Railroad Settlement For Emphysema
Railroad workers suffer emphysema from years of exposure to toxic fumes, dust and gases. Our FELA law firm helps workers in filing occupational illness claims.
Emphysema patients typically rely on compensation received from railroad settlements to cover hospitalization, surgeries and other costs associated with the condition. Many different types of inhaled particulates may cause this lung condition, including silica dust, diesel exhaust and asbestos.
Silica Sand
Silica is a mineral that is found in the earth in small particles. It is composed of silicon dioxide (SiO2) which has a unique crystal structure that gives it hardness and other properties. It is employed in the construction industry.
Inhaling silica dust could cause silicosis. This is an occupational lung disease that can lead to the death of the lung. It occurs when tiny particles of crystalline silica get into the lungs creating inflammation and scarring. As time passes, fibrosis grows around the silica particles, and the lungs become permanently scarred. This can cause lung cancer, emphysema and bronchitis.
Railroad workers may be exposed to crystalline silica in many different ways, such as hammering or drilling rock that contains silica; performing blasting with abrasive particles; or working with masonry materials and concrete. Other sources of crystalline silica include rice hulls and sand and other plant tissues containing silica as well as various types of paints.
The tiniest particles of silica can be inhaled deep into the lungs, where they cause serious damage. As a result, the railroads should make sure that workers are protected from silica exposure, including limiting time in areas with significant airborne sand. Railroads should also offer mouthpieces and footwear made of sand for workers who are using equipment that creates sand the air. Trains should also be outfitted with filters to keep dust from entering the cab.
Welding Fumes
When you think of welding, the image is likely to be of hard-working welders with sparkling sparks and graceful curling fume. When you think about the consequences of these fumes, this romantic image is quickly shattered.
The fume from welding is a toxic mixture of metal particles, chemicals and gases. This mix of elements can impact the health of welders both in the short-term as well as the long-term exposure. The exact composition of welding fumes varies based on various factors such as the type of metal to be welded and the coatings and paint on the metal, as well as the gas used for shielding.
Metal fume fever is an atypical sign of welding fumes. It is characterized by flu like symptoms such as fatigue, chills and aches. These symptoms include a metallic taste in the mouth, as well as general feeling that you are not well.
The exposure to welding fumes may be reduced through a variety of measures to control the fumes, including local exhaust ventilators (LEV) as well as respiratory protection equipment and mechanical general ventilation. However it is essential to remember that these measures should be viewed as a last resort solution. If welding fumes cannot be prevented by these methods then it is recommended that a COSHH assessment should be conducted to determine the appropriate measures. This includes estimating the amount of exposure and determining the steps required to limit it in the event that prevention is not feasible.
Diesel Exhaust
In recent years, there has been a rise in the use of "cleaner" engines for trucks and other types of vehicles. However, people who work in construction, agriculture and other industries that rely on large equipment that burns diesel fuel are still exposed to this dangerous fume. These fumes are loaded with hundreds of harmful chemicals which can cause harm to the skin, lungs and internal organs.
union pacific settlements are frequently inhaled by railroad workers driving trains. Additionally, railroad shop employees who must remain in the engine while it is in the shops might also be exposed these toxic fumes.
Diesel exhaust from diesel engines contains gasoline that has not been burnt as well as toxic chemicals. These chemicals include particulate matter (soot), carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides hydrocarbons and volatile organic compounds. Breathing in high concentrations of these substances can cause respiratory symptoms such as coughing, irritation of the throat and nose and breath shortness. railroad back injury settlements could also cause an accumulation of lungs.
Studies on diesel exhaust have demonstrated that it can increase the risk of developing lung cancer in people. The International Agency for Research on Cancer, part of the World Health Organization, has classified diesel exhaust as carcinogenic for humans.
Asbestos
Asbestos was once a common material used in the railroad industry. It was strong, durable, and resistant to corrosion and an excellent insulator. It was also affordable to manufacture and easy install in rail cars. However, asbestos has been linked with kinds of lung cancer and other diseases. The mesothelioma lawyers of Simmons Hanly Conroy understand the consequences of asbestos exposure to railroad workers' lives and health. We help injured railroad workers with filing FELA lawsuits in order to get financial compensation for their illnesses and injuries.
Railroad workers are at a higher chance of contracting mesothelioma and asbestos-related diseases and other diseases than the rest of the workforce. Multiple myeloma settlements is especially applicable to those who were employed before the 1950s when trains switched from steam engines to diesel. These older workers could have been exposed when they constructed, repaired or sanded rail cars tracks, and locomotives made of this flammable material.
Because asbestos-related cancers and mesothelioma have a long period of dormancy and many railroad workers who were injured didn't know they had a condition until decades after their exposure. If you have a respiratory illness like COPD lung cancer, COPD, or mesothelioma that is associated with your railroad job it is crucial to consult mesothelioma lawyers immediately.