Asbestos Exposure in the Military

Asbestos was widely used in military barracks, bases and vehicles until it was discovered to be a danger and cause health effects. Veterans in every branch of the military could have been exposed to asbestos and are at risk of developing mesothelioma and other illnesses.

Lincoln asbestos lawyer Links to an external site. are at the highest risk of asbestos exposure because of the widespread use of asbestos on Navy ships. Army Veterans who constructed or repaired vessels and motor vehicles, and those who repaired them are also at risk.

Military Occupational Specialty

Asbestos was a popular building material for decades before it was discovered to cause harmful health effects. Asbestos was used extensively in the United States Military. Many veterans from all branches were exposed to asbestos, and many developed mesothelioma and other ailments after inhaling this deadly mineral. The Boston asbestos lawyers at Jeffrey Glassman Injury Lawyers have years of experience in helping Army veterans obtain VA benefits and compensation for mesothelioma as well as other asbestos-related illnesses.

The Navy employed asbestos extensively on its ships and submarines during WWII. Navy veterans with numerous MOSs could have been exposed to asbestos in their sleeping quarters, compartments and other areas of the ship, and also in nearby shipyards and construction sites.

Air Force veterans could have also been exposed to asbestos while serving. Asbestos was frequently used in aircrafts, including rotors, fuel systems and hydraulics. Asbestos was also used to create thermal insulation, fireproofing, gaskets and other gaskets.

Asbestos was regularly found in the work of 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 were often working with asbestos in the form of loose asbestos, asbestos-containing gaskets, seals and insulation. William Smith, a Navy pipefitter, contracted mesothelioma as a result of asbestos exposure after he developed lung cancer.

Metal fabricators and steelworkers working in the Navy were frequently exposed to asbestos while working at the shipyard or on construction sites. Asbestos was utilized for insulation, fireproofing and also as an element of welding. Inhaling asbestos fibers poses very dangerous for health in any welding job especially when it's 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. Veterans can concentrate on the treatment they receive for mesothelioma instead of worrying about the cost of living. Veterans may be entitled to compensation for mesothelioma caused by negligent asbestos producers. 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 suffered a wide range of serious illnesses. The exposure to asbestos's toxic mineral puts people at risk of developing mesothelioma and lung cancer and asbestosis. These diseases can take anywhere from 20 to 50 years to develop. It is good news that many veterans who worked on Army bases, Navy shipyards and Air Force bases can receive compensation for asbestos exposure and related health conditions.

The military relied heavily upon asbestos-based products prior to 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 at the highest risk of exposure. Asbestos was frequently found in engine rooms, boiler rooms and deck flooring on ships.

Additionally, military personnel working in a variety of other occupations were also exposed to asbestos, for example insulators, pipefitters, plumbers and auto mechanics. Asbestos was commonly used in building materials such as doors, walls, and roofs. The Navy even employed asbestos to make fireproofing.

These hazardous substances could pose a risk to service members' health even when they were away from the base or ship. If a person breathed asbestos fibers, they remained inside the lungs for prolonged periods of time, and resulted in scarring on the cells of the lungs. As time passed the scarring of the lungs grew so severe that the condition asbestosis was triggered.

Asbestosis is not a cancer, but it can cause other health problems, such as mesothelioma that takes between 20 and 50 years to develop following exposure. People who have 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 cause mesothelioma as well. This is especially the case when a family member was employed as a worker or in the military and used asbestos-based products. The reason for this is that asbestos fibers can travel through the air. Asbestos-related victims brought harmful fibers into their homes on their clothing, which exposed family members. Secondhand mesothelioma is usually caused by spouses, children and the siblings of asbestos workers. In these cases, the surviving spouse or children of a mesothelioma patient can receive compensation from the VA for their loved one's asbestos-related illness.

Treatment

Patients with mesothelioma can avail many treatment options to help combat symptoms, slow down the progress of the disease, and prevent complications. This includes radiotherapy, surgery chemotherapy, immunotherapy and radiotherapy. Most often, doctors suggest a combination of these treatments, depending on the type of asbestos-related illness.

Asbestos is a poisonous material that was extensively used in military bases as well as in ships, aircrafts and vehicles. It was used in cement mixes, drywall, spackling, and roofing to fireproof components and insulate them. During maintenance and repairs, these materials were disturbed, which put service members at risk of being exposed.

Marine Corps veterans were exposed asbestos in barracks and on naval vessels during transportation and in their work on vehicles and aircrafts. Asbestos was utilized in ship insulation, electrical wiring, and boiler rooms, as well as engine components as well as fabricated items such as brake pads and clutches. Marines who were mechanics on vehicle-based equipment were at a particular high risk of exposure because of their regular interaction with these asbestos-containing parts.

Asbestos is a pliable, tough material that was used to insulate valves, pipes and boilers. It was also used as a ceiling and floor tile. Asbestos's insulating properties made it a great material for fireproofing and was also inexpensive and easy to make. Asbestos also resists heat, which helped make it an ideal choice for engine parts like turbines and engines.

Asbestos is linked to many illnesses, including mesothelioma. Lung cancer and mesothelioma pleural are two types of disease that are caused by asbestos fibers. These cancers can cause malignant tumors to the lungs and chest walls.

The asbestos manufacturers who are responsible for the mesothelioma that affects patients with asbestos-related ailments may be able to pay them a financial settlement. This money can be used to pay for needed medical care and support services. To be eligible for this money, the victims have to go through a rigorous process that involves the collection of medical records and other important documents. Many mesothelioma victims have experienced the hardships of dealing with this illness and it is crucial to seek legal counsel to protect their rights.

VA Benefits

Veterans who suffer from an asbestos-related condition are entitled to disability benefits and compensation. However, it is difficult to prove that the condition is related to their military service. Many symptoms are confused with other conditions, such as smoking-induced COPD. Veterans must submit an VA claim as soon as possible. A mesothelioma lawyer can help veterans gather evidence to support a successful claim.

Every veteran's exposure is different, however there were certain branches of the military that were at a higher risk of being exposed to the toxic mineral. The exposure of veterans from the Navy to asbestos was typically the most severe due to their time on shipyards and ships. The vessels had asbestos in many 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 frequently worked with military vehicles and planes that were contaminated with asbestos.

Asbestos is a natural mineral that is found naturally, however it must be mined to be employed by the military. When it is not handled correctly, tiny asbestos fibers can split and become airborne. When inhaled, these microscopic fibers enter the lungs and abdomen, and cause irritation to the membranes that line the chest and stomach. As time passes the fibers may 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 forms of asbestos-related ailments that can develop include respiratory issues such as chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD). These symptoms are often confused with smoking-related COPD. However it is essential that Veterans visit a doctor to obtain a proper diagnosis.

Many Veterans who are diagnosed with an asbestos-related illness receive treatment at the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center in Miami. This center is just located just a few minutes away from the Miami VA Medical Center. The VA might offer financial assistance to Veterans who do not reside in the region. This includes travel and housing costs. Many mesothelioma experts offer private practice options to patients who do not wish to be seen in an VA facility.