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Working on the Railroad Can Increase Your Risk for COPD

You are likely to have been exposed to diesel fumes over your entire career if you work in the industry of railroads. Research has connected long-term employment in the railroad industry to higher rates of COPD. Exposure to these fumes could result in toxic encephalopathy which is a condition that can cause permanent brain damage. This can also increase the risk of lung cancer as well as other conditions.

Asbestos

Railroad workers are susceptible to asbestos and other harmful substances when working near or around trains. Asbestos, a class of naturally occurring minerals, was once widely used due to of its strength, bnsf railway non hodgkins lymphoma fire-resistant and corrosion-resistant properties, as well for its insulation properties. When asbestos is disturbed, it breaks down into microscopic fibers, Bnsf Railway non hodgkins lymphoma which can be inhaled. This can result in serious respiratory ailments like mesothelioma, asbestosis, and the formation of pleural plaques.

Workers who have been exposed to asbestos may also suffer from chronic obstructive respiratory disease, which restricts airflow from the lungs and makes breathing difficult. Pleural effusions can also occur as a result of an accumulation of fluid in the lining of the lungs (pleura).

Railroad workers can also be exposed to toxic fumes, chemicals and toxins in addition to asbestos. This includes harsh cleaning solvents used on railroad equipment and creosote, weedkillers and other irritations.

The attorneys at Doran and Murphy PLLC represent many railroad workers who have been affected by occupational diseases. COPD, asbestosis, mesothelioma and lung cancer are a few of the occupational diseases that can be diagnosed. Patients diagnosed with these ailments are eligible to receive financial compensation. Contact us today to learn more about filing an claim for compensation. We offer a no-cost initial consultation.

Diesel Exhaust

In the 1950s, when railroad locomotives were converted from steam power to diesel power, bnsf railway non hodgkins lymphoma they released a cocktail of toxic gases and particulates that railroad workers were exposed to. Railroad locomotives operating properly are designed to let out all exhaust fumes generated by diesel out of an engine cab but, over time, it has been proven that, based upon the method of use for locomotives as well as cab design, these fumes did get into many railroad workers' cabs. Additionally, many kinds of older yard and switching engines were operated using the "long hood forward" positioning causing workers to be positioned in the front of the cab of the engine where the diesel exhaust stream flowed through.

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

Medical studies have shown that exposure to diesel fumes can lead to a respiratory condition known as "diesel asthma" and lung cancer. A few studies also show that exposure to diesel fumes can increase COPD deaths. This is in the same direction as what railroad workers have claimed in legal cases brought under the Federal Employers Liability Act.

Chemical Exposure

Exposure to chemicals by railroad workers can cause lung issues like bnsf railway pulmonary fibrosis fibroids. This condition causes scarring to the lungs, making it difficult to breathe. COPD symptoms include shortness of breath wheezing and coughing fatigue, and a tendency to slash fingers and toes. People who work on railroads are often exposed to diesel fumes from engines that are running, and cigarette smoke can also lead to COPD symptoms.

Derailments may also release harmful chemicals. Railcars may be carrying hazardous substances such as crude oils chlorine, crude oil or other dangerous substances. These substances could be released or spill out during a train crash. In these instances, railroad workers and first responders are exposed to the harmful chemicals.

The colorless Benzene can be described as a light yellow liquid chemical that quickly evaporates. It is found in crude oil, gasoline and cigarette smoke. Benzene is known to cause cancer and can damage the reproductive organs.

If you are a railroad worker and have developed bnsf railway pulmonary fibrosis lung fibrosis and have been diagnosed with COPD, a lawyer for railways from Doran & Murphy can help to get the compensation you need. You could be entitled to financial compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages. Contact us today for a an appointment with us for a free consultation.

Smoking

Smoking cigarettes is the leading cause of COPD. Smoke from cigarettes contains carbon dioxide, which causes lungs to become clogged and blocks airways. This causes the lungs to stop breathing properly. This can result in a variety lung diseases such as chronic bronchitis.

Rail workers who are exposed to diesel exhaust have a higher chance of developing COPD. A retrospective cohort study has found that COPD mortality increased with increasing years of working in jobs that are exposed to diesel exhaust, and this increase persisted after adjusting for smoking.

The bnsf railway pulmonary fibrosis fibrosis triggered by diesel exhaust is extremely grave. It can cause scarring of the lungs, which can restrict the flow of oxygen and lead to fatigue, shortness of breath, as well as swollen fingers and toes. It's vital to seek medical help immediately if you or someone you know is diagnosed with this disease. Contact a railroad pulmonary lawyer at Doran & Murphy today for assistance. Our lawyers will assess the case and help you obtain the compensation you need. We serve clients across the nation from our office in Portland, Oregon.