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Veterans and Mesothelioma
Over the last century, countless brave individuals have lost their lives while fighting for our nation. But those on the front lines weren't the only victims. For hundreds of thousands of veterans who were exposed to asbestos during military service, the battle still rages on.
It is estimated that 30% of all current U.S. mesothelioma patients are military veterans. Since symptoms of mesothelioma may not emerge for 35 or even 40 years, many veterans are still being diagnosed with life-threatening asbestos cancers that are the result of asbestos exposure decades ago.
Use of Asbestos in the Military
Valued for its thermal properties, asbestos was used by every branch of the military throughout the mid-20th century. The Army and the Air Force used asbestos-containing brake pads and clutch plates to service military motor pools. Workers who repaired military vehicles, ships, and aircraft were prime candidates for asbestos exposure even years after its use was discontinued. Other workers at risk were those who installed and serviced military equipment and machinery.
Since asbestos products were widely used in the construction industry prior to 1970, construction workers on military bases were also in danger of inhaling deadly asbestos fibers. Older buildings - which were not replaced when asbestos was virtually banned in the 1980s - are likely to have asbestos-containing components such as electric wire insulation, roofing, and fireproofing materials. Asbestos removal is typically an issue when construction is being upgraded on a military installation.
Without a doubt, the division of the military most heavily impacted by asbestos exposure is the U.S. Navy. Members of the U.S. Navy are the most at risk veterans likely to develop mesothelioma in their lifetime as a result of their service. Nearly every Naval vessel built between 1930 and the early 1970s had asbestos in its construction: asbestos insulation, asbestos on piping throughout the ship, and asbestos coating on engine room pipes and boilers. During World War II, several million shipyard workers and sailors were unknowingly exposed to asbestos.
Military personnel most likely to have been exposed to asbestos include:
- Boilermen
- Construction workers
- Demolition workers
- Engine mechanics
- Firemen
- Gunners/Seamen
- Navy Seabees
- Pipefitters
- Shipfitters
- Shipyard workers
High-risk military veterans may have worked with these asbestos products:
- Asbestos gloves
- Asbestos clothing, blankets and cloth
- Boiler/block insulation
- Brakes, gaskets and clutches
- Fireproofing materials
- Fireproofing spray insulation
- Firebrick and gunnite
- Floor, roofing and ceiling tiles
- Insulation on pipes
- Insulating cements, plasters and joint compounds
- Roofing shingles
- Rope packing
- Steam pipes for heating units and boilers
- Thermal insulation
- Transite siding
- Wallboard
Asbestos in the Military Today
The use of asbestos was slowly phased out by the military in the 1970s, as more and more evidence of its dangers came to light. Today, the Navy and other military branches have strict regulations about how to handle asbestos that turns up at work sites. Workers are now advised to avoid asbestos lagging and insulation, and specialized crews are brought in to remove and dispose of the hazardous substance.
Despite the fact that many toxic military sites have been cleaned up or shut down, it is too late for the thousands of veterans who have already been exposed to asbestos. Now, these individuals must face an uncertain future as they cope with the reality of mesothelioma and other asbestos-caused illnesses.
Were You Exposed to Asbestos During Military Service?
If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma and believe you were exposed to asbestos while serving in the U.S. military, you may be entitled to financial compensation. To learn more about your legal options, please contact us for a free, no-obligation evaluation of your potential mesothelioma lawsuit claim.
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