Railroad Settlement For EmphysemaRailroad workers suffer emphysema from years of exposure to dust, toxic fumes and gases. Our FELA firm assists them with filing occupational disease claims.Emphysema victims often rely on railroad settlements to cover hospital, surgical and therapeutic costs relating to their condition.  CSX Transportation settlement  can be caused by a range of inhaled particles, such as diesel exhaust, silica sand, and asbestos.Silica SandSilica is found in earth's crust in small granules. It is made of silicon dioxide (SiO2) that has a unique lattice crystal structure that gives it its hardness and other characteristics. It is used in construction.CSX Transportation settlement  can cause silicosis. It is a work-related lung disease that can lead the death of the lungs. Small particles of silicon enter the lungs and cause inflammation and scarring. As time passes, fibrosis begins to develop around the silica molecule and the lungs are permanently damaged. This makes breathing extremely difficult and could lead to tuberculosis, bronchitis, emphysem, or lung cancer.Rail workers are exposed in various ways to crystalline silicon, including through drilling and hammering silica-rich rocks, blasting with abrasive and using concrete or other masonry materials. Other sources of crystalline silica are sand and rice hulls, as well as other plant tissues containing silica as well as various types of paints.The tiniest of particles of silica are absorbed into the lungs where they cause serious damage. In the end, railroads must ensure that workers are protected from exposure to silica, including limiting time in areas with significant airborne sand. Railroads must also make sure to provide sandless shoes and mouthpieces for employees who are using equipment that produces airborne sand. Furthermore,  lung cancer settlements  should be outfitted with filters that will prevent the sand from getting into the cabin.Welding FumesWhen you picture welding, it is likely that you will see welding professionals who are surrounded by sparkling sparks and graceful curled fume. The romantic image quickly evaporates when you consider the negative effects of the fumes that are released into the air on the health of workers.Welding fumes can be toxic mixture of gases, metal particles, and chemicals. This mixture of elements can affect the health of a welder over both long and short durations. The exact composition of welding fumes varies on a number of factors, including the kind and the coatings of metal being welded as well as the gas used to shield the metal.Metal fume fever is a frequent sign of welding fumes. It is characterized by flu-like symptoms such as fatigue, chills and aches. The symptoms include a metallic taste in the mouth, as well as an overall feeling that you're not well.Exposure to welding fumes can be reduced through a variety of controls, such as local exhaust ventilation (LEV) and respiratory protection equipment and mechanical general ventilation. However, it is important to note that these measures should be considered as a last resort measure. If welding fumes can't be controlled by these methods, then an COSHH Assessment is required to determine the proper controls. This is done by estimating the exposure and considering what steps need to be taken to reduce it if prevention isn't practical.Diesel ExhaustIn recent years there has been a rise in the use of "cleaner" engines for trucks and other vehicle types. Workers in the fields of construction and agriculture as well as other sectors which rely on large equipment that burns fuel, remain exposed to dangerous fumes. These fumes are full of hundreds of harmful chemicals that can cause damage to your skin as well as the lungs and internal organs.Diesel exhaust fumes are typically inhaled by railroad workers who operate trains. In addition, shop employees who are required to remain in the engine while it is in the shops are also exposed to these toxic fumes.Diesel exhaust from diesel engines is made up of gasoline that has not been burned along with toxic chemicals. These chemicals include particulate matter (soot) carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides volatile organic compounds, and hydrocarbons. Breathing in high levels of these contaminants can cause respiratory problems like a snoring cough as well as irritation in the throat and nose and breath shortness. It can also lead to an accumulation of lungs.Studies on diesel exhaust have revealed that it can increase the risk of lung cancer in humans. The International Agency for Research on Cancer is part of the World Health Organization, has classified diesel exhaust as carcinogenic for people.AsbestosAsbestos was once a popular material used in the railroad industry. It was tough, corrosion-resistant and a superb insulation. It was easy for installation and cost-effective to manufacture. Unfortunately asbestos has been linked to several different types of lung cancer, as well as other diseases. The mesothelioma experts at Simmons Hanly Conroy understand the effects of asbestos exposure on the life of railroad workers and their health. We help railroad workers who have been injured to file FELA lawsuits to obtain financial compensation for their injuries.Research has found that railroad workers are at an increased risk of mesothelioma, as well as other asbestos-related diseases than the rest of the workforce. This is particularly relevant to those who worked prior to the 1950s, when trains began to run on diesel engines, instead of steam. These older workers might have been exposed if they repaired, built or sanded rail cars, railroad ties, and locomotives constructed of this deadly material.Many railroad workers who were exposed to asbestos or mesothelioma were not aware of their condition until years afterward. If you have any respiratory illness such as COPD lung cancer, COPD or mesothelioma which is linked to your previous work on the railroad, it's essential to consult a skilled mesothelioma attorney immediately.