Asbestos Exposure in the Military

Asbestos was a widely-used material in military barracks, bases and vehicles until it was found to have dangerous and deadly health risks. Veterans from all branches of the military may have been exposed to asbestos and are at risk of developing mesothelioma, among other ailments.

The Navy veterans are the most at risk of asbestos exposure because of the widespread use of asbestos case settlements on Navy vessels. However, Army Veterans who repaired or built ships and motor vehicles also had dangers of exposure.

Military Occupational Specialty (MOS)

Asbestos was a favored building material for many years before it was discovered to have negative health consequences. Asbestos exposure in 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' deadly mineral. The Boston asbestos lawyers at the Jeffrey Glassman Injury Lawyers have extensive experience helping Army veterans obtain VA benefits and compensation for mesothelioma as well as other asbestos-related diseases.

The Navy used asbestos extensively on ships and submarines during WWII. Asbestos was likely to be present in compartments for sleeping, sleeping quarters and other areas on board, as well at nearby construction sites, shipyards and shipyards.

Air Force veterans may also have been exposed to asbestos during their service. Asbestos was frequently used in aircraft, including rotors, fuel systems and hydraulics. Asbestos is also used in the manufacturing of gaskets, thermal insulation and fireproofing.

Navy pipefitters and welders were frequently exposed to asbestos while doing maintenance on Navy vessels. Asbestos-containing lagging was often used on pipes that ran the entire length of a ship. Navy welders were sometimes required to remove the lagging prior to making repairs. Navy pipefitters frequently worked with asbestos-containing insulation, gaskets, and seals. One Navy pipefitter named William Smith developed mesothelioma after developing lung cancer from his asbestos exposure.

Asbestos was a common exposure for metal fabricators as well as steelworkers in the Navy when working in the construction site or in a shipyard. Asbestos was utilized for insulation, fireproofing, and as a welding material. Inhaling asbestos fibers poses a serious risk for any type of welding work, especially when it is wet.

Asbestos was a common substance used by veterans from the Army, Marine Corps Navy and Air Force who worked on motor vehicles or ships. VA benefits such as disability compensation can help these veterans focus on their mesothelioma treatment instead of worrying about how to pay for the cost of living. Veterans may be entitled to compensation for mesothelioma resulting from negligent asbestos producers. They were aware of the risks associated with asbestos and should be held accountable for their victims' medical bills. Asbestos lawsuits have helped many asbestos victims receive substantial compensation.

Symptoms

Veterans who have been exposed to asbestos have developed various serious diseases. Exposure to asbestos can increase the risk of mesothelioma and lung cancer. These illnesses can take between 20 to 50 years to develop. Fortunately, many veterans who served on Army bases, Navy shipyards and Air Force bases can be compensated for their asbestos exposure and health issues.

The military relied heavily on asbestos-based products up until the 1980s. Asbest was employed in the construction and repair of naval ships by Navy shipyards as well Army bases and Coast Guard yards. Navy sailors are at a greater risk of being exposed to asbestos. Asbestos was often 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 like insulators and pipefitters. Asbestos was frequently used in building materials such as walls, roofs and doors. The Navy employed asbestos to create fireproofing.

These harmful substances pose a health risk to servicemen and women even when they were not in the base or ship. When a person inhaled asbestos fibers, they remained in the lungs for a long period of time and resulted in scarring on the lungs' cells. As time passed the scarring of the lungs grew so severe that asbestosis was triggered.

Asbestosis, while not cancerous, can lead to other health issues, such as mesothelioma. The disease can take between 20 and 50 years to develop after exposure. People who have Pleural plaques, which are a non-cancerous form of asbestosis, may be between six and nine times more likely to develop mesothelioma.

Secondhand exposure to asbestos can also cause mesothelioma, particularly if the family member was a worker or military personnel who handled asbestos-based products. This is because asbestos can be carried in the air. Asbestos victims often brought these dangerous fibers home on their clothing and exposed to their family members. Mesothelioma that is secondhand is typically caused by spouses, children, and the siblings of asbestos workers. In these instances, a mesothelioma patient's surviving spouse or child can receive compensation for Poison the illness caused by asbestos of their loved one.

Treatment

Patients with mesothelioma can avail various treatment options to help manage symptoms, slow the progression of the disease and avoid 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 was used extensively in military bases as well as aircrafts, ships and even vehicles. It was added in drywall, cement mixes, spackling, and roofing to make fireproof components and to insulate them. These materials were damaged during maintenance and repair which put service personnel at risk.

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

asbestos settlement trust is a pliable, durable material that was used to insulate pipes, valves and boilers. It was also used as a ceiling tile and floor tile. Its insulating properties as well as its low cost and ease of manufacture made asbestos a perfect material for fireproofing. Asbestos also resists heat, which made it an extremely popular option for poison engine components such as turbines and engines.

Asbestos is linked to many illnesses such as mesothelioma. Lung cancer and mesothelioma are two kinds of cancers caused by asbestos fibers. These cancers cause malignant tumors in the lungs and chest wall.

The asbestos producers who are responsible for mesothelioma in those diagnosed with asbestos-related conditions may be able to pay them a financial settlement. The money is used to pay for medical care and other support services. To be eligible for these funds, patients have to go through an exhaustive process that includes getting medical records and other important documents. It is crucial to obtain legal representation for those suffering from mesothelioma who have suffered the difficulties associated with this illness.

VA Benefits

Veterans suffering from an asbestos-related illness are entitled to disability benefits and compensation. However, it is difficult to prove their condition is due to their military asbestos lawsuit service. This is because a variety of symptoms are mistaken for other ailments, such as smoking-related COPD. For this reason, it is essential for Veterans to make a VA claim early as possible. A qualified mesothelioma attorney can assist veterans with gathering the evidence required to make a successful claim.

Every veteran's exposure to asbestos is unique, but there were certain branches of the military that were at a higher risk of being exposed the harmful mineral. The exposure of Navy veterans to asbestos was typically the highest because of their time spent in shipyards and on ships. The vessels were contaminated with asbestos in a variety of places, such as the boiler room and engine, living quarters and aircraft machinery. Air Force veterans were also at a high risk because they were often working with military vehicles and planes which contained asbestos.

Although asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral but it is required to be mined and processed to be used in military. When it is not handled in a proper manner tiny asbestos fibers may split and then become airborne. When inhaled, these microscopic fibers enter the lungs and abdomen and cause irritation to the membranes that are found in the stomach and chest. These fibers can cause the tissues of the stomach and chest to scar over time. These tumors are known as mesothelioma. They are the most deadly asbestos-related cancer.

Other asbestos-related diseases could include respiratory problems like chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD). These symptoms are often mistaken for smoking-related COPD, but it is important for Veterans to consult with a physician to receive a proper diagnosis.

The Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, located in Miami is a treatment center for a variety of Veterans suffering from asbestos-related illnesses. This center is an hour away from the Miami VA Medical Center. The VA could provide financial assistance to Veterans who do not reside in the area. This could include travel and housing costs. Additionally, many mesothelioma specialists provide private practice options for patients that are not able to visit an VA facility.