for people as well as affect trees, crops and the vegetation. They can also cause acid rain, which affects the water quality of streams, lakes, and rivers.asbestos lung cancer settlement  is the primary cause of numerous serious health issues. Smoking damages the tiny air sacs within the lungs, called alveoli. This damages the lungs' ability to take in oxygen, which makes breathing more difficult.The interstitial lung disorder pulmonary fibrosis causes scarring of the lungs, which blocks them from supplying oxygen to the body. The condition is progressive and can cause breathing problems, fatigue, coughing and clubbing fingers and toes. It could lead to death if it is not treated.Railroad workers are at a higher risk of developing an interstitial lung disease, such as asthma, COPD, and emphysema. They could also be exposed to asbestos fumes that are toxic and materials at their workplace along with diesel exhaust fumes. These toxic exposures can lead to cancer and mesothelioma as well as other health issues.Railroad companies could have prevented tens of thousands of rail workers from developing debilitating, fatal lung diseases such as pulmonary fibrosis, by providing them with adequate respiratory protection. Failure to provide this protection is considered negligence under the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA).Other ExposuresThere are many other conditions that can cause interstitial pulmonary disease like rheumatoid arthritis and autoimmune diseases. Certain medications can increase the likelihood of developing respiratory issues and pulmonary fibrosis. If you work in a profession that involves working in rail yards, you are exposed to various hazards, including oil, chemicals and fumes. These exposures can cause the condition known as silicosis. It is a lung scarring that is similar to asbestosis. If the condition worsens, it may lead to right-sided cardiac failure (cor pulmonale) due to the fact that your heart is forced to work harder to pump blood through blocked arterial. This could lead to respiratory failure, or even death.