Pulmonary Fibrosis | Asbestos Exposure

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a lung disease that occurs when lung tissue becomes damaged, thickened and scarred, making it more difficult for the lungs to work properly. IDF is a degenerative disease and patients may get progressively more short of breath.

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis an interstitial lung disease, which includes 200 diseases with similar symptoms with very specific causes. It is estimated that over 80,000 adults in the United States have IPF, with more than 30,000 new cases diagnosed each year.

When the specific cause of pulmonary fibrosis can’t be found, the condition is termed “idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.” However, many patients have an idea of where the condition originated, generally from asbestos exposure or workplace toxic exposures. Plaintiffs can contact a lawyer to investigate toxic tort lawsuits.

Although pulmonary fibrosis has not traditionally been known as an asbestos-related condition, studies have indicated that exposure to toxins like diesel exhaust or asbestos causes the disease in some cases. Inhaling and ingesting asbestos fibers at the workplace or inhaling diesel fumes put many workers at a high risk for developing idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), lung cancer and mesothelioma.

While pulmonary fibrosis is more common than mesothelioma, those who develop the respiratory disease are often unaware it can be caused by asbestos exposure.

Long-term and acute exposure to diesel, silica and asbestos increases the risk of lung cancers and IPF. The U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has concluded that there is no safe level of exposure to asbestos.

Joe Lyon is an experienced Toxic Tort Workplace Injury Attorney reviewing lung disease and asbestos lawsuits for plaintiffs nationwide.

Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis & Asbestos

Diesel exhaust, silica and asbestos exposure can lead to mesothelioma, silicosis, lung cancer, pulmonary fibrosis and a number of other respiratory illnesses. There is no safe level of exposure and a short duration of intense exposure can damage the lung beyond repair.

The damage to lungs cannot be repaired, but medication and therapy can help improve quality of life. Lung transplants and other medical procedures are options, and a pulmonary fibrosis lawyer can help recover compensation to pay for medical expenses, lost wages and long-term disability.

Long-term exposure to a number of toxins and pollutants can damage your lungs. The causes of IPF may be unknown, but experts have identified possible risk factors, including:

• Working around fracking dust (silica)
• Asphalt fumes
• Farm injury and grain dust inhalation
• Hair salon toxic exposure
• Metal Parts Processing & Electroplating
• Welding
• Asbestos Exposure
• Railroad Diesel Exposure

Pulmonary Fibrosis Symptoms

Symptoms of lung disease may vary considerably from person to person and case to case, depending on cause, severity and duration of toxic exposure. Signs and symptoms of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis can include:

• Trouble breathing (dyspnea)
• Persistent cough
• Fatigue
• Unexplained weight loss
• Aching muscles and joints
  

Patients may be placed on a mechanical ventilator, prescribed antibiotics, corticosteroid medications or other medications.

Asbestos Lawsuits

The toxic properties of asbestos exposure have been known for decades, but the health effects can be delayed for many years. Symptoms of pulmonary fibrosis vary depending on individual exposure. Experts in recent years have determined that exposure to asbestos causes the disease, and new studies suggest small amounts of toxic materials can cause harm.

Research presented at the European Respiratory Society’s International Congress in 2014 provided mortality data for IPF, asbestosis and mesothelioma. Those with IPF usually present with identical symptoms to those of Asbestosis.

Asbestosis is simply the name given to the lung disease developed by those with a known history of asbestos exposure. The symptoms and presentation of lung cancer, mesothelioma and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis can be the same.

Many cases of lung disease originate in workplace toxic exposure of railroad diesel fumes, silica, welding fumes, asbestos or other toxins. Employers have a duty to protect workers’ health, and when employees develop a lung disease after performing their duties, companies may be held accountable. File a personal injury lawsuit and a rightful settlement is likely with a Toxic Exposure Lawyer.