Asbestos Exposure in the Military
Asbestos was a common material in military bases, barracks and vehicles until it was found to be a danger and cause health risks. Veterans from all branches of the military may have been exposed asbestos and be at the risk of developing mesothelioma and other diseases.
The Navy veterans are the most at risk of asbestos exposure due to the frequent use of asbestos on Navy vessels. Army Veterans who constructed or repaired vessels and motor vehicles, and those who repaired them, are also at risk.
Military Occupational Specialty
Asbestos was a favored building material for many years before it was discovered to have dangerous health effects. Asbestos exposure during the United States military was widespread and many veterans from all branches being exposed to asbestos and subsequently developing mesothelioma or other ailments from breathing in asbestos, a dangerous mineral. The Boston asbestos lawyers at Jeffrey Glassman Injury Lawyers have extensive experience helping Army veterans seek VA benefits and compensation for mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases.
The Navy employed asbestos extensively on ships and submarines during WWII. Asbestos was likely to be present in the compartments for sleeping, sleeping quarters and other areas aboard, as well at nearby shipyards, construction sites and shipyards.
Air Force veterans may also have been exposed to asbestos during their service. Asbestos is a common component in aircraft, such as rotors and fuel systems. Asbestos is also used in the manufacture of thermal insulation, gaskets and fireproofing.
Navy pipefitters and welders were frequently 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 before making repairs. Navy pipefitters frequently worked with asbestos-containing insulation, gaskets, and seals. William Smith, a Navy pipefitter, developed mesothelioma from asbestos exposure after he developed lung cancer.
Metal fabricators and steelworkers working in the Navy were frequently exposed to asbestos while working in the shipyard or on construction sites. Asbestos was utilized for insulation, fireproofing and also as a welding material. Inhaling asbestos fibers poses a serious risk for any welding work, especially when it is wet.
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. VA benefits such as disability compensation can help these veterans focus on their mesothelioma treatment instead of worrying about how to pay for everyday living expenses. These veterans could also be eligible for mesothelioma damages from negligent asbestos producers. They were aware of the dangers associated with asbestos and should be held accountable for their victims' medical bills. Asbestos lawsuits have helped many asbestos victims receive substantial compensation.
Symptoms
Many veterans exposed to asbestos have suffered from a range of serious diseases. Exposure to asbestos can increase the chance of developing mesothelioma as well as lung cancer. These illnesses can take 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 the resulting health issues.
In the 1980s the military was heavily reliant on asbestos-based products. Asbest was used in the construction and repair of naval vessels by Navy shipyards as well as Army bases and Coast Guard yards. Navy sailors are at a higher risk of asbestos exposure. Asbestos was often found in boiler rooms, and the deck flooring on ships.
Additionally, military personnel working in various other jobs also were exposed to asbestos, such as plumbers, pipefitters, insulators and auto mechanics. Asbestos is commonly used as a building material to construct walls, roofs, and doors. The Navy used asbestos to create fireproofing.
These hazardous materials could pose a health risk for soldiers and women, even if they were not in the base or ship. When a person inhaled asbestos fibers, they remained inside the lungs for prolonged periods of time and caused scarring to the lungs' cells. As time passed the scarring on the lungs was so severe that the condition asbestosis was caused.
Asbestosis, though not cancerous, can lead to other health issues, including mesothelioma. This condition can take anywhere from between 20 and 50 years to develop following exposure. Mesothelioma is between six and nine times more likely to develop in people with pleural plaques. Pleural plaques are a type of asbestosis that is not cancerous.
Exposure to asbestos from the outside can also cause mesothelioma, particularly if the family member was a worker or military personnel who worked with asbestos-based materials. This is due to the fact that asbestos fibers can be carried through the air. Asbestos-related victims brought harmful asbestos fibers into their homes through their clothing, which exposed family members. Secondhand mesothelioma is usually caused by children, spouses and siblings of asbestos workers. In these instances the mesothelioma patient's remaining spouse or child may be eligible for compensation for the asbestos-related disease of their loved one.
Treatment
Affected veterans face a number of treatment options that could assist with symptoms, slow progression of mesothelioma and reduce the risk of complications. These include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation and immunotherapy. Doctors typically recommend a combination treatment based on the type and severity of the asbestos-related disease.
Asbestos was widely used in military bases as well as aircrafts, ships, and vehicles. It was added in drywall, cement mixes as well as roofing spackling and spackling to make fireproof components and to insulate them. During maintenance and repairs, these materials were disturbed and put personnel at risk of exposure.
Marine Corps veterans were exposed asbestos in barracks and on naval vessels during transport and in their work on vehicles and aircrafts. Asbestos was found in ship insulation, electrical wiring and boiler rooms as well as engine components as well as fabricated components like brake pads and clutches. Marines who employed as mechanics on vehicles-based equipment faced a particularly high risk of exposure because of their regular interaction with these asbestos-containing parts.
Since asbestos is a pliable and durable material, it was used for insulating pipes, valves, boilers cables flooring tiles and ceilings. Its properties as an insulator as well as its low cost and ease of manufacture made asbestos a great material for fireproofing. Asbestos is also resistant to heat, which makes it a popular material for engine components like engines and turbines.
Asbestos is linked to many diseases, including mesothelioma. Lung cancer and pleural mesothelioma are two common types of the disease, and both are caused by exposure to asbestos fibers. These cancers affect the lungs as well as the chest wall, causing malignant tumors to grow.
Those who are diagnosed with an asbestos-related illness are typically entitled to financial compensation from asbestos manufacturers who are responsible for their mesothelioma. This money can be used to cover medical expenses and other support services. To qualify for these funds, victims must go through a thorough procedure which includes the collection of medical records as well as other vital documents. Many mesothelioma victims have faced the challenges of dealing with this disease and it is crucial to seek legal counsel to ensure their rights.
VA Benefits
Veterans suffering from asbestos-related ailments are entitled to disability benefits and compensation. It is often difficult for veterans to prove their condition is related to their military service. The reason is that many symptoms can be mistaken for other conditions, like smoking-induced COPD. For this reason, it is crucial for Veterans to submit an VA claim early as possible. A mesothelioma lawyer who is experienced can assist veterans in gathering the evidence required to file an effective claim.
Every veteran's asbestos exposure is unique, but certain branches of the military were more at risk. Navy veterans were often most at risk because of their time on ships and shipyards. The vessels were contaminated with asbestos in a variety of places, including the engine and boiler room, living quarters and aircraft machinery. Air Force veterans also faced a high level of risk, as they often worked with planes and vehicles that contained asbestos.
Asbestos is a natural mineral that is found naturally, however it must be mined to be utilized by the military. If it isn't handled correctly, tiny asbestos fibers can break up and become airborne. Fontana asbestos attorneys 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 become scarred over time. These tumors, also known as mesothelioma are the most deadly form of asbestos-related cancer.
Other asbestos-related diseases can include respiratory issues such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). These symptoms can be mistaken for smoking-induced COPD. However it is essential that Veterans see a doctor to receive an accurate diagnosis.
Many Veterans who are diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease receive treatment at the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center in Miami. This center is just a short drive from the Miami VA Medical Center. For Veterans who are not in the region or are not in the area, the VA can provide financial assistance for housing and travel expenses. Additionally, a lot of mesothelioma specialists offer private practice options for patients that do not want to be seen at an VA facility.