Asbestos Exposure in the Military

Asbestos was a widely-used material in military bases, barracks and vehicles until it was found to be a danger and cause health effects. Veterans from all branches of the military could have been exposed asbestos and be at risk of developing mesothelioma among other diseases.

The Navy veterans are the most at risk of asbestos exposure because of the widespread use of asbestos on Navy vessels. Army Veterans who built or repaired ships, motor vehicles, and those who repair them, are also at risk.

Military Occupational Specialty (MOS)

Asbestos was a favored building material for many years before it was discovered to have dangerous health effects. Asbestos exposure in United States military was widespread, with many veterans of every branch exposed to asbestos and developing mesothelioma or other illnesses from inhaling asbestos, a harmful mineral. The Boston asbestos lawyers at Jeffrey Glassman Injury Lawyers have extensive experience helping Army veterans pursue VA benefits and compensation for mesothelioma and other asbestos-related illnesses.

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

Air Force veterans could have also been exposed to asbestos attorneys while serving. Asbestos is often used in aircraft, such as fuel systems and rotors. Asbestos was also used to create thermal insulation, fireproofing and gaskets.

Asbestos was often present in the work of Navy pipefitters and welding crews. Lagging containing asbestos was commonly used on pipes that ran through the entire length of a ship. Navy welders were sometimes required to remove the lagging prior making repairs. Navy pipefitters were often working with asbestos-containing gaskets, seals, and insulation. William Smith, a Navy pipefitter, was diagnosed with mesothelioma due to asbestos exposure after developing lung cancer.

Metal fabricators and steelworkers working in the Navy were often exposed to asbestos when working in the shipyard or on construction sites. Asbestos is used as an insulation material, a fireproofing material and as a welding material. Inhaling asbestos fibres is a serious health risk for any type of welding especially when it's 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. Veterans can focus on their treatment for mesothelioma instead of worrying about the cost of living. They could also be eligible for mesothelioma compensation from negligent asbestos manufacturers. These companies knew about asbestos's dangers and are responsible for the medical expenses of their victims. Asbestos lawsuits have helped many asbestos victims receive substantial compensation.

Symptoms

Veterans who have been exposed to asbestos have suffered a wide range of serious diseases. The exposure to asbestos's toxic mineral puts a person at risk of developing mesothelioma, asbestosis and lung cancer. These illnesses can take between 20 to 50 years to develop. Fortunately, many veterans who served on Army bases, Navy shipyards and Air Force bases can be compensated for asbestos exposure and the resulting health issues.

Up until the 1980s the military relied heavily on asbestos-based products. Asbest was employed in the construction and repair of naval ships by Navy shipyards, as well as Army bases and Coast Guard yards. Navy sailors were especially at risk of exposure. Asbestos can be found in ship engine rooms boiler rooms, decks and flooring.

asbestos lawsuits was also found in the workplaces of military workers who were employed in other fields such as insulators or pipefitters. Asbestos was commonly used in building materials such as walls, roofs and doors. The Navy even used asbestos to create fireproofing.

These dangerous materials could pose a risk to the health of service members even when they were away from the ship or base. Asbestos fibers can remain in the lungs and cause scarring for many years after inhalation. As time passed the scarring on the lungs grew so severe that asbestosis was triggered.

Asbestosis, though not cancerous however, can trigger other health problems, including mesothelioma. This condition can take anywhere from 20 to 50 years to develop after exposure. People who have Pleural plaques, which are an asbestosis that is not cancerous, may be six to nine times more likely to develop mesothelioma.

Secondhand exposure to asbestos attorney can cause mesothelioma as well, especially if the family member was a laborer or military personnel who handled asbestos-based materials. This is due to asbestos's ability to be transported through the air. Asbestos sufferers often brought these dangerous fibers home on their clothing and exposed their loved ones to asbestos. Secondhand mesothelioma cases usually involve children, spouses, and siblings of those exposed to asbestos while at work. In these cases the mesothelioma patient's remaining spouse or child can receive compensation for the illness caused by asbestos of their loved one.

Treatment

Affected veterans face a number of treatment options to aid in reducing symptoms, slow the progression of mesothelioma and reduce the risk of complications. This includes radiotherapy, surgery chemotherapy, immunotherapy and radiotherapy. Doctors often recommend a combination treatment based on the severity and type of the asbestos-related illness.

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

Marine Corps veterans were exposed asbestos in barracks as well as on naval vessels during transport and in their work on vehicles and aircrafts. Asbestos was found in the insulation of ships boiler rooms, boiler rooms and electrical wiring, as well as engine parts as well as fabricated components like brake pads and clutches. Marines who worked with vehicle-based equipment were at a higher risk of asbestos exposure because they frequently interacted with asbestos-containing components.

Because asbestos is a flexible and durable material, it was used to create insulation for boilers, valves, pipes, cables and floor tiles as well as ceilings. Asbestos's insulating properties made it an ideal material for fireproofing, and it was cheap and easy to manufacture. Asbestos also resists heat, making it a popular material for engine parts such as turbines and engines.

Asbestos has been linked to numerous illnesses such as mesothelioma. Lung cancer and mesothelioma are two kinds of disease caused by asbestos fibers. These cancers affect the lungs and chest wall, causing malignant tumors to grow.

Patients diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease are typically eligible for financial compensation from the asbestos attorneys producers responsible for their mesothelioma. This money can be used to pay for medical care and other support services. To qualify for these funds, victims must go through a rigorous process which includes obtaining medical records as well as other vital documents. It is important to get legal representation for those suffering from mesothelioma who have experienced the hardships associated with this disease.

VA Benefits

Veterans who suffer from an asbestos-related condition are entitled to disability benefits and compensation. However, it is difficult to prove that their condition is related to their military service. This is because many symptoms can be mistaken as other ailments, such as smoking-related COPD. This is why it is essential for Veterans to make an VA claim as soon as possible. A mesothelioma lawyer can assist veterans gather evidence for a successful claim.

Each veteran's asbestos exposure is different, however certain branches of the military were at higher risk. Navy veterans were typically at the highest risk because of their time on ships and shipyards. The vessels were contaminated with asbestos in a variety of places, such as the boiler room and engine living quarters, as well as aircraft machinery. Air Force veterans were also at a high risk because they often worked with planes and military vehicles that were contaminated with asbestos.

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

Other forms of asbestos-related ailments that could develop include respiratory issues like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). These symptoms are often mistaken for smoking-related COPD however it is crucial for Veterans to see a doctor and get a clear diagnosis.

The Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, located in Miami, is a treatment center for a variety of Veterans suffering from asbestos-related illnesses. This center is a short distance from the Miami VA Medical Center. For Veterans who are not in the region and are not eligible for the VA may provide financial assistance for travel and housing expenses. Many mesothelioma experts offer private practice options for patients who don't want to be seen in the VA facility.