Asbestos Exposure in the Military
Asbestos was once an everyday material in military barracks and bases and also in 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 illnesses.
Navy veterans have the highest risk of exposure, due to the asbestos-based construction materials used extensively on Navy ships. 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 well-known building material for decades before it was discovered to have 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 or other diseases as a result of inhaling this toxic mineral. The Boston asbestos lawyers at the Jeffrey Glassman Injury Lawyers have extensive experience helping Army veterans pursue 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. Asbestos is likely to have been present in the compartments, sleeping quarters, and other areas aboard and in nearby shipyards, construction sites and shipyards.
Air Force veterans may also have been exposed to asbestos during their service. Asbestos is commonly used in aircraft including fuel systems and rotors. Asbestos was also used for thermal insulation, fireproofing and gaskets.
Navy pipefitters and welders were frequently exposed to asbestos while doing maintenance on Navy vessels. On pipes that ran across the length of vessels asbestos-containing lagging was frequently employed. Welders in the Navy were sometimes required remove this lagging before making repairs. Navy pipefitters frequently worked with asbestos in the form of loose asbestos, gaskets, seals and insulation. William Smith, a Navy pipefitter, developed mesothelioma from asbestos exposure after developing lung cancer.
Asbestos was a common exposure for metal fabricators as well as steelworkers in the Navy when working in the construction site or shipyard. Asbestos is an insulation material, a fireproofing material and as a welding material. Inhaling asbestos fibers is very dangerous for any type of welding work, especially when it is wet.
Asbestos was a frequent substance in the work of veterans from the Army, Marine Corps Navy and Air Force who worked on motor vehicles or ships. VA benefits like disability compensation can help these veterans focus on their mesothelioma treatment instead of worrying about paying for everyday living expenses. They may also be eligible to receive mesothelioma compensation due to negligent asbestos producers. Moreno Valley asbestos lawyer knew about asbestos's dangers and should be responsible for the medical costs 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 a wide range of serious diseases. The exposure to the mineral that is toxic puts a person at risk for mesothelioma, asbestosis, and lung cancer. These illnesses can develop over a period of between 20 and 50 years. Fortunately, many veterans who worked on Army bases, Navy shipyards and Air Force bases can receive compensation for their asbestos exposure and health conditions.
Up until the 1980s, the military relied heavily on asbestos-based products. Asbest was employed in the construction and repair of naval vessels by Navy shipyards as well as Army bases and Coast Guard yards. Navy sailors were especially at risk of exposure. Asbestos is often found in ship engines boiler rooms, decks and flooring.
In addition, military personnel in a variety of other jobs also were exposed to asbestos, for example insulators, pipefitters, plumbers and auto mechanics. Asbestos was frequently employed in building materials, such as walls, roofs and doors. The Navy used asbestos to create fireproofing.
These harmful substances could pose a health risk for soldiers and women, even if they were not in the base or ship. When a person inhaled asbestos fibers, they remained inside the lungs for long periods of time and caused scarring on the lung's cells. As time passed the scarring grew so severe that it triggered the lung condition called asbestosis.
Asbestosis is not a cancer, but it can lead to the development of other health problems including mesothelioma which can take between 20 and 50 years to develop following exposure. People who have Pleural plaques, which are a non-cancerous form of asbestosis can be six to nine times more likely to develop mesothelioma.
Exposure to asbestos from the outside can also cause mesothelioma, especially if the family member was a worker or military personnel who worked with asbestos-based materials. This is due to asbestos's ability to be carried through the air. Asbestos victims brought dangerous asbestos fibers into their homes through their clothing, exposing their family members. Secondhand mesothelioma is usually caused by spouses, children and siblings of asbestos workers. In these cases, the surviving spouse or children of a mesothelioma patient are eligible to receive compensation from the VA for the asbestos-related illness of their loved ones.
Treatment
Veterans with mesothelioma have many treatment options to help combat symptoms, slow down the progress of the disease, and prevent complications. These include radiotherapy, surgery chemotherapy, immunotherapy and radiotherapy. Most often, doctors recommend a combination of the treatments, based on the type of asbestos-related disease.
Asbestos was widely used in military bases and ships, aircrafts and even vehicles. It was found in cement mixes, drywall as well as roofing spackling and spackling to protect against fire and insulate them. These materials were damaged 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 during their work on aircraft and vehicles. Asbestos was utilized in ship insulation, electrical wiring, and boiler rooms, as well as engine components and manufactured items like brake pads and clutches. Marines who worked with vehicle-based equipment were at a higher risk of exposure to asbestos since they frequently interacted with asbestos-containing components.
Asbestos is a pliable, tough material that was used to insulate pipes, valves and boilers. It was also used for floor tile and ceiling insulation. Its insulating properties, along with its affordability and ease of manufacture, made asbestos an ideal material for fireproofing. Asbestos also resists heat, making it an ideal option for engine components such as turbines and engines.
Asbestos has been linked to a number of diseases which include mesothelioma. Lung cancer and pleural mesothelioma are two common types of the disease and both are triggered by prolonged exposure to asbestos fibers. These cancers affect the lungs and chest wall and cause malignant tumors to grow.
Those diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease are usually qualified for financial compensation from asbestos manufacturers who are responsible for mesothelioma. This money can help pay for needed medical care and other support services. To be eligible for these funds, patients must go through an exhaustive process that includes obtaining medical records and important documents. It is essential to seek legal representation for patients of mesothelioma that have suffered the hardships that come with this illness.
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 medical condition is linked to their military service. This is because a variety of symptoms can be mistaken as other conditions, like smoking-induced COPD. For this reason, it is important for Veterans to file an VA claim as soon as possible. A qualified mesothelioma attorney can assist veterans with gathering the evidence required to make an effective claim.
Every veteran's asbestos exposure is different, however certain branches of the military were at greater risk. The exposure of Navy veterans to asbestos was often the highest because of their time in shipyards and on ships. These vessels contained asbestos in many places, including engine and boiler rooms, living quarters and aircraft machinery. Air Force veterans also faced a high level of risk, as they often worked with aircrafts and vehicles which contained asbestos.
Asbestos is an element that is found naturally, however it must be mined to be used by the military. When asbestos is not handled correctly, it can break down and become airborne. These tiny fibers can get into the lungs, abdomen, and cause irritation of the membranes that line the chest and stomach. These fibers can cause the tissues of the stomach and chest to swell over time. These tumors are known as mesothelioma and are the most deadly asbestos-related cancer.
Other asbestos-related illnesses can include respiratory conditions like chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD). These symptoms are often confused with smoking-related COPD. However it is essential that Veterans visit a doctor to get a precise 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 only a short distance from the Miami VA Medical Center. The VA may offer financial assistance to Veterans who don't live in the region. This includes travel and housing costs. Many mesothelioma experts offer private practice options for patients who do not wish to visit a VA facility.