Asbestos Exposure in the Military
Asbestos was a common material in military bases, barracks and vehicles until it was discovered to cause deadly and dangerous health consequences. Veterans from all branches of the military could have been exposed asbestos lawyer - nerdgaming.Science - and be at risk of developing mesothelioma, among other diseases.
Navy veterans face the highest chance of exposure due to extensive asbestos use on Navy vessels. Army Veterans who constructed or repaired ships, motor vehicles, and 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 exposure in the United States military was widespread with a lot of veterans from every branch being exposed to asbestos and developing mesothelioma and other illnesses from inhaling asbestos' deadly mineral. The Boston asbestos lawyers at the Jeffrey Glassman Injury Lawyers have years of experience in helping Army veterans pursue VA benefits and compensation for mesothelioma and other asbestos-related illnesses.
The Navy used asbestos extensively on vessels and submarines during WWII. Navy veterans with multiple MOSs might 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 while serving. Asbestos was often used in aircrafts, including fuel systems, rotors, and hydraulics. Asbestos is also used in the manufacture of gaskets, thermal insulation and fireproofing.
Navy pipefitters and welders were often exposed to asbestos during maintenance on Navy vessels. Lagging containing asbestos was commonly used on pipes that ran the entire length of a vessel. Welders working in the Navy were often required to remove this lagging prior making repairs. Navy pipefitters were often working with asbestos-containing insulation, gaskets, and seals. One Navy pipefitter named William Smith developed mesothelioma after having lung cancer as a result of his asbestos exposure.
Metal fabricators and steelworkers in the Navy were often exposed to asbestos while working at a shipyard or construction sites. Asbestos is utilized as an insulation material, a fireproofing material and a welding material. Inhaling asbestos fibers poses an extremely dangerous risk for any welding work, especially when it is wet.
Asbestos was a frequent ingredient in the work of veterans from the Army, Marine Corps Navy and Air Force who worked on ships or motor vehicles. VA benefits such as disability compensation can help these veterans concentrate on their mesothelioma treatment instead of worrying about paying for the cost of living. These veterans could also be eligible for mesothelioma damages from negligent asbestos producers. They were aware of asbestos's dangers and should be accountable for the medical expenses of their victims. Asbestos lawsuits have helped many asbestos victims receive substantial compensation.
Symptoms
Many veterans who have been exposed to asbestos have suffered from a variety of serious ailments. Exposure to the toxic mineral puts a person at risk for mesothelioma, lung cancer and asbestosis. These illnesses can develop over a period of between 20 and 50 years. Many veterans who worked on Army bases, Navy shipyards and Air Force bases can be compensated for their asbestos exposure and health conditions.
The military heavily relied on asbestos-based products until the 1980s. Navy shipyards, Coast Guard yards and Army bases all used asbestos to construct and repair naval vessels. Navy sailors were at the highest risk of exposure. Asbestos can be found in ship engine rooms as well as boiler rooms and deck flooring.
Asbestos was also found in the workplaces of military personnel who performed other jobs like insulators and pipefitters. Asbestos was commonly used in building materials like walls, roofs and doors. The Navy used asbestos to create fireproofing.
These hazardous materials could pose a health risk for military personnel and women even when they were not on the base or ship. Asbestos fibers can stay in the lung and cause scarring over many years after inhalation. As time passed the scarring on the lungs grew so severe that asbestosis was caused.
Asbestosis, while not cancerous but it can cause other health issues, such as mesothelioma. The disease can take between 20 and 50 years to develop after exposure. People who have the pleural plaques, a non-cancerous form of asbestosis can be six to nine times more likely to develop mesothelioma.
Secondhand exposure to asbestos can also cause mesothelioma, particularly if a family member was a laborer or military personnel who worked with asbestos lawsuits-based products. This is because asbestos can be transported through the air. Asbestos victims typically brought these dangerous fibers home with them on their clothing and exposed to their family members. Secondhand mesothelioma cases typically involve spouses, children and siblings of those exposed to asbestos in their work. In these cases, the survivors of the spouse or children of a mesothelioma victim are eligible to receive compensation from the VA for their loved one's asbestos-related illness.
Treatment
Patients suffering from mesothelioma have many treatments that can help them combat symptoms, slow down the progress of the disease, and avoid complications. This includes radiotherapy, surgery, chemotherapy and immunotherapy. Often, doctors will suggest a combination of these treatments, depending on the type of asbestos-related disease.
Asbestos is a noxious material that was extensively used on military bases and in ships, aircrafts and vehicles. It was found in drywall, cement mixes, spackling, and roofing to make fireproof components and to insulate them. These materials were smashed during repair and maintenance, putting service members at risk.
Marine Corps veterans were exposed to asbestos lawsuit in their barracks, on naval vessels, and during transportation, as well during their work on aircraft and vehicles. Asbestos was found in ship insulation, electrical wiring and boiler rooms and engine components and fabricated items 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 components.
Asbestos is a flexible, durable material that was used to insulate valves, pipes and boilers. It was also used for ceiling and floor tile. Its insulating properties as well as its low cost and simple manufacturing made asbestos a perfect material for fireproofing. Asbestos also resists heat, which makes it a popular material for engine components such as turbines and engines.
Asbestos has been linked to a number of illnesses which include mesothelioma. Lung cancer and pleural mesothelioma comprise two frequent types of mesothelioma, and both are caused by prolonged exposure to asbestos fibers. These cancers cause malignant tumors in the lungs and chest walls.
The asbestos producers responsible for the mesothelioma that affects patients with asbestos-related ailments may be able to pay them a financial settlement. This money can help pay for medical treatment and other support services. To be eligible for these funds, victims have to go through an extensive process that includes the collection of medical records and other important documents. It is essential to seek legal representation for victims of mesothelioma that have suffered the hardships associated with this illness.
VA Benefits
Veterans who suffer from an asbestos-related illness have the right to receive disability benefits and compensation. However, it can be difficult to prove that their medical condition is linked to their military service. Many symptoms are mistakenly interpreted as other conditions, such as smoking-related COPD. For this reason, it is crucial for Veterans to make a VA claim early as possible. A mesothelioma lawyer with experience can assist veterans with gathering the evidence needed to submit an effective claim.
Every veteran's asbestos exposure is different, however certain branches of the military were at greater risk. Navy veterans were frequently at risk due to the duration of their time on ships and shipyards. The vessels were contaminated with asbestos in numerous places such as boiler and engine rooms, living quarters and aircraft machinery. Air Force veterans were also at risk because they frequently worked with planes and military vehicles that contained asbestos.
Although asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral, it must be mined and processed to be used in the military. If asbestos is not properly handled, it could break down and then become airborne. When inhaled, these tiny fibers can enter the lungs and abdomen and cause irritation to the membranes that line the chest and stomach. These fibers can cause the tissues of the chest and stomach to swell over time. These tumors, known as mesothelioma, are the most dangerous form of asbestos-related cancer.
Other types of asbestos-related illnesses that could develop include respiratory issues like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). These symptoms can be mistaken for smoking-induced COPD. However it is crucial that Veterans see a doctor to receive an accurate 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. The VA could provide financial assistance to Veterans who do not reside in the area. This could include travel and housing costs. Additionally, a lot of mesothelioma specialists provide private practices for patients who are not able to be seen at the VA facility.