Asbestos Exposure in the Military
Asbestos used to be an everyday material in military bases and barracks and vehicles. However, it was later discovered that asbestos could cause deadly and harmful health effects. Veterans from all branches of the military may have been exposed asbestos and be at risk of developing mesothelioma among other illnesses.
The Navy veterans are at the greatest risk of asbestos exposure due to the extensive use of asbestos on Navy ships. However, Army Veterans who repaired or built ships and motor vehicles also had dangers of exposure.
Military Occupational Specialty
Asbestos was a popular building material for decades before its detrimental health effects were discovered. Asbestos was widely used in the United States Military. Many veterans from all branches were exposed to asbestos, and many developed mesothelioma and other ailments as a result of inhaling this toxic mineral. Jeffrey Glassman Injury Lawyers, Boston asbestos lawyers have years of experience helping Army veterans obtain VA benefits and compensation due to mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases.
The Navy used asbestos extensively on its ships and submarines during WWII. Asbestos was likely to have been present in the compartments, sleeping quarters, and other areas aboard as well as in nearby shipyards, construction sites, and shipyards.
Air Force veterans could have also been exposed to asbestos during their time in the service. Asbestos is often used in aircraft including rotors and fuel systems. Aurora asbestos attorney is also used in the production of gaskets, thermal insulation and fireproofing.
Navy pipefitters and welders were often exposed to asbestos during maintenance on Navy ships. On pipes that ran across the length of vessels asbestos-containing lagging was often employed. Navy welding technicians were sometimes required to remove the lagging prior to making repairs. Navy pipefitters frequently worked with loose asbestos and gaskets, seals and insulation. One Navy pipefitter named William Smith developed mesothelioma after having lung cancer as a result of his asbestos exposure.
Steelworkers and metal fabricators in the Navy were often exposed to asbestos while working at the shipyard or on construction sites. Asbestos is utilized as an insulation material, a fireproofing material and a welding materials. Inhaling asbestos fibres poses a serious health risk for any type of welding particularly when it's 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 duties. Veterans can focus on the treatment they receive for mesothelioma rather than worrying about the cost of living. They may be entitled to compensation for mesothelioma resulting from negligent asbestos manufacturers. These companies were aware of the risks associated with asbestos and are responsible 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 many serious illnesses. The exposure to the mineral that is toxic puts people at risk for mesothelioma, asbestosis and lung cancer. These illnesses can develop over a time of 20 to 50 years. Many veterans who worked in Army bases, Navy Shipyards, and Air Force Bases can receive compensation for asbestos exposure and health conditions.
The military relied heavily on asbestos-based products until the 1980s. Asbest was used 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 asbestos exposure. Asbestos is often found in ship engine rooms as well as boiler rooms and deck flooring.
Asbestos was also present in the workplaces of military workers who performed other jobs such as insulators or pipefitters. Asbestos was often used in building materials such as doors, walls and roofs. The Navy employed asbestos to create fireproofing.
These hazardous materials posed a health threat to military personnel and women even when they were not on the ship or base. If a person breathed asbestos fibers, they remained in the lungs for prolonged periods of time, and resulted in scarring on the lungs' cells. As time passed, the scarring on the lungs was so severe that asbestosis was triggered.
Asbestosis, while not cancerous but it can cause other health problems, including mesothelioma. This condition can take anywhere from 20 to 50 years to develop following exposure. Patients with pleural plaques, which are an asbestosis that is not cancerous, may be six to nine times more likely to develop mesothelioma.
Exposure to asbestos from the outside can also cause mesothelioma, particularly if a family member was a laborer or military personnel who handled asbestos-based products. This is because asbestos can be transported through the air. Asbestos sufferers often brought these harmful fibers home on their clothing and exposed their loved ones to asbestos. Secondhand mesothelioma cases typically involve spouses, children and siblings of those who were exposed to asbestos at work. In these cases, the survivors of the spouse or children of a mesothelioma victim may be eligible for compensation from the VA for the asbestos-related illness of their loved ones.
Treatment
Affected veterans face a number of treatment options that can help with symptoms, reduce the progression of mesothelioma and prevent complications. These include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation and immunotherapy. Doctors often recommend a combination treatment based on the nature and severity of asbestos-related disease.
Asbestos was used extensively in military bases, ships, aircrafts and vehicles. It was used in drywall, cement mixtures, spackling and roofing to fireproof and insulate components. In the course of repairs and maintenance the materials were smashed, which put service members at risk of exposure.
Marine Corps veterans were exposed asbestos in barracks and on naval vessels, during transportation as well as when they worked on vehicles and aircrafts. Asbestos was found in ship insulation, electrical wiring and boiler rooms as well as engine components and manufactured items like brake pads and clutches. Marines who worked as mechanics on vehicle-based equipment were at the highest risk of exposure because of their regular interaction with these asbestos-containing components.
Since asbestos is a pliable and durable material, it was also employed to insulate boilers, pipes, valves, cables, floor tiles and ceilings. Asbestos' insulating properties made it a great material for fireproofing and was also inexpensive and easy to manufacture. Asbestos is also resistant to heat, which makes it a popular material for engine parts such as turbines and engines.
Asbestos has been linked to various diseases such as mesothelioma. Lung cancer and pleural mesothelioma comprise two common types of the disease and both are triggered by prolonged exposure to asbestos fibers. These cancers affect the lungs as well as the chest wall, causing malignant tumors to develop.
People who are diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease are usually qualified for financial compensation from the asbestos manufacturers who are responsible for mesothelioma. The money is used to pay for medical care and other support services. To be eligible for these funds, patients must undergo a thorough process which includes the collection of medical records and other critical documents. Many victims of mesothelioma have suffered the pain of dealing with this disease and it is crucial to seek legal counsel to protect their rights.
VA Benefits
Veterans who suffer from asbestos-related conditions 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 are mistaken for other conditions, like smoking-induced COPD. Veterans must submit an VA claim as soon as possible. A mesothelioma lawyer can assist veterans gather evidence to make an effective claim.
Every veteran's exposure is different, however there were certain branches of the military that were at a higher risk of being exposed the toxic mineral. Navy veterans were typically most at risk because of their time on ships and shipyards. The vessels had asbestos in many places, such as the boiler room and engine as well as living quarters and aircraft machinery. Air Force veterans also faced the risk of exposure to asbestos because they frequently were in contact with vehicles and planes which contained asbestos.
Although asbestos is a natural mineral but it is required to be extracted and processed in order to be used in military. If asbestos isn't handled correctly, it can break down and then become airborne. When inhaled, these tiny fibers can 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 swell over time. These tumors, referred to as mesothelioma, are among the most dangerous type of asbestos-related cancer.
Other asbestos-related illnesses can include respiratory problems like chronic obstructive respiratory disease (COPD). These symptoms are often mistaken for smoking-induced COPD however it is important for Veterans to see a doctor and get a clear diagnosis.
The Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, located in Miami is a treatment center for a variety of Veterans diagnosed with asbestos-related illnesses. This facility is only a short distance from the Miami VA Medical Center. The VA could provide financial assistance to Veterans who don't live in the area. This could include the cost of travel and accommodation. Many mesothelioma experts offer private practice options for patients who do not want to visit an VA facility.