Asbestos Exposure in the Military
Asbestos was widely used in military barracks, bases and vehicles until it was found to be a danger and cause health consequences. Veterans from every branch of the military may have been exposed to asbestos and are at risk of developing mesothelioma, among other illnesses.
Navy veterans face the highest likelihood of exposure, due to asbestos usage on Navy vessels. However, Army Veterans who repaired or built vessels and motor vehicles also faced the risk of exposure.
Military Occupational Specialty
Asbestos had been a popular building material for decades before its harmful 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 diseases from breathing in asbestos, a deadly mineral. The Boston asbestos lawyers at Jeffrey Glassman Injury Lawyers have extensive experience in helping Army veterans obtain VA benefits and compensation for mesothelioma and other asbestos-related illnesses.
The Navy used asbestos extensively on vessels and submarines during WWII. Asbestos is likely to have been present in the sleeping quarters, compartments, and other areas on board, as well at nearby shipyards, construction sites and shipyards.
Air Force veterans could have also been exposed to asbestos while serving. Asbestos is commonly used in aircraft, such as rotors and fuel systems. 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 ships. Lagging containing asbestos was commonly used on pipes that ran the entire length of the ship. Springfield asbestos lawyer were sometimes required to remove the lagging prior to making repairs. Navy pipefitters were often working with asbestos-containing insulation, gaskets, and seals. William Smith, a Navy pipefitter, was diagnosed with mesothelioma due to asbestos exposure after developing lung cancer.
Asbestos was a frequent exposure for metal fabricators as well as steelworkers in the Navy while working on the construction site or in a shipyard. Asbestos is an insulation material, a fireproofing substance and a welding materials. Inhaling asbestos fibres poses a serious health risk for any welding job especially when it's damp.
Army, Marine Corps, Navy and Air Force veterans who worked on ships or motor vehicles were exposed to asbestos as part of their work. Veterans can concentrate on their treatment for mesothelioma, not worrying about the cost of living. They could also be eligible for mesothelioma damages from negligent asbestos manufacturers. These companies were aware of the risks 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 developed a wide range of serious illnesses. The exposure to asbestos's toxic mineral puts people at risk for mesothelioma, lung cancer and asbestosis. These diseases can take anywhere from 20 to 50 years to develop. Many veterans who were employed in Army bases, Navy Shipyards, and Air Force Bases can receive compensation for asbestos exposure and health issues.
The military relied heavily upon asbestos-based products until the 1980s. Asbest was used in the construction and repair of naval ships by Navy shipyards, as well as Army bases and Coast Guard yards. Navy sailors were at the highest risk of exposure. Asbestos was commonly found in boiler rooms, and the flooring on decks of ships.
Asbestos was also found in the workplaces of military personnel who worked in other positions such as insulators or pipefitters. Asbestos is often used as a building material for walls or roofs, as well as doors and windows. The Navy used asbestos to create fireproofing.
These hazardous substances could pose a risk to the health of soldiers even if they were not on 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 lungs' cells. As time passed the scarring grew so severe that it caused asbestosis, a lung disease.
Asbestosis is not cancerous, but it, can lead to other health problems, including mesothelioma. This disease takes between 20 and 50 years to develop following exposure. People who have pleural plaques, which are a non-cancerous type of asbestosis can be between six and nine times more likely to develop mesothelioma.
Secondhand exposure to asbestos can also trigger mesothelioma particularly if a family member was a laborer or military personnel who handled asbestos-based products. The reason for this is that asbestos fibers can be carried through the air. Asbestos victims brought dangerous fibers into their homes on their clothing, which exposed family members. Secondhand mesothelioma cases typically involve children, spouses, and siblings of those exposed to asbestos in their work. In these cases, the survivor spouse or children of mesothelioma victims can receive compensation from the VA for the asbestos-related illness of their loved ones.
Treatment
Patients with mesothelioma can avail a variety of treatment options to help them manage symptoms, slow the progress of the disease, and avoid complications. These include surgery, radiotherapy chemotherapy, and immunotherapy. Often, doctors will suggest a combination of these treatments, depending on the type of asbestos-related illness.
Asbestos was used extensively in military bases as well as aircrafts, ships and vehicles. It was incorporated into drywall and cement mixtures, spacklings and roofing to fireproof and insulate components. When repairs and maintenance were being carried out these materials were damaged and put workers at risk of being exposed.
Marine Corps veterans were exposed asbestos in barracks as well as on naval vessels during transport as well as when they worked on vehicles and aircrafts. Asbestos was found into the insulation of ships, boiler rooms and electrical wiring, as well as engine parts and manufactured items like brake pads and clutches. Marines who worked with vehicle-based equipment were at a high risk of asbestos exposure because they regularly interacted with these components.
Because asbestos is a flexible and durable material, it was also employed to insulate boilers, valves, pipes cables, floor tiles and ceilings. Its insulating properties as well as its low cost and simple manufacturing, made asbestos an ideal material for fireproofing. Asbestos also withstands heat, which made it an extremely popular choice for engine parts like turbines and engines.
Asbestos is associated with a variety of diseases, including mesothelioma. Lung cancer and mesothelioma are two kinds of cancers caused by asbestos fibers. These cancers can cause malignant tumors to the chest and lungs.
People who are diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease are typically entitled to financial compensation from the asbestos manufacturers who are responsible for their mesothelioma. This money can be used to pay for medical treatment and other support services. To be eligible for these funds, victims must go through an exhaustive process that includes getting medical records and other important documents. It is important to get legal representation for victims of mesothelioma who have experienced the hardships associated with this illness.
VA Benefits
Veterans who suffer from asbestos-related conditions are entitled to disability benefits and compensation. However, it is 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. Veterans need to submit an VA claim immediately. A mesothelioma lawyer will help veterans gather evidence to support a successful claim.
Each veteran's exposure to asbestos is unique, but there are certain military branches that were at a higher chance of being exposed to the harmful mineral. Navy veterans were often most at risk because of their time aboard ships and shipyards. The vessels contained asbestos in many locations, including the engine and boiler room, living quarters and aircraft machinery. Air Force veterans also faced a high level of risk when they worked with aircrafts and vehicles that contained asbestos.
Although asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral however, it has to be mined and processed to be used in the military. If it is not handled correctly tiny asbestos fibers may split and become airborne. When inhaled, these microscopic fibers can enter the lungs and abdomen and cause irritation to the membranes that line the chest and stomach. As time passes these fibers can cause the linings to become scarred and develop tumors. These tumors are known as mesothelioma. They are the most dangerous asbestos-related cancer.
Other types of asbestos-related illnesses that could develop include respiratory issues like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). These symptoms are often confused with smoking-related COPD, but it is crucial for Veterans to see a doctor to receive a proper diagnosis.
The Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, located in Miami is a treatment center for a variety of Veterans diagnosed with asbestos-related illnesses. This facility is located just few minutes away from the Miami VA Medical Center. For Veterans who are not in the area, the VA can provide financial assistance for housing and travel expenses. In addition, many mesothelioma specialists offer private practice options for patients that don't want to be treated at a VA facility.