Railroad Settlement For Emphysema
Railroad workers suffer from emphysema because of years of exposure to dust, toxic fumes and gases. Our FELA law firm assists workers in filing occupational illness claims.
Emphysema patients often rely on compensation from railroad settlement s to cover hospitalization, surgeries and other expenses associated with the condition. This lung condition can be caused by a variety of inhaled particles, including diesel exhaust, silica sand, and asbestos.
Silica Sand
Silica is a mineral that exists in the earth in small granules. It is made of silicon dioxide (SiO2) which has unique crystal structure that gives it hardness and other characteristics. It is used extensively in the construction of.
Inhaling silica dust may cause silicosis. It is a work-related lung disease that could lead to the death of the lungs. It happens when tiny particles of crystallized silica are absorbed into the lung and cause inflammation and scarring. Over time, fibrosis forms around the silica particles, and the lungs become permanently scarred. This could lead to lung cancer, emphysema and bronchitis.
Railroad workers are exposed to crystalline silica through a variety of different ways, including drilling or hammering rock that contains silica; performing blasting abrasive, and working using masonry and concrete. 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 breathed deep into the lungs and can cause damage. Therefore, railroads must ensure that workers are protected from silica exposure, including limiting time in areas where there is significant airborne sand. Railroads should also make sure to provide sandless shoes and mouthpieces to employees who will be using equipment that produces airborne sand. Additionally, trains must be equipped with filters that will prevent the dispersal of sand into the cabin.
Welding Fumes
When you think of welding it is likely you'll see welding professionals who are surrounded by sparkling sparks and elegant curled fumes. When you consider the effects of these fumes, this romantic image is quickly destroyed.
Welding fumes can be toxic mixture of gases, metal particles, and chemicals. million settlement of elements could cause health problems for welders, both in the short-term as well as the long-term exposure. The exact composition of welding fumes depends on a variety of factors, including the type and coatings of the metal being welded and the shielding gases used.
Metal fume fever is an atypical sign of welding fumes. It is characterized by flu-like symptoms such as fatigue as well as chills and aches. The symptoms include an metallic taste in your mouth, and general feeling that you're not well.
Exposure to welding fumes can be reduced through a variety of measures to control the fumes that include local exhaust ventilation (LEV) and respiratory protection equipment, and mechanical general ventilation. However it is important to note that these measures should be viewed as a last resort solution. If welding fumes cannot be controlled by these methods, then it is recommended that a COSHH Assessment is required to determine the appropriate measures. This includes estimating the amount of exposure and determining what steps are required to limit it if prevention is not reasonable.
Diesel Exhaust
In recent years, there has been a rise in the use of "cleaner" engines for trucks and various vehicle types. Those who work in the fields of construction and agriculture, or other services which rely on large equipment that burns fuel, are still exposed to the dangerous fumes. The fumes are a mixture of harmful chemicals which can cause harm to the skin, lungs and internal organs.
Diesel exhaust fumes can be inhaled by railroad employees who operate trains. In addition, railroad shop employees who are required to remain in the locomotive while it is in the shops may also be exposed to the toxic fumes.
Diesel exhaust from diesel engines contains unburned gasoline as well as toxic chemicals. These chemicals include particulate matter (soot), carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides volatile organic compounds and hydrocarbons. Breathing high levels of these pollutants can cause respiratory symptoms like coughing and irritation of the nose and throat and a shortness of breath. It can also cause an accumulation of fluid in the lungs.
Studies have proven that diesel exhaust may increase the risk for lung cancer in humans. The International Agency for Research on Cancer, which is part of World Health Organization, has classified diesel exhaust as carcinogenic for people.
Asbestos
Asbestos can be a deadly material that was once widely employed in the railroad industry. It was strong, durable, and resistant to corrosion and an excellent insulation. It was simple to install and cheap to make. Asbestos is a known contributor to lung cancer as well as many other illnesses. The mesothelioma attorneys at Simmons Hanly Conroy are familiar with the impact asbestos exposure can have on a railroad worker's life and health. We assist railroad workers who have been injured and file FELA lawsuits to obtain financial compensation for their illnesses.
Railroad employees are at greater chance of contracting mesothelioma and asbestos-related diseases, and various other diseases than the general workforce. This is especially relevant to those who worked before 1950, when trains changed from steam to diesel engines. These workers of the past may have been exposed to asbestos while they were building, repairing or sanding the railroad ties, rail cars and locomotives constructed from asbestos. It is a dangerous material.
Many railroad workers who were exposed to asbestos or mesothelioma didn't realize their condition until years afterward. If you suffer from a respiratory disease like COPD, lung carcinoma or mesothelioma that is related to your work in the railroad industry it is imperative that you seek out mesothelioma lawyers immediately.