Asbestos Exposure in the Military

Asbestos used to be a common material in military barracks and bases, as well as vehicles. However, it was later discovered that asbestos could be deadly and have dangerous health effects. Veterans from all branches of the military may have been exposed asbestos and be at risk of developing mesothelioma, among other diseases.

The Navy veterans are at the greatest risk of asbestos exposure because of the widespread use of asbestos on Navy vessels. Army Veterans who built or repaired ships, 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 a long time before its negative health effects were discovered. Asbestos exposure during the United States military was widespread with a lot of veterans from every branch being exposed to asbestos and subsequently developing mesothelioma or other diseases from breathing in asbestos, a harmful mineral. The Boston asbestos lawyers at Jeffrey Glassman Injury Lawyers have extensive experience in helping Army veterans obtain VA benefits and compensation for mesothelioma as well as other asbestos-related diseases.

In WWII the Navy employed asbestos extensively in its ships and submarines. Navy veterans with multiple MOSs may have been exposed to asbestos in their sleeping quarters, compartments and other areas of the ship in addition to in nearby shipyards or construction sites.

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

Navy pipefitters and welders were often exposed to asbestos while doing maintenance on Navy ships. Lagging that contained asbestos was frequently used on pipes that ran the entire length of a ship. Welders working in the Navy were sometimes required remove this lagging prior making repairs. Navy pipefitters were often working with loose asbestos and asbestos-containing gaskets, seals and insulation. William Smith, a Navy pipefitter, developed mesothelioma from asbestos exposure after developing lung cancer.

Steelworkers and metal fabricators in the Navy were often exposed to asbestos while working at the shipyard or on construction sites. Asbestos is used as an insulation material, a fireproofing substance and a welding materials. Inhaling asbestos fibers poses very dangerous for health in any type welding work, particularly when it's wet.

Army, Marine Corps, Navy and Air Force veterans who worked on ships or motor vehicles were exposed to asbestos as a part of their duties. VA benefits such as disability compensation can allow these veterans to focus on their mesothelioma treatment instead of worrying about how to pay for their daily living expenses. Veterans could be entitled to compensation for mesothelioma from negligent asbestos manufacturers. These companies were aware of the dangers associated with asbestos and should be held accountable for the medical expenses of their victims. Asbestos lawsuits have helped many asbestos victims receive substantial compensation.

Signs and symptoms

Veterans who have been exposed to asbestos have suffered various serious illnesses. The exposure to asbestos's toxic mineral puts a person at risk of developing mesothelioma, asbestosis, and lung cancer. These diseases can take anywhere from 20 to 50 years to develop. Many veterans who were employed in Army bases, Navy Shipyards, and Air Force Bases can receive compensation for asbestos exposure and health conditions.

Up until the 1980s the military relied heavily on asbestos-based products. 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 are at a higher risk of being exposed to asbestos. Asbestos is often found in ship engine rooms as well as boiler rooms and deck flooring.

Additionally, military personnel working in a number of other jobs also were exposed to asbestos, including plumbers, pipefitters and insulators and auto mechanics. Asbestos was often used in building materials like walls, roofs and doors. The Navy even used asbestos to create fireproofing.

These hazardous substances posed a threat to service members' health even when they were off the ship or base. When an individual inhaled asbestos fibers, they remained inside the lungs for long periods of time, and caused scarring on the cells of the lungs. As time passed the scarring on the lungs was so severe that asbestosis was caused.

Asbestosis, though not cancerous however, can trigger other health problems, including mesothelioma. This disease takes 20 to 50 years to develop following exposure. Mesothelioma is between six and nine times more likely to develop in those who have plaques in the pleura. Pleural plaques are a form of asbestosis that is not cancerous.

Secondhand exposure to asbestos can also cause mesothelioma, particularly if a family member was a worker or military personnel who worked with asbestos attorney-based materials. This is due to asbestos's ability to be transported through the air. Asbestos victims carried dangerous asbestos fibers into their homes through their clothes, exposing family members. Secondhand mesothelioma cases usually involve children, spouses and siblings of those exposed to asbestos at work. In these instances the mesothelioma patient's survivor spouse or child can be awarded compensation for the illness caused by asbestos of their loved one.

Treatment

Veterans with mesothelioma have a variety of treatment options that could assist with symptoms, slow progression of mesothelioma and reduce the risk of complications. This includes chemotherapy, surgery or radiation therapy, as well as immunotherapy. In most cases, doctors will recommend a combination of the treatments, depending on the type of asbestos-related illness.

Asbestos was used extensively in military bases as well as aircrafts, ships and vehicles. It was incorporated into drywall and cement mixtures, spacklings and roofing materials to protect against fire and insulate components. These materials were smashed during maintenance and repair which put service personnel at risk.

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 into the insulation of ships boiler rooms, boiler rooms, and electrical wiring and engine parts and manufactured components like brake pads and clutches. Marines who worked as mechanics on vehicle-based equipment were at a particular high risk of exposure because of their frequent contact with asbestos-containing parts.

Asbestos is a flexible and durable material that was used to insulate valves, pipes and boilers. It was also used for ceiling tile and floor tile. Its insulating properties as well as its low cost and easy to manufacture, made asbestos an ideal material for fireproofing. Asbestos also resists heat, making it a popular material for engine components such as turbines and engines.

Asbestos is linked to many illnesses which include mesothelioma. Lung cancer and mesothelioma pleural are two forms of disease caused by asbestos fibers. These cancers affect the lungs and chest wall, causing malignant tumors to grow.

The asbestos manufacturers who are responsible for the mesothelioma of patients with asbestos-related ailments may be able to pay them a financial settlement. The money will help pay for medical treatment and support services. To be eligible for these funds, victims have to go through an exhaustive process that includes obtaining medical records and important documents. It is important to get legal representation for patients of mesothelioma that have suffered the hardships associated with this disease.

VA Benefits

Veterans suffering from an asbestos-related illness have the right to receive disability benefits and compensation. However, it is difficult to prove their condition is related to their military service. This is because a variety of symptoms are mistaken for other ailments, such as smoking-related COPD. Veterans must submit an VA claim as soon as they can. A mesothelioma lawyer can assist veterans gather evidence for a successful claim.

Every veteran's exposure to asbestos is different, however there are certain military branches that were at greater risk of being exposed the toxic mineral. Navy veterans were typically at risk due to the duration of their work aboard ships and shipyards. The vessels were contaminated with asbestos in a variety of places, such as the boiler room and engine as well as living quarters and aircraft machinery. Air Force veterans were also at a high risk because they often worked with military vehicles and planes that were contaminated with asbestos.

Although asbestos lawyer is a natural mineral however, it has to be extracted and processed in order to be used in military. If it is not handled correctly tiny asbestos fibers may split and then become airborne. Inhaling these microscopic fibers enter the lungs and abdomen, and cause irritation to the membranes that line the chest and stomach. As time passes these fibers can cause the linings to scar and form tumors. These tumors are known as mesothelioma, and are the most dangerous asbestos-related cancer.

Other asbestos-related diseases could include respiratory issues like chronic obstructive respiratory disease (COPD). These symptoms can be mistaken for smoking-induced COPD. However it is essential that Veterans visit a doctor to get a precise diagnosis.

The Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, located in Miami, is a center for treatment for a variety of Veterans suffering from asbestos-related illnesses. The facility is just located just a few minutes away from the Miami VA Medical Center. The VA may offer financial assistance to Veterans who do not reside in the region. This could include travel and housing costs. In addition, many mesothelioma specialists offer private practices for patients who don't want to be treated at a VA facility.