Asbestos Exposure in the Military

Asbestos was a widely-used material in military bases, barracks and vehicles until it was discovered to have dangerous and deadly health risks. Veterans from every branch of the military may have been exposed to asbestos and are at risk for developing mesothelioma as well as other illnesses.

The Navy veterans are the most at risk of exposure to asbestos because of the widespread use of asbestos on Navy ships. 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 well-known building material for a long time before it was discovered to have negative health consequences. Asbestos exposure during the United States military was widespread with a lot of veterans from every branch exposed to asbestos and developing mesothelioma and other ailments from breathing in asbestos, a dangerous mineral. Jeffrey Glassman Injury Lawyers, Boston asbestos lawyers, have extensive experience in helping Army veterans receive VA benefits and compensation related to mesothelioma or other asbestos-related illnesses.

During WWII during WWII, the Navy used asbestos extensively in both ships and submarines. Asbestos could be present in the sleeping quarters, compartments, and other areas on board, as well at nearby construction sites, shipyards and shipyards.

Air Force veterans may also have been exposed to asbestos while serving. Asbestos was often employed in aircraft, such as fuel systems, rotors and hydraulics. Asbestos is also used in the manufacturing of thermal insulation, gaskets and fireproofing.

Navy pipefitters and welders were often exposed to asbestos while performing maintenance on Navy ships. Asbestos-containing lagging was often used on pipes that ran the entire length of the ship. Navy welders were often required to remove the lagging prior to making repairs. Navy pipefitters frequently worked with loose asbestos and gaskets, seals and insulation. William Smith, a Navy pipefitter, was diagnosed with mesothelioma due to asbestos exposure after he developed lung cancer.

Steelworkers and metal fabricators in the Navy were often exposed to asbestos when working in a shipyard or construction sites. Asbestos was utilized for insulation, fireproofing, and as a welding material. Inhaling asbestos fibers poses a serious risk for any type of welding, particularly when it is wet.

Army, Marine Corps, Navy and Air Force veterans who worked on ships or motor vehicles were exposed to asbestos as part of their work. VA benefits such as disability compensation can allow these veterans to concentrate on their mesothelioma treatment instead of worrying about how to pay for their daily living expenses. They may also be eligible for mesothelioma compensation from negligent asbestos producers. These companies knew about asbestos' 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

Many veterans who have been exposed to asbestos have suffered from a range of serious illnesses. The exposure to the mineral that is toxic exposes a person to risk for mesothelioma, asbestosis and lung cancer. These illnesses may 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 be compensated for asbestos exposure and the resulting health issues.

The military relied heavily upon asbestos-based products until the 1980s. Navy shipyards, Coast Guard yards and Army bases all utilized asbestos for the construction and repair of naval ships. Navy sailors are at greater risk of being exposed to asbestos. Asbestos was frequently found in engine rooms, boiler rooms, and deck flooring on ships.

Additionally, military workers in a variety of other occupations were also exposed to asbestos, for example plumbers, pipefitters and insulators and auto mechanics. Asbestos is frequently used as a building material in walls or roofs, as well as doors and windows. The Navy even employed asbestos to make fireproofing.

These harmful substances posed a health threat to soldiers and women, even if they were not on the ship or base. Asbestos particles can remain in the lung and cause scarring for a long time after inhalation. Over time the scarring of the lungs grew so severe that asbestosis was caused.

Asbestosis, though not cancerous however, can trigger other health issues, including mesothelioma. The disease can take 20 to 50 years to develop after exposure. Mesothelioma can be six to nine times more likely to develop in people with pleural plaques. Pleural plaques are a type of asbestosis that is not cancerous.

The exposure to asbestos through secondhand sources can cause mesothelioma too. This is especially the case if a family member worked as a worker or was in the military and handled asbestos-based products. This is because asbestos lawsuit settlements taxable can be transported through the air. Asbestos sufferers often brought these harmful fibers home with them on their clothing and exposed to their family members. Mesothelioma that is secondhand is typically caused by children, spouses, and children of asbestos workers. In these cases, the survivors of the spouse or children of a mesothelioma patient can receive compensation from the VA for their loved one's asbestos-related disease.

Treatment

Veterans with mesothelioma have a variety of treatment options to aid in reducing symptoms, slow progression of mesothelioma and prevent complications. This includes radiotherapy, surgery, chemotherapy and immunotherapy. Doctors typically suggest a combination of treatments based on the nature and severity of asbestos-related disease.

Asbestos is a noxious substance that was widely used on military bases and in ships, aircrafts and vehicles. It was added in drywall, cement mixes roofing, spackling, and spackling to fireproof components and insulate them. These materials were damaged in the course of maintenance and repair which put service personnel at risk.

Marine Corps veterans were exposed asbestos in barracks as well as 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 and veteran manufactured items such as brake pads and clutches. Marines who employed as mechanics on vehicles-based equipment were at the highest risk of exposure because of their frequent interactions with asbestos-containing components.

Asbestos is a pliable, tough material that was used to insulate valves, pipes and boilers. It was also used for floor tile and ceiling insulation. Asbestos's properties for insulation made it an ideal fireproofing material and it was also cheap and easy to make. Asbestos also resists heat, which made it an ideal option for engine components such as turbines and engines.

asbestos lawsuit payouts has been linked to numerous illnesses such as mesothelioma. Lung cancer and mesothelioma are two kinds of disease that are caused by asbestos fibers. These cancers affect the lungs and chest wall which causes malignant tumors grow.

The asbestos producers responsible for the mesothelioma of people diagnosed with asbestos-related diseases might be able pay them a financial settlement. This money can i sue for asbestos exposure help pay for needed medical care and veteran support services. To qualify for these funds, victims must go through a thorough procedure that includes the collection of medical records and other important documents. It is important to get legal representation for victims of mesothelioma that have suffered the hardships that come with this disease.

VA Benefits

Veterans suffering from an asbestos-related illness are entitled to disability benefits and compensation. However, it can be difficult to prove that their condition is due to their military service. This is because many symptoms are mistaken for other ailments, such as smoking-related COPD. Because of this, it is crucial for Veterans to file a VA claim early as possible. A mesothelioma lawyer with experience can assist veterans with gathering the evidence necessary to make an effective claim.

Every veteran's exposure to asbestos is different, however there are certain military branches that were at a higher risk of being exposed the toxic mineral. Navy veterans were typically at the highest risk because 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 due to the fact that they were often working with planes and military vehicles which contained asbestos.

Although asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally however, it has to be extracted and processed in order to be used in the military. When asbestos is not properly handled, it could break down and become airborne. Inhaling these microscopic fibers 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 stomach and chest to become scarred over time. These tumors are known as mesothelioma, and are the most dangerous asbestos-related cancer.

Other asbestos-related diseases could include respiratory conditions like chronic obstructive respiratory disease (COPD). These symptoms are often mistaken for smoking-related COPD however it is important for Veterans to consult a doctor and get a clear diagnosis.

The Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, located in Miami, is a center for treatment for a variety of Veterans suffering from asbestos-related illnesses. The Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center is situated just a short distance from the Miami VA Medical Center. The VA could provide financial assistance to Veterans who don't live in the region. This could include housing and travel expenses. In addition, many mesothelioma specialists offer private practices for patients who do not want to be seen at a VA facility.