Railroad Settlement For Emphysema
Emphysema is the result of years of exposure to toxic fumes and gases. Our FELA firm assists them in filing occupational disease claims.
Emphysema patients typically rely on a railroad settlement to cover hospitals, surgical and other expenses associated with their condition. cancer settlements of inhaled particulates could cause this lung disease, including silica sand, diesel exhaust, and asbestos.
Silica Sand
Silica is a naturally occurring substance that exists 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 frequently used in the construction industry.
Inhaling free silica dust can lead to silicosis, an occupational lung disease that leads to the death of the lungs. It occurs when tiny particles of crystallized silica enter the lung and cause inflammation and scarring. As time passes, fibrosis begins to develop around the silica particles, and the lungs become permanently scarred. This makes breathing extremely difficult and can lead to tuberculosis, bronchitis, emphysem, or lung cancer.
Rail workers can be exposed in different ways to crystalline silicon for example, by drilling and hammering silica-rich rock, blasting with abrasive and using concrete or the masonry materials. Other sources of crystalline silica are rice hulls and sand and other plant tissues containing silica and certain types of paints.
The smallest particles of silica get absorbed into the lungs, where they cause serious harm. In the end, railroads should make sure that employees are protected from exposure to silica, including limiting time in areas that have significant airborne sand. Railroads should also offer mouthpieces and shoes that are sand-free to workers who are using equipment that creates sand in the air. Trains should also be outfitted with filters that prevent the entry of sand into the cab.
Welding Fumes
When you think of welding it is likely that you will see a hardworking welder surrounded with sparkling sparks and elegant curled fume. When you think about the consequences of these fumes on the body, this romantic image is quickly destroyed.
Welding fume is a toxic mixture of metal particles chemicals and gases. This mix of elements impacts the health of a welder over both long and short exposures. The exact composition of welding fumes will depend on many factors that include the type of metal to be welded and the coatings and paint on the metal, as well as the gas used to shield it.
Metal fume fever is an atypical sign of welding fumes. It is characterized by flu like symptoms such as fatigue chills, aches and chills. The symptoms can also include a metallic taste in the mouth as well as general feeling of being unwell.
cancer settlements to welding fumes could be reduced using a range of control measures, such as local exhaust ventilation (LEV) and respiratory protection equipment, and mechanical general ventilation. However it is essential to note that these measures should be considered as a last resort measure. If welding fumes are not managed by these methods, then an COSHH Assessment must be conducted to determine the most appropriate controls. This involves estimating the exposure and determining the steps needed to limit it, in the event that prevention is not feasible.
Diesel Exhaust
In recent times, there has been a trend to use "cleaner" diesel engines for vehicles and trucks. Workers in construction and agriculture or other industries which require large equipment that burns fuel are exposed to the harmful fumes. The fumes are a mixture of harmful chemicals that could cause harm to the skin, lungs and internal organs.
Railroad workers who operate trains are often exposed to exhaust fumes from diesel engines from locomotives as they drive down the track or in the engine cab. In addition, railroad shop employees who are required to remain in the locomotive while it is in the shop might also be exposed these harmful fumes.
csx settlement generated by diesel engines consists of unburned fuel and several toxic chemicals. These chemicals include particulate (soot) and nitrogen oxides, hydrocarbons, and volatile organic compounds. Inhaling large amounts of these pollutants can trigger respiratory symptoms like coughing and irritation of the nose and throat and shortness of breath. It may also cause an accumulation of lungs.
Research has shown that diesel exhaust can also increase the risk of lung cancer in humans. This has led the International Agency for Research on Cancer (part of the World Health Organization) to declare diesel exhaust carcinogenic for humans.
Asbestos
Asbestos was once a common material used in the railroad industry. It was tough, corrosion-resistant and a great insulation. It was easy to install and affordable to make. Asbestos is a known contributor to lung cancer and many other illnesses. The mesothelioma attorneys at Simmons Hanly Conroy are familiar with the effect asbestos exposure can have on railroad workers' health and life. We assist railroad workers injured by asbestos to submit FELA lawsuits to receive financial compensation for their diseases and injuries.
Research has shown that railroad workers are at an increased risk of developing mesothelioma and other asbestos related diseases than the rest of the workforce. This is particularly relevant to those who worked before 1950 when railroads changed from steam engines to diesel. These workers of the past could have been exposed when they constructed, repaired or sanded rail car tracks, and locomotives made of this deadly material.
Many railroad workers who were exposed to mesothelioma or asbestos did not realize the condition until decades later. If you have an illness of the respiratory system such as COPD or lung cancer mesothelioma related to your prior work on the railroad, it is important to consult an experienced mesothelioma attorney immediately.