Asbestos Exposure in the Military

Asbestos was a widely-used material in military barracks, bases and vehicles until it was discovered to have dangerous and deadly health effects. Veterans from all branches of the military may have been exposed to asbestos and are at risk of developing mesothelioma, among other illnesses.

Navy veterans face the highest likelihood of exposure due to extensive asbestos use on Navy ships. Army Veterans who built or repaired vessels and motor vehicles, as well as those who repaired them, are also at risk.

Military Occupational Specialty (MOS)

Asbestos was a popular material for building materials for decades before its detrimental health effects were discovered. Asbestos was used extensively in the United States Military. Many veterans from all branches were exposed asbestos, and many developed mesothelioma and other ailments after inhaling the deadly mineral. The Boston asbestos lawyers at the Jeffrey Glassman Injury Lawyers have extensive experience helping Army veterans seek VA benefits and compensation for mesothelioma as well as other asbestos-related diseases.

In WWII, the Navy used asbestos extensively in both ships and submarines. Navy veterans with numerous MOSs may have been exposed to asbestos lawyers in their sleeping quarters, compartments and other areas of the ship, in addition to at nearby shipyards and construction sites.

Air Force veterans may also have been exposed to asbestos during their service. Asbestos was commonly used in aircraft, including fuel systems, rotors, and hydraulics. Asbestos was also used to create thermal insulation, fireproofing and gaskets.

Navy pipefitters and welders were often exposed to asbestos during maintenance on Navy vessels. Lagging that contained asbestos was frequently used on pipes that ran through the entire length of the ship. Navy welding technicians were sometimes required to remove the 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 developing lung cancer from his exposure to asbestos.

Asbestos was a frequent exposure for metal fabricators as well as steelworkers in the Navy while working at a shipyard or construction site. Asbestos is utilized as an insulation material, a fireproofing substance and a welding material. Inhaling asbestos fibers poses a serious risk for any welding, particularly when it is wet.

Army, Marine Corps, Navy and Air Force veterans who worked on ships or motor vehicles were exposed to asbestos as part of their job. VA benefits such as disability compensation can allow these veterans to concentrate on their treatment for mesothelioma instead of worrying about how to pay for their daily living expenses. They could be eligible for 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.

Signs and symptoms

Veterans who have been exposed to asbestos have developed a wide range of serious illnesses. Exposure to asbestos increases the chance of developing mesothelioma as well as lung cancer. These illnesses can take 20 to 50 years to develop. Many veterans who worked in Army bases, Navy Shipyards, and Air Force Bases can receive compensation for asbestos exposure and health issues.

Until the 1980s the military was heavily reliant on asbestos lawyer-based products. Navy shipyards, Coast Guard yards and Army bases all used asbestos to construct and repair naval vessels. Navy sailors are at a greater risk of asbestos exposure. Asbestos is often found in ship engines boiler rooms, decks and flooring.

Asbestos was also present in the workplaces of military personnel who worked in other positions like insulators and pipefitters. Asbestos was often used in building materials such as doors, walls, and roofs. The Navy even employed asbestos to make fireproofing.

These dangerous materials were a danger to the health of soldiers even when they were away from the base or ship. Asbestos fibers can remain in the lung and cause scarring for a long time after inhalation. In time, the scarring became so severe that it caused asbestosis, a lung disease.

Asbestosis, while not cancerous however, can trigger other health issues, such as mesothelioma. The disease can take 20 to 50 years to develop following exposure. Mesothelioma can be six to nine times more likely to develop in people who have plaques in the pleura. Pleural plaques are a type asbestosis that is not cancerous.

Secondhand exposure to asbestos may cause mesothelioma as well. This is particularly true if a family member worked as a worker or was in the military and was exposed to asbestos-based products. This is because asbestos fibers can be carried through the air. Asbestos victims often brought the harmful fibers home with them on their clothing and exposed their family members. Secondhand mesothelioma cases usually involve children, spouses, and siblings of those exposed to asbestos at work. In these cases the mesothelioma patient's remaining spouse or child can receive compensation for the asbestos-related illness of their loved one.

Treatment

Veterans with mesothelioma have a variety of treatment options to aid in reducing symptoms, slow progression of mesothelioma and reduce the risk of complications. This includes chemotherapy, surgery, radiation and immunotherapy. Doctors typically suggest a combination of treatments based on the type and severity of the asbestos-related disease.

Asbestos was extensively used in military bases, ships, aircrafts and even vehicles. It was added in drywall, cement mixes roofing, spackling, and spackling to make fireproof components and to insulate them. These materials were disturbed during repair and maintenance which put service personnel at risk.

Marine Corps veterans were exposed asbestos in barracks as well as on naval vessels during transportation and in their work on aircraft and vehicles. Asbestos was incorporated in the insulation of ships boiler rooms, boiler rooms, and electrical wiring and engine parts and manufactured items like brake pads and clutches. Marines who worked on vehicles-related equipment were at a high risk of asbestos exposure because they often interacted with these components.

Asbestos is a soft, durable material that was used to insulate valves, pipes and boilers. It was also used for ceiling tile and floor tile. Asbestos's insulating properties made it a perfect fireproofing material and it was also cheap and easy to make. Asbestos is also resistant heat, making it a popular material for engine parts like engines and turbines.

Asbestos is linked to many diseases including mesothelioma. Lung cancer and pleural mesothelioma are two most common forms of the disease, and both are caused by prolonged exposure to asbestos Lawsuit fibers. These cancers cause malignant tumors within the lungs and chest wall.

The asbestos producers responsible for mesothelioma in patients with asbestos-related ailments might be able compensate them financially. This money can help provide medical treatment and other support services. To be eligible for these funds, patients must undergo a rigorous process that involves obtaining medical records and important documents. It is essential to seek legal representation for those suffering from mesothelioma who have suffered the difficulties associated with this disease.

VA Benefits

Veterans suffering from an asbestos-related illness have the right to disability benefits and compensation. However, it is difficult to prove that the condition is related to their military service. Many symptoms can be misinterpreted as other conditions, such as COPD caused by smoking. This is why it is essential for Veterans to file an VA claim as soon as they can. A mesothelioma lawyer will help veterans gather evidence to support an effective claim.

Each veteran's exposure to asbestos is different, however certain branches of the military were at higher risk. Navy veterans were often at the highest risk because of their time on ships and shipyards. The vessels contained asbestos in many places, including the boiler room and engine, living quarters and aircraft machinery. Air Force veterans were also at risk due to the fact that they often worked with planes and military vehicles which contained asbestos.

Asbestos is a natural mineral that occurs naturally, but it has to be extracted to be utilized by the military. If asbestos is not properly handled, it could break up and become airborne. Inhaling these microscopic fibers can enter the lungs and abdomen and cause irritation to the membranes that connect the stomach and chest. As time passes, these fibers can cause the linings of the stomach to scar and form tumors. These tumors, known as mesothelioma are the most deadly form of asbestos-related cancer.

Other asbestos-related diseases that can develop include respiratory issues such as chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD). These symptoms can be mistaken for smoking-induced COPD. However, it is important that Veterans see a doctor to obtain a proper diagnosis.

The Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, located in Miami is a treatment center for a variety of Veterans suffering from asbestos-related illnesses. The Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center is situated just a short distance from the Miami VA Medical Center. For Veterans who are not in the area, the VA may provide financial assistance for housing and travel expenses. Additionally, a lot of mesothelioma specialists provide private practice options for patients that are not able to visit the VA facility.