Asbestos Exposure in the Military
Asbestos was a common material in military barracks, bases and vehicles until it was discovered to have dangerous and deadly health effects. Veterans from all branches of the military could have been exposed to asbestos and be at risk of developing mesothelioma, among other illnesses.
Navy veterans face the highest chance of exposure due to asbestos usage on Navy ships. However, Army Veterans who repaired or built vessels and motor vehicles also had dangers of exposure.
Military Occupational Specialty (MOS)
Asbestos was a favored building material for a long time before it was discovered to have negative health consequences. Asbestos exposure in United States military was widespread with a lot of veterans from every branch being exposed to asbestos and developing mesothelioma and other illnesses from inhaling asbestos, a harmful 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 diseases.
The Navy employed asbestos extensively on its ships and submarines during WWII. Asbestos is likely to be present in the compartments, sleeping quarters, and other areas on board, as well at nearby shipyards, construction sites and shipyards.
Air Force veterans could have also been exposed to asbestos during their time in the service. Asbestos was often employed in aircraft, such as fuel systems, rotors, and hydraulics. Asbestos was also used for thermal insulation, fireproofing and gaskets.
Navy pipefitters and welders were regularly exposed to asbestos while doing maintenance on Navy vessels. On pipes that ran the length of a vessel asbestos-containing lagging was frequently employed. Navy welders were sometimes required to remove the lagging prior making repairs. Navy pipefitters were often working with asbestos in the form of loose asbestos, gaskets, seals and insulation. William Smith, a Navy pipefitter, contracted mesothelioma as a result of asbestos exposure after developing lung cancer.
Asbestos was a frequent exposure for metal fabricators as well as steelworkers in the Navy while working at the construction site or in a shipyard. Asbestos was used as insulation, fireproofing and also as an element of welding. Inhaling asbestos fibers is an extremely dangerous risk for any welding job, particularly when it is wet.
Army, Marine Corps, Navy and Air Force veterans who worked on motor vehicles or ships were exposed to asbestos as a part of their work. VA benefits like disability compensation can allow these veterans to focus on their mesothelioma treatment instead of worrying about paying for their daily living expenses. Veterans could also be eligible for mesothelioma compensation due to negligent asbestos manufacturers. These companies were aware of the risks 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 a wide range of serious illnesses. Exposure to the toxic mineral puts a person at risk for mesothelioma, asbestosis, and lung cancer. These illnesses can take 20 to 50 years to develop. Many veterans who served in Army bases, Navy Shipyards, and Air Force Bases can receive compensation for exposure to asbestos and health issues.
The military relied heavily on asbestos-based products until the 1980s. Augusta asbestos attorney , Coast Guard yards and Army bases all relied on asbestos to build and repair naval vessels. Navy sailors are at a higher risk of asbestos exposure. Asbestos was often found in boiler rooms, engine room rooms, and deck flooring on ships.
Additionally, military personnel working in various other jobs also were exposed to asbestos, such as plumbers, pipefitters and insulators and auto mechanics. Asbestos is commonly used as a building material in walls, roofs, and doors. The Navy even used asbestos to create fireproofing.
These hazardous substances posed a threat to the health of service members even if they were not on the ship or base. Asbestos fibers 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 isn't a cancer, but it can cause other health problems, such as mesothelioma, which takes between 20 and 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.
Secondhand exposure to asbestos may also cause mesothelioma. This is especially true if a family member worked as a worker or in the military and used asbestos-based products. The reason for this is that asbestos fibers can travel in the air. Asbestos victims often brought these dangerous fibers home on their clothes and exposed their family members. Secondhand mesothelioma cases typically involve children, spouses and siblings of those exposed to asbestos at work. In these instances, a mesothelioma patient's surviving spouse or child can receive compensation for the asbestos-related disease of their loved one.
Treatment
Veterans with mesothelioma have a variety of treatment options that can help with symptoms, reduce the progression of mesothelioma and reduce the risk of complications. These include radiotherapy, surgery, chemotherapy and immunotherapy. In most cases, doctors will suggest a combination of these treatments, based on the type of asbestos-related disease.
Asbestos was used extensively in military bases, ships, aircrafts and vehicles. It was added to drywall and cement mixtures, spackling, and roofing to insulate and protect components. When repairs and maintenance were being carried out, these materials were disturbed and put workers at risk of exposure.
Marine Corps veterans were exposed asbestos in barracks and on naval vessels during transportation and during their work on aircraft and vehicles. Asbestos was found in ship insulation, electrical wiring, and boiler rooms and engine components and fabricated items like brake pads and clutches. Marines who were mechanics on vehicle-based equipment were at the highest risk of exposure because of their regular interaction with these asbestos-containing parts.
Because asbestos is a flexible and durable material, it was also employed to insulate boilers, valves, pipes cables, floor tiles and ceilings. Asbestos's properties for insulation made it a great material for fireproofing and was also inexpensive and easy to manufacture. Asbestos also withstands heat, which helped make it an extremely popular option for engine components such as turbines and engines.
Asbestos is linked to numerous illnesses such as mesothelioma. Lung cancer and mesothelioma are two kinds of cancers that are caused by asbestos fibers. These cancers can cause malignant tumors to the lungs and chest walls.
Those who are diagnosed with an asbestos-related illness are typically eligible for financial compensation from the asbestos manufacturers responsible for mesothelioma. This money can help pay for medical treatment and other support services. To be eligible for these funds, patients have to go through a rigorous process that involves obtaining medical records and important documents. It is crucial to obtain legal representation for those suffering from mesothelioma that have suffered the difficulties associated with this illness.
VA Benefits
Veterans suffering from asbestos-related ailments 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 misinterpreted as other ailments, like smoking-related COPD. Veterans should submit an VA claim as soon as possible. A mesothelioma lawyer can assist veterans gather evidence to make an effective claim.
Every veteran's asbestos exposure is different, however certain branches of the military were at higher risk. Navy veterans were typically at the highest risk because of their time aboard ships and shipyards. These vessels had asbestos in many places, including engine and boiler rooms, living quarters, and aircraft machinery. Air Force veterans were also at a high risk because they often worked with military vehicles and planes that were contaminated with asbestos.
Asbestos is a natural mineral that occurs naturally, but it has to be extracted to be utilized by the military. If asbestos is not handled correctly, it can break up and become airborne. These microscopic fibres can enter the lungs, abdomen and cause irritation of the membranes that line chest and stomach. These fibers can cause the linings of the stomach and chest to swell over time. These tumors are known as mesothelioma. They are the most dangerous asbestos-related cancer.
Other forms of asbestos-related ailments that can develop include respiratory issues like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). These symptoms can be mistaken for smoking-induced COPD. However it is crucial that Veterans see a doctor to get a precise diagnosis.
The Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, located in Miami, is a center for treatment for many Veterans suffering from asbestos-related illnesses. The Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center is situated just few minutes away from the Miami VA Medical Center. For Veterans who do not live in the region, the VA could provide financial aid for travel and housing expenses. Many mesothelioma specialists provide private practice options to patients who don't want to visit an VA facility.