Asbestos Exposure in the Military

Asbestos was a widely-used material in military bases, barracks and vehicles until it was discovered to be a danger and cause health consequences. Veterans from all branches of the military could have been exposed asbestos and be at the risk of developing mesothelioma and other illnesses.

Navy veterans have the highest risk of exposure due to asbestos usage on Navy ships. However, Army Veterans who repaired or built ships and motor vehicles also faced risks of exposure.

Military Occupational Specialty

Asbestos was a well-known building material for decades before its harmful health effects were discovered. Asbestos was extensively used in the United States Military. Many veterans from all branches were exposed to asbestos, and a lot of them developed mesothelioma and other illnesses after inhaling this deadly mineral. The Boston asbestos lawyers at the Jeffrey Glassman Injury Lawyers have years of experience in helping Army veterans seek VA benefits and compensation for mesothelioma and other asbestos-related illnesses.

The Navy used asbestos extensively on ships and submarines during WWII. Asbestos is likely to have been present in the sleeping quarters, compartments, and other areas on board, as well at nearby construction sites, shipyards and shipyards.

Air Force veterans may also have been exposed to asbestos while serving. Asbestos was commonly used in aircraft, including fuel systems, rotors, and hydraulics. Asbestos is also used in the manufacture of thermal insulation, gaskets and fireproofing.

Asbestos was regularly found in the work of Navy pipefitters and welding crews. Lagging containing asbestos was commonly used on pipes that ran the entire length of the ship. Welders working in the Navy were sometimes required remove this lagging prior making repairs. Navy pipefitters were often working with asbestos-containing insulation, gaskets and seals. William Smith, a Navy pipefitter, contracted mesothelioma as a result of asbestos exposure following lung cancer.

Asbestos was the most frequent exposure for metal fabricators and steelworkers in the Navy when working in the construction site or in a shipyard. Asbestos is used as an insulation material, a fireproofing substance and as a welding material. Inhaling asbestos fibers is very dangerous for any welding, particularly when it is wet.

Asbestos was a common substance in the work of veterans of the Army, Marine Corps Navy and Air Force who worked on ships or motor vehicles. Veterans can focus on the treatment they receive for mesothelioma, not worrying about their daily expenses. They could be entitled to compensation for mesothelioma resulting from negligent asbestos producers. These companies knew about the dangers of asbestos lawyer and are responsible for the medical bills of their victims. Asbestos lawsuits have helped many asbestos victims receive substantial compensation.

Signs and symptoms

Many veterans exposed to asbestos have been afflicted with a variety of serious illnesses. Exposure to asbestos increases the risk of mesothelioma and lung cancer. These diseases can develop over a period of 20 to 50 years. Fortunately, many veterans who served on Army bases, Navy shipyards and Air Force bases are eligible for compensation for their asbestos exposure and the resulting health conditions.

The military relied heavily on asbestos-based products until the 1980s. Navy shipyards, Coast Guard yards and Army bases all relied on asbestos to build and repair naval vessels. Navy sailors were at the highest risk of exposure. Asbestos is often found in ship engine rooms as well as boiler rooms and deck flooring.

Additionally, military workers in various other occupations were also exposed to asbestos, such as plumbers, pipefitters and insulators and auto mechanics. Asbestos was frequently employed in building materials, such as walls, roofs and doors. The Navy used asbestos to make fireproofing.

These dangerous materials posed a health threat to military personnel and women even when they were not in the base or ship. When an individual inhaled asbestos fibers, they remained inside the lungs for prolonged periods of time and caused scarring on the lungs' cells. Over time the scarring grew so severe that it led to asbestosis, a lung condition.

Asbestosis, though not cancerous however, can trigger other health issues, including mesothelioma. This condition can take anywhere from between 20 and 50 years to develop following exposure. Mesothelioma is six to nine-times more likely to develop in those with Pleural plaques. Pleural plaques are a type of asbestosis that is not cancerous.

The exposure to asbestos through secondhand contact can also cause mesothelioma, particularly if the family member was a worker or military personnel who dealt with asbestos-based materials. This is because asbestos can be carried in the air. Asbestos sufferers often brought the harmful fibers home with them on their clothing and exposed to their family members. Secondhand mesothelioma is usually caused by children, spouses and the siblings of asbestos workers. In these cases, the survivor spouse or children of mesothelioma victims can receive compensation from the VA for their loved one's asbestos-related disease.

Treatment

Affected veterans face a number of treatment options that could assist with symptoms, slow the progression of mesothelioma and prevent complications. These include surgery, radiotherapy chemotherapy, and immunotherapy. Doctors often suggest a combination of treatments based on the severity and type of asbestos lawyer-related disease.

Asbestos is a toxic material that was widely employed on military bases as well as in ships, aircrafts and vehicles. It was added in cement mixes, drywall roofing, spackling, and spackling to protect against fire and insulate them. These materials were damaged in the course of maintenance and repair and put service workers at risk.

Marine Corps veterans were exposed asbestos in barracks and on naval vessels during transportation and during their work on vehicles and aircrafts. Asbestos was incorporated in ship insulation 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 worked on vehicles-related equipment were at a higher risk of asbestos exposure because they regularly interacted with these components.

Asbestos is a soft and durable material that was used to insulate valves, pipes and boilers. It was also used for ceiling and floor tile. Its insulating properties as well as its low cost and ease of manufacture, made asbestos attorney an ideal material for fireproofing. Asbestos is also resistant heat, which makes it an ideal material for engine parts like engines and turbines.

Asbestos has been linked to many diseases, including mesothelioma. Lung cancer and mesothelioma pleural are two forms of disease that are caused by asbestos fibers. These cancers can cause malignant tumors to the chest and lungs.

The asbestos producers who are responsible for the mesothelioma of patients with asbestos-related ailments could be able to compensate them financially. This money can be used to cover medical expenses and other support services. To be eligible for these funds, victims must undergo a rigorous process that involves getting medical records and other important documents. It is crucial to obtain legal representation for victims of mesothelioma that have suffered the difficulties associated with this disease.

VA Benefits

Veterans suffering from an asbestos-related condition have the right to receive disability benefits and compensation. It can be difficult for veterans to prove their condition is related to their military service. Many symptoms are misinterpreted as other conditions, such as COPD caused by smoking. For this reason, it is crucial for Veterans to make a VA claim early as possible. A mesothelioma lawyer with experience can assist veterans with gathering the evidence needed to file a successful claim.

Every veteran's exposure is unique, but there are specific branches of the military that were at greater risk of being exposed the harmful mineral. Navy veterans were frequently most at risk because of their work aboard ships and shipyards. These vessels contained asbestos in a variety of places including boiler and engine rooms, living quarters, and aircraft machinery. Air Force veterans were also at risk due to the fact that they were often working with planes and military vehicles that were contaminated with asbestos.

Although asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally but it is required to be mined and processed to be used in the military. If it isn't handled correctly tiny asbestos lawyer fibers could split and then become airborne. These tiny fibers can get into the lungs, abdomen, and cause irritation of the membranes that line chest and stomach. Over time the fibers may cause the linings to become scarred and grow into tumors. These tumors are known as mesothelioma and are the most deadly asbestos-related cancer.

Other forms of asbestos-related ailments that could develop include respiratory issues like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). These symptoms are often confused with smoking-related COPD however it is crucial for Veterans to consult with a physician and get a clear diagnosis.

The Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, located in Miami is a treatment center for a variety of Veterans suffering from asbestos-related illnesses. This facility is located just an hour away from the Miami VA Medical Center. The VA could provide financial assistance to Veterans who don't live in the region. This includes the cost of travel and accommodation. Additionally, a lot of mesothelioma specialists provide private treatment options for patients who do not want to be seen at an VA facility.