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Working on the Railroad Can Increase Your Risk for COPD

You are likely to have been exposed to diesel fumes throughout your entire career if work in the industry of railroads. Long-term railroad employment has been linked to a higher rate of COPD, based on studies. Exposure to these gases can cause toxic encephalopathy, which can cause permanent brain damage. It can also increase the risk of lung cancer, as well as other ailments.

Asbestos

While working on or near trains, railway workers could be exposed to asbestos and other dangerous substances. Asbestos is one of the naturally found minerals that were extensively used due to their durability, fire-resistant, corrosion-resistant and insulation properties. When asbestos is disturbed, it breaks into microscopically thin fibers which can be breathed into the lungs. This can cause serious respiratory diseases such as asbestosis, mesothelioma or pleural plaques.

Workers who have been exposed to asbestos could also be suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases which reduces airflow in the lung and makes breathing difficult. They may also have Pleural effusions that occur when fluid accumulates inside the lungs' lining (pleura).

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

The lawyers of Doran and Murphy PLLC have represented many railroad workers who suffered from occupational diseases. Some of them include COPD mesothelioma, asbestosis and lung cancer. People who have been diagnosed with these conditions can be eligible for financial compensation. To learn more about submitting claims for compensation, call us today. We offer a free initial consultation.

Diesel Exhaust

The switch of railroad locomotives from steam power to diesel in the 1950's introduced a new set of toxic fumes, gases and particles for railroad workers to be exposed to. The proper functioning of railroad locomotives is supposed to vent all diesel fumes outside the engine cab. However it has been demonstrated that the exhaust fumes have gotten into a number of railroad workers' cabs, dependent on the design of the locomotive and the way in which the engines were used. Additionally, many kinds of older switching and yard engines were designed with the "long hood forward" setting, causing workers be positioned in the front of the cab of the engine where the diesel exhaust stream was flowing through.

The chemicals in diesel exhaust, which can be visible as dark smoke comprise a myriad of compounds like sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides, as well as polyaromatic hydrocarbons and benzene all of which have been proven to cause cancer. These chemicals are found in tiny particles of diesel fumes, which can be inhaled into the lungs. They cause a chemical reaction that damages lung tissue.

Medical studies have proven that exposure to diesel fumes could result in a respiratory disease known as "diesel asthma" and lung cancer. Certain studies have shown that long-term exposure to diesel fumes may increase the mortality rate from COPD. This is consistent with the claims railroad workers themselves have asserted in legal cases brought under the Federal Employers Liability Act.

Chemical Exposure

Exposure to chemicals by railroad workers can cause lung problems like pulmonary fibroids. This condition causes scarring of the lungs, bnsf railway interstitial lung disease which makes breathing difficult. Symptoms include shortness of breath, coughing and wheezing, fatigue, and clubbing of the fingers and toes. COPD symptoms may be caused by diesel fumes released from idle trains or cigarette smoke.

Derailments can also release chemicals. Railcars could be carrying dangerous substances such as crude oil chlorine, crude oil or other dangerous substances. The chemicals could be released or spill out during a train crash. In these instances railroad employees and first responders are exposed toxic chemicals.

The colorless Benzene can be described as a light yellow liquid chemical that is quickly evaporated. It is a part of gasoline and crude oil as well as be detected in cigarette smoke, or in vapors from various paints. Benzene can cause cancer and damage to reproductive organs.

If you're a Bnsf Railway Interstitial Lung Disease worker and have been diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis an attorney for COPD on the railway from Doran & Murphy can help you get the compensation that you deserve. You may be eligible for financial compensation for your medical expenses, lost income, and other damages. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.

Smoking

Smoking is a major bnsf railway interstitial lung disease cause of COPD. Smoke from cigarettes is a source of carbon monoxide, which blocks the lungs with mucus, and blocks airways. The lungs are prevented from breathing properly, which could cause a variety of lung ailments, such as chronic bronchitis, pneumonia, asthma, and emphysema.

Rail workers exposed to diesel exhaust have a greater chance of developing COPD. A retrospective cohort study has shown that COPD mortality increased with the length of time working in jobs that had diesel exhaust exposure increased. This increase was present even after smoking was halted.

The pulmonary inflammation caused by diesel exhaust can be incredibly dangerous. It causes scarring to the lungs and can restrict oxygen flow which can cause fatigue, breathlessness and the rubbing of fingers and toes. It is crucial to seek medical help immediately should you or someone you love is diagnosed with this disease. Contact a railroad pulmonary lawyer at Doran & Murphy today for assistance. Our lawyers will assess the situation and assist you to obtain the compensation you need. Our Portland, Oregon office serves clients across the country.