Asbestos Exposure in the Military
Asbestos used to be a common component in military bases and barracks, as well as vehicles. However, it was later discovered that asbestos may be deadly and have dangerous health effects. Veterans from all branches of the military may have been exposed to asbestos and are at risk of developing mesothelioma and other illnesses.
The Navy veterans are at the highest risk of exposure to asbestos due to the frequent use of asbestos on Navy vessels. However, Army Veterans who repaired or built ships and motor vehicles also faced the risk of exposure.
Military Occupational Specialty (MOS)
Asbestos was a well-known building material for decades before its detrimental health effects were discovered. Asbestos exposure in United States military was widespread with a lot of veterans from all branches being exposed to asbestos and subsequently developing mesothelioma or other diseases from breathing in asbestos' deadly mineral. The Boston asbestos lawyers at the Jeffrey Glassman Injury Lawyers have extensive experience in helping Army veterans seek VA benefits and compensation for mesothelioma and other asbestos-related illnesses.
The Navy employed asbestos extensively on its ships and submarines during WWII. Navy veterans with a variety of MOSs could have been exposed to asbestos in their sleeping quarters, compartments and other areas of the ship, and also at nearby shipyards and construction sites.
Air Force veterans could have also been exposed to asbestos during their time in the service. Asbestos was often used in aircraft, including fuel systems, rotors and hydraulics. Asbestos was also used to make thermal insulation, fireproofing and gaskets.
Asbestos was often used by Navy pipefitters and welding crews. Lagging that contained asbestos was frequently used on pipes that ran the entire length of a ship. Welders in the Navy were sometimes required remove this lagging prior making repairs. Navy pipefitters frequently worked with asbestos in the form of loose asbestos, asbestos-containing gaskets, seals and insulation. One Navy pipefitter named William Smith developed mesothelioma after suffering from lung cancer due to his exposure to asbestos.
Metal fabricators and steelworkers in the Navy were frequently exposed to asbestos when working in the shipyard or on construction sites. Asbestos was utilized for insulation, fireproofing and as an element of welding. Inhaling asbestos fibers poses an extremely dangerous health risk for any type welding work especially when it's wet.
Asbestos was a common ingredient in the work of veterans from the Army, Marine Corps Navy, and Air Force who worked on ships or motor vehicles. Veterans can concentrate on the treatment they receive for mesothelioma rather than worrying about everyday living expenses. These veterans could be entitled to compensation for mesothelioma resulting from negligent asbestos manufacturers. They were aware of the dangers associated with asbestos and should be held responsible for their victims' medical bills. Asbestos lawsuits have helped many asbestos victims receive substantial compensation.
Symptoms
Many asbestos-related victims have suffered from a range of serious diseases. The exposure to asbestos's toxic mineral exposes a person to risk of developing mesothelioma, lung cancer and asbestosis. These illnesses may develop over a period of between 20 and 50 years. Many veterans who served in Army bases, Navy Shipyards, and Air Force Bases can receive compensation for exposure to asbestos and health issues.
The military relied heavily on asbestos-based products up until the 1980s. Asbest was used in the construction and repair of naval vessels by Navy shipyards as well as Army bases and Coast Guard yards. Navy sailors were particularly at risk of exposure. Asbestos was frequently found in boiler rooms, and deck flooring on ships.
Additionally, military personnel working in a variety of other occupations were also exposed to asbestos, such as insulators, pipefitters, plumbers and auto mechanics. Asbestos was commonly employed in building materials, such as doors, walls and roofs. The Navy used asbestos to make fireproofing.
These harmful substances posed a health threat to soldiers and women, even if they were not in the base or ship. When a person inhaled asbestos fibers, they remained in the lungs for a long period of time and caused scarring to the lung's cells. Over Irving asbestos lawsuit grew so severe that it led to the lung condition called asbestosis.
Asbestosis, while not cancerous but it can cause other health problems, including mesothelioma. This condition can take anywhere from 20 to 50 years to develop after exposure. Patients with Pleural plaques, which are a non-cancerous form of asbestosis, may be six to nine times more likely to develop mesothelioma.
Secondhand exposure to asbestos may also cause mesothelioma. This is especially true if a family member worked as a worker or was in the military and handled asbestos-based products. This is because asbestos fibers can be carried through the air. Asbestos sufferers often brought these harmful fibers home on their clothes and exposed their loved ones to asbestos. Secondhand mesothelioma cases usually involve children, spouses and siblings of those who were exposed to asbestos in their work. In these cases the mesothelioma patient's remaining spouse or child can be awarded compensation for the asbestos-related disease of their loved one.
Treatment
Patients suffering from mesothelioma have many treatments that can help them manage symptoms, slow the progression of the disease and avoid complications. These include surgery, radiotherapy chemotherapy, and immunotherapy. Most often, doctors recommend a combination of these treatments, based on the type of asbestos-related illness.
Asbestos was used extensively in military bases, ships, aircrafts, and vehicles. It was used in drywall and cement mixtures, spackling, and roofing to insulate and protect components. During maintenance and repairs these materials were damaged, which put service members at risk of exposure.
Marine Corps veterans were exposed asbestos in their barracks and on naval vessels during transport and during their work on aircraft and vehicles. Asbestos was used in ship insulation, boiler rooms and electrical wiring as well as engine parts and fabricated items such as brake pads and clutches. Marines who worked on vehicles-related equipment were at an increased risk of asbestos exposure because they frequently interacted with asbestos-containing components.
Because asbestos is a flexible and durable material, it was also used for insulating pipes, valves, boilers, cables and floor tiles as well as ceilings. Its insulating properties and its affordability and ease of manufacture made asbestos a great material for fireproofing. Asbestos also withstands heat, making it a popular choice for engine parts like turbines and engines.
Asbestos has been linked to a number of illnesses such as mesothelioma. Lung cancer and pleural mesothelioma are two frequent types of mesothelioma and both are triggered by exposure to asbestos fibers. These cancers can cause malignant tumors to the lungs and chest wall.
The asbestos producers who are responsible for the mesothelioma of people diagnosed with asbestos-related diseases may be able to pay them a financial settlement. This money can help pay for needed medical care and support services. To qualify for these funds, victims must go through a rigorous process that includes the collection of medical records and other critical documents. Many mesothelioma patients have faced the challenges of living with this disease and it is essential to have legal representation to safeguard their rights.
VA Benefits
Veterans who suffer from an asbestos-related condition have the right to disability benefits and compensation. However, it is difficult to prove that their medical condition is linked to their military service. Many symptoms are misinterpreted as other ailments, like smoking-related COPD. This is why it is crucial for Veterans to submit an VA claim as soon as they can. A qualified mesothelioma attorney can assist veterans in gathering the evidence necessary to submit an effective claim.
Every veteran's exposure to asbestos is different, however there are specific branches of the military that were at greater risk of being exposed the toxic mineral. Navy veterans were often at the highest risk because of their work aboard ships and shipyards. The vessels had asbestos in a variety of locations, including the engine and boiler room living quarters, as well as aircraft machinery. Air Force veterans were also at risk because they often worked with military vehicles and planes which contained asbestos.
Asbestos is a natural mineral that occurs naturally, but it must be mined to be used by the military. When asbestos is not handled correctly, it can break down and then become airborne. These tiny fibers can penetrate the lungs, abdomen, and cause irritation of the membranes that line chest and stomach. In time, these fibers can cause the linings of the stomach to scar and develop tumors. These tumors, known as mesothelioma, are among the most dangerous type of asbestos-related cancer.
Other asbestos-related diseases can include respiratory problems like chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD). These symptoms are often confused with smoking-induced COPD, but it is important for Veterans to see a doctor to receive a proper diagnosis.
Many Veterans who are diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease receive treatment at the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center in Miami. This center is just a short drive from the Miami VA Medical Center. For Veterans who don't reside in the region and are not eligible for the VA may provide financial assistance for travel and housing expenses. In addition, many mesothelioma specialists offer private treatment options for patients who do not want to be seen at a VA facility.