Asbestos Exposure in the Military

Asbestos was once a common component in military barracks and bases, as well as vehicles. However, it was later discovered that asbestos may be deadly and have dangerous health consequences. Veterans from all branches of the military could have been exposed to asbestos and are at risk for developing mesothelioma and other ailments.

The Navy veterans are at the greatest risk of exposure to asbestos due to the extensive use of asbestos on Navy vessels. However, Army Veterans who repaired or built ships and motor claim vehicles also faced risks of exposure.

Military Occupational Specialty (MOS)

Asbestos had been a popular building material for decades before its detrimental health effects were discovered. Asbestos exposure in the United States military was widespread, with many veterans of all branches being exposed to asbestos and developing mesothelioma and other illnesses from inhaling asbestos' deadly mineral. The Jeffrey Glassman Injury Lawyers, Boston asbestos lawyers, have extensive experience in helping Army veterans get VA benefits and compensation related to mesothelioma, asbestos-related illnesses.

In WWII the Navy used asbestos extensively in ships and submarines. Asbestos was likely to be present in sleeping quarters, compartments, and other areas aboard as well as in nearby shipyards, construction sites and shipyards.

Air Force veterans could have also been exposed to asbestos while serving. Asbestos is commonly used in aircraft, claim such as fuel systems and rotors. Asbestos was also used to make thermal insulation, fireproofing and gaskets.

Navy pipefitters and welders were regularly exposed to asbestos during maintenance on Navy vessels. Lagging that contained asbestos was frequently used on pipes that ran through the entire length of the ship. Welders in the Navy were often required to remove this lagging prior to making repairs. Navy pipefitters often worked with gaskets, seals and insulation. One Navy pipefitter named William Smith developed mesothelioma after developing lung cancer from his asbestos exposure.

Asbestos was the most frequent exposure for metal fabricators as well as steelworkers in the Navy while working on the construction site or shipyard. Asbestos was used as insulation, fireproofing, and as a welding material. Inhaling asbestos fibres is an extremely dangerous health risk for any type of welding 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 a part of their job. Veterans can focus on the treatment they receive for mesothelioma instead of worrying about everyday living expenses. These veterans could be entitled to compensation for mesothelioma from negligent asbestos-related manufacturers. They were aware of the dangers associated with asbestos and should be held accountable for the medical expenses 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 many serious diseases. The exposure to asbestos increases the risk of mesothelioma and lung cancer. These diseases can take anywhere from 20 to 50 years to develop. Fortunately, many veterans who served on Army bases, Navy shipyards and Air Force bases can be compensated for asbestos exposure and related health issues.

Until the 1980s, the military relied heavily on asbestos-based products. Asbest was employed in the construction and repair of naval ships by Navy shipyards, as well as Army bases and Coast Guard yards. Navy sailors are at greater risk of being exposed to asbestos. Asbestos was commonly found in boiler rooms, engine room rooms and deck flooring on ships.

Asbestos was also present in the workplaces of military personnel who worked in other positions such as insulators or pipefitters. Asbestos is commonly used as a building material for walls or roofs, as well as doors and windows. The Navy even employed asbestos to make fireproofing.

These dangerous materials were a danger to the health of soldiers even when they were off the base or ship. When a person inhaled asbestos fibers, they remained in the lungs for long periods of time, and caused scarring to the cells of the lungs. As time passed the scarring became so severe that it triggered the lung condition called asbestosis.

Asbestosis does not cause cancer, but it can cause other health problems, such as mesothelioma that takes between 20 and 50 years to develop following exposure. Mesothelioma is between six and nine times more likely to occur in people who have pleural plaques. Pleural plaques are a form of asbestosis that is not cancerous.

Secondhand exposure to asbestos can also trigger mesothelioma particularly if a family member was a worker or military personnel who handled asbestos-based materials. This is because asbestos can be carried in the air. asbestos lawsuit compensation victims typically brought these dangerous fibers home on their clothing and exposed to their family members. Secondhand mesothelioma cases typically involve children, spouses, and siblings of those who were exposed to asbestos in their work. In these instances, a mesothelioma patient's surviving spouse or child can be awarded compensation for the asbestos-related disease of their loved one.

Treatment

Patients with mesothelioma can avail various treatment options to help them manage symptoms, slow the progress of the disease, and prevent complications. These include surgery, radiotherapy chemotherapy, immunotherapy and radiotherapy. Most often, doctors recommend a combination of the treatments, depending on the type of asbestos-related disease.

Asbestos is a poisonous material that was widely used in military bases as well as in aircrafts, ships and vehicles. It was used in drywall, cement mixtures, spackling and roofing to fireproof and insulate components. In the course of repairs and maintenance, these materials were disturbed and put workers at risk of exposure.

Marine Corps veterans were exposed to asbestos in barracks, on naval vessels, and during transport, as when they worked on aircraft and vehicles. Asbestos was used in ship insulation, electrical wiring, and boiler rooms as well as engine components and fabricated items like brake pads and clutches. Marines who employed as mechanics on vehicles-based equipment were at a particular high risk of exposure because of their frequent contact with asbestos-containing parts.

Since asbestos is a pliable and durable material, it was employed to insulate pipes, valves, boilers, cables and floor tiles as well as ceilings. Asbestos's insulating properties made it a great material for fireproofing, and it was cheap and easy to make. Asbestos also has a resistance to heat, making it an ideal option for engine components such as turbines and engines.

Asbestos is linked to many diseases which include mesothelioma. Lung cancer and mesothelioma pleural are two types of asbestos exposure of cancers that are caused by asbestos fibers. These cancers affect the lungs as well as the chest wall and cause malignant tumors to grow.

Patients who are diagnosed with an asbestos-related illness are usually qualified for financial compensation from asbestos manufacturers responsible for mesothelioma. This money can be used to pay for medical treatment and support services. To be eligible for this money, the victims must undergo an exhaustive process that includes getting medical records and other important documents. Many victims of mesothelioma have faced the challenges of dealing with this illness and it is crucial to seek legal counsel to protect their rights.

VA Benefits

Veterans suffering from an asbestos-related illness have the right to disability benefits and compensation. It is often difficult for veterans to prove their condition is related to their military service. This is because a variety of symptoms can be mistaken for other ailments, such as smoking-related COPD. This is why it is essential for Veterans to submit an VA claim as soon as they can. A mesothelioma lawyer will help veterans gather evidence to support a successful claim.

Every veteran's exposure is different, however there are specific branches of the military that were at a higher risk of being exposed the toxic mineral. The exposure of veterans from the Navy to asbestos was usually the most severe due to their work on ships and shipyards. The vessels were contaminated with asbestos in a variety of places, such as the engine and boiler room living quarters, as well as aircraft machinery. Air Force veterans were also at risk due to the fact that they frequently worked with planes and military vehicles that were contaminated with asbestos.

Although asbestos is a natural mineral, it must be extracted and processed in order to be used in the military. When it is not handled properly tiny asbestos fibers could break up and then become airborne. When inhaled, these tiny fibers how much can you sue for asbestos exposure enter the lungs and abdomen, and cause irritation to the membranes that connect the stomach and chest. These fibers can cause the linings of the stomach and chest to become scarred over time. These tumors, also known as mesothelioma, are among the most hazardous type of asbestos-related cancer.

Other asbestos-related illnesses can include respiratory problems such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). These symptoms are often mistaken for smoking-related COPD however, it is essential for Veterans to consult a doctor to receive a proper diagnosis.

Many Veterans who are diagnosed with an asbestos-related illness receive treatment at the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center in Miami. This facility is located just an hour away from the Miami VA Medical Center. For Veterans who are not in the region and are not eligible for the VA can provide financial assistance for travel and housing expenses. Additionally, many mesothelioma doctors offer private treatment options for patients who don't want to visit the VA facility.