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What is Black Lung Disease?

Black lung is a condition that results from long-term exposure to coal dust. This leads to scarring of the lungs which inhibits their ability to exchange oxygen with carbon dioxide. It is also known as Coal Workers Pneumoconiosis.

BNSF moved for summary judgment, the argument being that Harrah's 2017 Release completely settled her claims under FELA. Payne did no contest this and the release was valid on its face.

Symptoms

The black sputum can be one of the signs of black lung. The sputum is the result of scarring on the lungs, which blocks oxygen from easily entering the bloodstream. This causes the lung to work harder. Scarring can also cause people to feel exhausted or experience breathing problems. The symptoms may occur following exercising for a long time or while at rest. They are more likely to develop after smoking cigarettes or exposure to certain chemicals or fumes.

On a chest x ray or CT scan, the signs are visible. The lungs that are scarred will appear different from healthy lungs, which are pink. The scarred lungs will be gray or brown, with nodules that are black. The lungs will become larger as the scarring grows more severe.

Railroad workers also have a greater risk of lung cancer and other diseases. Lung cancer is caused by toxic chemicals and it can be spread across the entire body. Workers have a higher risk of lung cancer when they are exposed to asbestos, which is found in the brakes as well as other parts of trains.

In 2021, Donna Payne, bnsf Railway myelodysplastic syndrome acting as the personal representative of the estate of her father, filed a lawsuit against BNSF Railway Company under the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA). He worked near or on BNSF locomotives and facilities for the past 47 years. As a result, he was diagnosed and died of asbestosis.

Diagnosis

A doctor will typically order blood and urine tests in order to confirm black lung. The doctor will complete a detailed examination of your medical history to detect any exposure to toxic substances. People who have been exposed to asbestos are at a greater risk of developing this disease. COPD is also more prevalent for those who smoke or are exposed to diesel exhaust.

Donna Payne, individually and as the representative of Neil Harrah's estate, filed a lawsuit against bnsf railway laryngeal cancer for personal injuries under the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA). She alleged that Harrah was regularly exposed to toxic substances at bnsf railway reactive airway disease work sites, that the railroad failed to warn him of the toxicity of these substances, and that the exposure to them caused Harrah to develop lung cancer and other forms of occupationally-related diseases.

bnsf railway myelodysplastic Syndrome filed for summary judgement in the 2017 release, arguing that it settled all claims against it stemming from Harrah's time at bnsf railway stomach cancer and his death due to lung cancer. Payne opposed the decision and is now taking the matter to federal court. BNSF claims that CARD overdiagnoses patients by using unnecessary X-rays and CT scans, and claims that the interpretation of these results is false.

Treatment

Black lung has no cure and treatment is based on preventing complications or worsening. Doctors prescribe medication to reduce inflammation and support breathing. They may also prescribe oxygen treatment which is essential for those suffering from progressive mass fibrosis. The option of rehabilitation for the lungs is another way to help patients master breathing techniques and gain strength and confidence.

The severity of symptoms could vary from individual to individual based on the composition of the dust in their particular workplace, other medical conditions, and overall health. The most severe cases of the disease can lead to right heart failure (cor bnsf railway myelodysplastic Syndrome Pulmonale). This condition is caused when pulmonary vessels enlarge because of the extensive fibrosis. This leads to an increase in blood pressure first in the lungs, then the heart.

COPD symptoms are similar to those of black lung Railroad workers must be screened regularly for both conditions. Other substances that can increase the risk of COPD include cadmium and silica. They also include pesticides and secondhand smoke, wood dust, and cadmium.

In March 2021, Donna Payne filed a suit against BNSF in the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA) on behalf of her father's estate. She claimed that the railway company did not provide Harrah with an environment for work that is safe, warn him of asbestos's dangers, and to comply with governing standards.