Asbestos Exposure in the Military
Asbestos was widely used in military barracks, bases and vehicles until it was found to cause deadly and dangerous health risks. Veterans from all branches of the military may have been exposed asbestos and be at the risk of developing mesothelioma and other ailments.
The Navy veterans are at the greatest risk of exposure to asbestos due to the frequent use of asbestos on Navy vessels. However, Army Veterans who repaired or built ships and motor vehicles also face risks of exposure.
Military Occupational Specialty (MOS)
Asbestos was a popular building material for a long time before it was discovered to cause negative health consequences. Asbestos was used extensively in the United States Military. Many veterans from all branches were exposed to asbestos, and many developed mesothelioma and other ailments after inhaling the deadly mineral. The Jeffrey Glassman Injury Lawyers, Boston asbestos lawyers have years of experience helping Army veterans get VA benefits and compensation related to mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases.
The Navy employed asbestos extensively on vessels and submarines during WWII. Navy veterans with multiple MOSs might have been exposed to asbestos in their sleeping quarters, compartments and other areas of the ship as well as in nearby shipyards or construction sites.
Air Force veterans may also have been exposed to asbestos while serving. Asbestos was frequently used in aircrafts, including rotors, fuel systems and hydraulics. Asbestos is also used in the manufacture of thermal insulation, gaskets and fireproofing.
Asbestos was frequently used by Navy pipefitters and welding crews. Lagging that contained asbestos was frequently used on pipes that ran through the entire length of a vessel. Navy welders were sometimes required to remove this lagging prior to making repairs. Navy pipefitters often worked with loose asbestos and asbestos-containing gaskets, seals and insulation. One Navy pipefitter named William Smith developed mesothelioma after developing lung cancer from his exposure to asbestos.
Asbestos was the most frequent exposure for metal fabricators as well as steelworkers in the Navy when working in a shipyard or construction site. Asbestos was used as insulation, fireproofing, and as an element of welding. Inhaling asbestos fibres is very dangerous for health in any type of welding especially when it's wet.
Asbestos was a typical substance used by veterans from the Army, Marine Corps Navy and Air Force who worked on vessels or motor vehicles. Veterans can focus on their treatment for mesothelioma, not worrying about the cost of living. Veterans could be entitled to compensation for mesothelioma from negligent asbestos producers. 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.
Symptoms
Many veterans who have been exposed to asbestos have suffered from a variety of serious illnesses. The exposure to asbestos increases the chance of developing mesothelioma as well as lung cancer. These diseases can take anywhere from 20 to 50 years to develop. Many veterans who served in Army bases, Navy Shipyards, and Air Force Bases can receive compensation for asbestos exposure and health issues.
The military heavily relied on asbestos-based products prior to the 1980s. Navy shipyards, Coast Guard yards and Army bases all relied on asbestos to construct and repair naval ships. Navy sailors were especially at risk of exposure. Asbestos was frequently found in engine rooms, boiler rooms and the flooring on decks of ships.
In addition, military personnel in a number of other occupations were also exposed to asbestos, such as plumbers, pipefitters, insulators and auto mechanics. Asbestos was commonly employed in building materials, such as doors, walls and roofs. The Navy even used asbestos to create fireproofing.
These hazardous substances were a danger to service members' health even if they were not on the base or ship. Asbestos fibers can remain in the lung and cause scarring for a long time after inhalation. As time passed, the scarring on the lungs grew so severe that asbestosis was caused.
Asbestosis is not a cancer, but it could result in the development of other health issues, including mesothelioma, which takes between 20 and 50 years to develop following exposure. Mesothelioma is between six and nine times more likely to develop in those with pleural plaques. Pleural plaques are a type of asbestosis that isn't cancerous.
The exposure to asbestos through secondhand contact can also trigger mesothelioma particularly if the family member was a laborer or military personnel who handled asbestos-based products. This is due to the fact that asbestos fibers can be transported through the air. Asbestos victims carried dangerous fibers into their homes, settling on their clothing, exposing their family members. Secondhand mesothelioma cases usually involve children, spouses, and siblings of those who were exposed to asbestos while at work. In these cases the mesothelioma patient's remaining spouse or child can be awarded compensation for the asbestos-related disease of their loved one.
Treatment
Veterans with mesothelioma have a variety of treatment options that could assist with symptoms, reduce the progression of mesothelioma and reduce the risk of complications. This includes radiotherapy, surgery chemotherapy, immunotherapy and radiotherapy. In most cases, doctors will recommend a combination of these treatments, based on the type of asbestos-related disease.
Asbestos was extensively used in military bases as well as aircrafts, ships and even vehicles. It was incorporated into drywall and cement mixtures, spackling, and roofing materials to protect against fire and insulate components. These materials were disturbed during repair and maintenance, putting service members at risk.
Marine Corps veterans were exposed asbestos in their barracks and on naval vessels during transport and during their work on vehicles and aircrafts. Asbestos was incorporated into the insulation of ships boiler rooms, boiler rooms, and electrical wiring as well as engine parts as well as fabricated items like brake pads and clutches. Marines who worked on vehicles-related equipment were at an increased risk of asbestos exposure because they often interacted with these components.
Because asbestos is a flexible and durable material, it was used for insulating boilers, valves, pipes, cables flooring tiles and ceilings. Asbestos's insulating properties made it a great fireproofing material and was also inexpensive and easy to make. Asbestos is also resistant heat, which makes it a popular material for engine parts like engines and turbines.
Asbestos has been linked to many diseases such as mesothelioma. Lung cancer and mesothelioma pleural are two types of disease that are caused by asbestos fibers. These cancers cause malignant tumors in the lungs and chest wall.
Those who are diagnosed with an asbestos-related illness are typically eligible for financial compensation from asbestos producers responsible for mesothelioma. The money is used to pay for medical care and other support services. To be eligible for these funds, patients must go through a thorough procedure which includes obtaining medical records and other critical documents. Many victims of mesothelioma have suffered the pain of living with this disease and it is essential to have legal representation to safeguard their rights.
VA Benefits
Veterans who suffer from asbestos-related ailments have the right to receive disability benefits and compensation. It isn't easy for veterans to prove that their condition is connected to their military service. This is because a variety of symptoms can be mistaken as other ailments, such as smoking-related COPD. Veterans should submit a VA claim as soon as possible. A mesothelioma lawyer can help veterans gather evidence for a successful claim.
Each veteran's exposure to asbestos is unique, but certain branches of the military were at higher risk. The exposure of veterans from the Navy to asbestos was typically the highest due to their work in shipyards and on ships. These vessels had asbestos in many places including boiler and engine rooms, living quarters, and aircraft machinery. Air Force veterans also faced a high level of risk 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 it is not handled properly tiny asbestos fibers may break apart and then become airborne. When inhaled, these tiny fibers enter the lungs and abdomen, and cause irritation to the membranes that connect the stomach and chest. Passaic asbestos lawyers can cause the tissues of the chest and stomach to scar over time. These tumors are referred to as mesothelioma, and are the most dangerous asbestos-related cancer.
Other asbestos-related diseases that can develop include respiratory issues like chronic obstructive respiratory disease (COPD). These symptoms can be confused with smoking-related 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 facility is located just a few minutes away from the Miami VA Medical Center. The VA may offer financial assistance to Veterans who don't live in the region. This could include the cost of travel and accommodation. Many mesothelioma specialists offer private practice options to patients who do not want to visit a VA facility.