Asbestos Exposure in the Military
Asbestos was a widely-used material in military barracks, bases and vehicles until it was discovered to be a danger and cause health risks. Veterans from all branches of the military could have been exposed to asbestos and be at the risk of developing mesothelioma and other ailments.
Navy veterans face the highest likelihood of exposure due to 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
Asbestos had been a popular building material for a long time before its negative health effects were discovered. Asbestos exposure during the United States military was widespread, with many veterans of every branch being exposed to asbestos and developing mesothelioma or other illnesses from inhaling asbestos, a dangerous mineral. Fullerton asbestos lawsuits , Boston asbestos lawyers have years of experience helping Army veterans receive VA benefits and compensation related to mesothelioma or other asbestos-related illnesses.
During WWII during WWII, the Navy employed asbestos extensively in both ships and submarines. Navy veterans with a variety of MOSs may 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 may also have been exposed to asbestos during their service. Asbestos was commonly employed in aircraft, such as fuel systems, rotors, and hydraulics. Asbestos was also used to create thermal insulation, fireproofing and gaskets.
Asbestos was often present in the work of Navy pipefitters and welding crews. Asbestos-containing lagging was often used on pipes that ran the entire length of the ship. Welders working in the Navy were often required to remove this lagging prior to making repairs. Navy pipefitters were often working 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.
Steelworkers and metal fabricators in the Navy were often exposed to asbestos while working at the shipyard or on construction sites. Asbestos was used for insulation, fireproofing and also as an element of welding. Inhaling asbestos fibres is very dangerous for health in any type welding work especially when it's damp.
Asbestos was a typical ingredient in the work of veterans from the Army, Marine Corps Navy and Air Force who worked on vessels or motor vehicles. VA benefits such as disability compensation can allow these veterans to concentrate on their mesothelioma treatment instead of worrying about paying for the cost of living. These veterans may be entitled to compensation for mesothelioma caused by negligent asbestos manufacturers. They were aware of asbestos' dangers and should be accountable for the medical bills of their victims. Asbestos lawsuits have helped many asbestos victims receive substantial compensation.
Symptoms
Many veterans exposed to asbestos have been afflicted with a variety of serious diseases. Exposure to asbestos can increase the chance of developing mesothelioma as well as lung cancer. These diseases can take anywhere from 20 to 50 years to develop. Many veterans who worked on Army bases, Navy shipyards and Air Force bases can receive compensation for their asbestos exposure and the resulting health conditions.
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 are at a higher risk of asbestos exposure. Asbestos was often found in boiler rooms, and deck flooring on ships.
In addition, military personnel in a variety of other jobs also were exposed to asbestos, for example plumbers, pipefitters, insulators and auto mechanics. Asbestos was commonly employed in building materials, such as doors, walls, and roofs. The Navy even used asbestos to create fireproofing.
These hazardous materials posed a threat to the health of service members even if they were not on the base or ship. Asbestos particles can remain in the lungs and cause scarring for an extended period of time after inhalation. In time the scarring grew so severe that it triggered asbestosis, a lung disease.
Asbestosis is not a cancer, but it can cause other health issues, including mesothelioma, which takes between 20 and 50 years to develop after exposure. Mesothelioma can be six to nine times more likely to develop in those who have Pleural plaques. Pleural plaques are a type of asbestosis that isn't cancerous.
The exposure to asbestos through secondhand sources can cause mesothelioma too. This is especially the case in the case of a family member who worked as a worker or in the military and was exposed to asbestos-based products. This is due to asbestos's ability to be carried in the air. Asbestos victims brought dangerous fibers into their homes on their clothes, exposing family members. Secondhand mesothelioma cases usually involve children, spouses and siblings of those exposed to asbestos at work. In these instances, a mesothelioma patient's surviving spouse or child may be eligible for compensation for the illness caused by asbestos of their loved one.
Treatment
Patients with mesothelioma can avail various treatment options to help manage their symptoms, slow the progress of the disease, and prevent complications. These include radiotherapy, surgery, chemotherapy and immunotherapy. Doctors typically recommend a combination treatment based on the severity and type of the asbestos-related illness.
Asbestos is a noxious substance that was widely used in military bases as well as in ships, aircrafts and vehicles. It was incorporated into drywall as well as cement mixtures, spacklings and roofing to fireproof and insulate components. These materials were damaged in the course of maintenance and repair which put service personnel at risk.
Marine Corps veterans were exposed asbestos in their barracks and on naval vessels during transportation and during their work on vehicles and aircrafts. Asbestos was found in ship insulation, boiler rooms and electrical wiring as well as engine parts and manufactured components like brake pads and clutches. Marines who worked as mechanics on vehicle-based equipment faced a particularly 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 for ceiling tile and floor tile. The properties of insulation and its affordability and ease of manufacture made asbestos a perfect material for fireproofing. Asbestos is also resistant to heat, making it a popular material for engine parts like engines and turbines.
Asbestos is linked to many illnesses which include mesothelioma. Lung cancer and mesothelioma are two kinds of disease caused by asbestos fibers. These cancers affect the lungs as well as the chest wall and cause malignant tumors to grow.
Those diagnosed with an asbestos-related condition are usually entitled to financial compensation from the asbestos producers responsible for their mesothelioma. This money can help pay for needed medical care and support services. To qualify for these funds, victims must undergo a thorough process that includes the collection of medical records and other important documents. It is important to get legal representation for those suffering from mesothelioma that have suffered the hardships that come with this illness.
VA Benefits
Veterans who suffer from asbestos-related diseases are entitled to compensation and disability benefits. It is often difficult for veterans to prove that their condition is linked to their military service. This is because a variety of symptoms can be mistaken as other ailments, such as smoking-related COPD. Because of this, it is essential for Veterans to submit an VA claim early as possible. A mesothelioma lawyer can assist veterans gather evidence for a successful claim.
Each veteran's exposure to asbestos is different, however certain branches of the military were at greater risk. Navy veterans were frequently at risk due to the duration of their work aboard ships and shipyards. The vessels contained asbestos in many locations, including the boiler room and engine, living quarters and aircraft machinery. Air Force veterans also faced a high level of risk when they worked with planes and vehicles that contained asbestos.
Although asbestos is a natural mineral, it must be extracted and processed in order to be used in military. When asbestos is not treated properly, it may break down and become airborne. These tiny fibers can penetrate the lungs, abdomen and cause irritation of the membranes that line the chest and stomach. In time, 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 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-induced COPD, but it is important for Veterans to consult with a physician and get a clear diagnosis.
Many Veterans who are diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease receive treatment at the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center in Miami. This center is few minutes away from the Miami VA Medical Center. For Veterans who don't reside in the area and are not eligible for the VA may provide financial assistance for housing and travel expenses. Many mesothelioma specialists provide private practice options for patients who do not want to be seen in the VA facility.