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Working on the Railroad Can Increase Your Risk for COPD

You are likely to have been exposed to diesel fumes for your entire career if work in the industry of railroads. Long-term railroad work has been associated with a higher incidence of COPD, as per studies. Exposure to these gases can cause toxic encephalopathy which can cause permanent brain damage. This may also increase the risk of lung cancer and other conditions.

Asbestos

Railroad workers can be exposed to asbestos and bnsf railway myelodysplastic Syndrome other dangerous substances while working in or around trains. Asbestos, which is a grouping of naturally occurring minerals was once widely used because of its durability as well as its fire-resistant and corrosion-resistant properties as well being used for insulation. When asbestos is disturbed it breaks down into microscopic fibers that can be breathed in. This can cause serious respiratory diseases such as asbestosis, mesothelioma, and pleural plaques.

The asbestos-exposure of workers can also develop chronic obstructive lung disease, which causes breathing difficulties. They could also suffer from the condition known as pleural effusions. They occur when fluid accumulates inside the lining of the lung (pleura).

Railroad workers are also exposed to harmful fumes and chemicals in addition to asbestos. This includes harsh cleaning solvents employed on railroad equipment as well as creosote and weed killers as well as other irritating substances.

The lawyers of Doran and Murphy PLLC have represented many railroad workers suffering from occupational diseases. Some of these include COPD mesothelioma and asbestosis, and lung cancer. Those who have been diagnosed with these ailments can be eligible for financial compensation. Contact us today to learn more about submitting a claim for compensation. We provide a free initial consultation.

Diesel Exhaust

The transition of railroad locomotives from steam power to diesel in the 1950's brought with it an entirely new set of harmful fumes, gases and particles for railroad employees to be exposed to. The proper functioning of railroad locomotives is to vent all diesel fumes to the outside of the engine cabin. However it has been discovered that the fumes entered many railroad workers' cabs, in accordance with the design of the locomotive and the manner in which the engines were operated. Many older locomotives, including switching and yard, were operated in the "long-hood forward" position which meant that workers had to be positioned directly in the cab of the engine.

The exhaust from diesel vehicles contains hundreds of chemicals which include sulfur dioxide nitrogen oxides and polyaromatic hydrocarbons. All of these substances are known to cause lung cancer. These chemicals are carried by the microscopic particles in diesel fumes. These can be inhaled deeply into the lungs, causing lung tissue damage.

Medical studies have revealed that exposure to diesel fumes can lead to a respiratory condition known as "diesel asthma" and lung cancer. A few studies show that long-term exposure to diesel fumes may increase the death rate from COPD. This is in the same direction as what railroad workers have claimed themselves in legal cases filed under Federal Employers Liability Act.

Chemical Exposure

The exposure to chemicals that railroad workers can cause lung problems, such as pulmonary fibroids. This condition causes scarring to the lungs, making it difficult to breath. The symptoms include breathlessness wheezing and coughing fatigue, and clubbing of the fingers and toes. People who work on railroads frequently breathe diesel fumes from engines that are running and smoking cigarettes can also lead to COPD symptoms.

Derailments also release chemicals. Railcars could be carrying chlorine, crude oil, or other hazardous substances that can spill or bnsf railway chronic obstructive pulmonary disease leak during a train collision. Railroad employees and first responders could be exposed to hazardous chemicals during these accidents.

Benzene is a colorless or light yellow liquid chemical that is quickly evaporated. It is part of gasoline and crude oil, bnsf railway chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and it can also be seen in cigarette smoke or in vapors from various paints. Benzene is a cancer-causing chemical that can cause damage to reproductive organs.

If you are a railroad worker and have developed pulmonary lung fibrosis and have been diagnosed with COPD, railroad cancer settlements a lawyer for railways from Doran & Murphy can help you get the compensation that you deserve. You could be eligible to receive financial compensation for your medical expenses, lost income and other damages. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.

Smoking

Smoking cigarettes is the leading cause of COPD. Smoke from cigarettes consists of carbon monoxide, which clogs the lungs with mucus, and blocks airways. The lungs then stop breathing properly. This can lead a variety of lung diseases, bnsf railway aplastic anemia including bnsf railway chronic obstructive pulmonary disease bronchitis.

Railroad workers who are exposed to diesel exhaust are at greater risk of developing COPD. A retrospective cohort study found that COPD mortality increased with increasing years spent in jobs that require diesel exhaust and this trend remained after controlling for smoking.

The pulmonary inflammation that can result from exposure to diesel exhaust is very serious. It can cause scarring of the lungs, impede oxygen flow, and bnsf Railway emphysema cause fatigue, shortness of breath, and a throbbing sensation in the fingers and toes. It is essential to seek medical help immediately when you or someone you know has been diagnosed with the disease. Contact a railroad-related pulmonary fibrosis lawyer at Doran & Murphy today for assistance. Our lawyers will analyze your case and assist you to receive the compensation you deserve. We serve clients across the nation from our office in Portland, Oregon.