Asbestos Exposure in the Military
Asbestos was widely used in military bases, barracks and vehicles until it was found to have dangerous and deadly health effects. Veterans from all branches of the military could have been exposed to asbestos and be at the risk of developing mesothelioma and other illnesses.
The Navy veterans are at the greatest risk of exposure to asbestos because of the widespread use of asbestos on Navy ships. Army Veterans who constructed or repaired ships, motor vehicles, and those who repair them, are also at risk.
Military Occupational Specialty (MOS)
Asbestos was a popular building material for a long time before its negative health effects were discovered. Asbestos was used extensively in the United States Military. Many veterans from all branches were exposed asbestos, and a lot of them developed mesothelioma or other diseases after inhaling this deadly mineral. The Jeffrey Glassman Injury Lawyers, Boston asbestos lawyers have years of experience helping Army veterans receive VA benefits and compensation related to mesothelioma, asbestos-related diseases.
During WWII, the Navy employed asbestos extensively in its ships and submarines. Asbestos could be present in the sleeping quarters, compartments, and other areas on board 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 fuel systems and rotors. Asbestos is also used in the production of thermal insulation, gaskets and fireproofing.
Navy pipefitters and welders were regularly exposed to asbestos during maintenance on Navy vessels. Lagging containing asbestos was commonly used on pipes that ran through the entire length of the ship. Welders working in the Navy were sometimes required remove this lagging before making repairs. Navy pipefitters were often working with asbestos-containing insulation, gaskets, and seals. One Navy pipefitter named William Smith developed mesothelioma after suffering from lung cancer due to his exposure to asbestos.
Steelworkers and metal fabricators in the Navy were frequently exposed to asbestos while working in a shipyard or at construction sites. Asbestos is used as an insulation material, a fireproofing substance and a welding material. Inhaling asbestos fibers poses a serious health risk for any welding job particularly when it's wet.
Asbestos was a typical ingredient in the work of veterans of the Army, Marine Corps Navy, and Air Force who worked on vessels or motor vehicles. Veterans can concentrate on the treatment they receive for mesothelioma, not worrying about everyday living expenses. These veterans may 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 responsible for the medical expenses of their victims. Asbestos lawsuits have helped many asbestos victims receive substantial compensation.
Signs and symptoms
Many veterans who have been exposed to asbestos have been afflicted with a variety of serious illnesses. Exposure to asbestos increases the risk of mesothelioma and lung cancer. These illnesses may develop over a period of 20 to 50 years. Fortunately, many veterans who worked on Army bases, Navy shipyards and Air Force bases are eligible for compensation for their asbestos exposure and health issues.
The military relied heavily upon asbestos-based products up until the 1980s. 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 were especially at risk of exposure. Asbestos can be found in ship engine rooms, boiler room and deck flooring.
Additionally, military personnel working in a number of other occupations were also exposed to asbestos, for example plumbers, pipefitters, insulators and auto mechanics. Asbestos was frequently employed in building materials, such as doors, walls, and roofs. The Navy used asbestos to make fireproofing.
These harmful substances could pose a health risk for servicemen and women even when they were not in the base or ship. Asbestos fibers can remain in the lung and cause scarring for a long time after inhalation. Over time the scarring on the lungs grew so severe that asbestosis was caused.
Asbestosis, while not cancerous but it can cause other health problems, including mesothelioma. This disease takes between 20 and 50 years to develop after exposure. Mesothelioma can be six to nine times more likely to develop in those who have plaques in the pleura. Pleural plaques are a type asbestosis that isn't cancerous.
Exposure to asbestos from the outside can also cause mesothelioma. This is especially true when a family member was employed as a laborer or in the military and was exposed to asbestos-based products. This is due to asbestos's ability to be transported through the air. Asbestos victims carried dangerous fibers into their homes on their clothes, exposing family members. Mesothelioma that is secondhand is typically caused by spouses, children, and siblings of asbestos workers. In these cases, the survivor spouse or children of a mesothelioma patient are eligible to receive compensation from the VA for their loved one's asbestos-related illness.
Treatment
Affected veterans face a number of treatment options that could aid in reducing symptoms, slow the progression of mesothelioma and prevent complications. These include chemotherapy, surgery or radiation therapy, as well as immunotherapy. Missoula asbestos lawsuits will often recommend a combination treatment depending on the nature and severity of the asbestos-related disease.
Asbestos was widely used in military bases, ships, aircrafts and even vehicles. It was incorporated into drywall, cement mixtures, spackling, and roofing to fireproof and insulate components. These materials were smashed in the course of maintenance and repair which put service personnel at risk.
Marine Corps veterans were exposed asbestos in their barracks and on naval vessels, during transportation and in their work on vehicles and aircrafts. Asbestos was used in the insulation of ships boiler rooms, boiler rooms and electrical wiring, as well as engine parts as well as fabricated items such as brake pads and clutches. Marines who were mechanics on vehicle-based equipment were at a particular high risk of exposure due to their frequent interactions with asbestos-containing parts.
Asbestos is a flexible, tough material that was used to insulate pipes, valves and boilers. It was also used for ceiling and floor tile. The properties of insulation as well as its low cost and simple manufacturing made asbestos a great material for fireproofing. Asbestos is also resistant to heat, which makes it an ideal material for engine parts like engines and turbines.
Asbestos has been linked to a number of illnesses, including mesothelioma. Lung cancer and pleural mesothelioma are two frequent types of mesothelioma, and both are caused by exposure to asbestos fibers. These cancers cause malignant tumors in the lungs and chest walls.
People who are who are diagnosed with an asbestos-related illness are typically eligible for financial compensation from the asbestos producers responsible for mesothelioma. This money can be used to cover medical expenses and other support services. To be eligible for these funds, patients have to go through an extensive process that includes the collection of medical records and other important documents. It is essential to seek legal representation for patients of mesothelioma who have suffered the difficulties associated with this illness.
VA Benefits
Veterans who suffer from an asbestos-related illness have the right to disability benefits and compensation. However, it can be difficult to prove that their medical condition is linked to their military service. The reason is that many symptoms can be mistaken for other conditions, like smoking-induced COPD. Veterans should file an VA claim as soon as possible. A mesothelioma lawyer who is experienced can assist veterans with gathering the evidence necessary to submit an effective claim.
Each veteran's exposure to asbestos is unique, but there are specific branches of the military that were at greater chance of being exposed to the toxic mineral. Navy veterans were often at risk due to the duration of their work aboard ships and shipyards. The vessels were contaminated with asbestos in many places such as boiler and engine rooms, living quarters, and aircraft machinery. Air Force veterans were also at a high risk because they were often working with planes and military vehicles which contained asbestos.
Although asbestos is a natural mineral but it is required to be mined and processed to be used in the military. If it is not handled in a proper manner tiny asbestos fibers could break apart and then become airborne. Inhaling these microscopic fibers get into the abdomen and lungs and cause irritation to the membranes that connect the stomach and chest. As time passes these fibers can cause the linings of the stomach to scar and develop tumors. These tumors are known as mesothelioma. They are the most deadly asbestos-related cancer.
Other asbestos-related diseases could include respiratory problems such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). These symptoms are often mistaken for smoking-induced COPD. However, it is important 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 diagnosed with asbestos-related illnesses. This facility is located just a short distance from the Miami VA Medical Center. For Veterans who don't reside in the area or are not in the area, the VA can provide financial assistance for travel and housing expenses. Additionally, many mesothelioma doctors offer private treatment options for patients who do not want to visit the VA facility.