Asbestos Exposure in the Military

Asbestos was once a common component in military bases and barracks, as well as vehicles. However it was later discovered that asbestos could have deadly and dangerous health effects. Veterans from every branch of the military could have been exposed to asbestos and are at risk for developing mesothelioma, among other illnesses.

The Navy veterans are at the highest risk of exposure to asbestos due to the frequent use of asbestos attorney on Navy vessels. However, Army Veterans who repaired or built vessels and motor vehicles also face dangers 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 or other diseases after inhaling the deadly mineral. Jeffrey Glassman Injury Lawyers, Boston asbestos lawyers, have extensive experience in helping Army veterans get VA benefits and compensation relating to mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases.

In WWII, the Navy used asbestos extensively in ships and submarines. Asbestos could have been present in the compartments, sleeping quarters, and other areas on board and in nearby construction sites, shipyards and shipyards.

Air Force veterans could have also been exposed to asbestos while serving. Asbestos was frequently employed in aircraft, such as rotors, fuel systems and hydraulics. Asbestos was also used to create thermal insulation, fireproofing, gaskets and other gaskets.

Navy pipefitters and welders were often exposed to asbestos while doing maintenance on Navy ships. On pipes that ran across the length of a vessel asbestos-containing lagging was frequently employed. Welders working in the Navy were sometimes required remove this lagging prior to 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 after developing 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 attorney is an insulation material, a fireproofing material and a welding materials. Inhaling asbestos fibers poses very dangerous for any type of welding job, particularly when it is wet.

Army, Marine Corps, Navy and Air Force veterans who worked on motor vehicles or ships were exposed to asbestos as part of their work. Veterans can focus on the treatment they receive for mesothelioma, not worrying about the cost of living. They could be entitled to compensation for mesothelioma from negligent asbestos producers. These companies were aware of the dangers 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.

Signs and symptoms

Veterans who have been exposed to asbestos have developed various serious diseases. The exposure to asbestos increases the chance of developing mesothelioma as well as lung cancer. These illnesses may develop over a period of 20 to 50 years. It is good news that many veterans who served on Army bases, Navy shipyards and Air Force bases can be compensated for asbestos exposure and the resulting health issues.

Up until the 1980s the military was heavily reliant on asbestos-based products. Asbest was employed in the construction and repair of naval vessels by Navy shipyards as well Army bases and Coast Guard yards. Navy sailors were at the highest risk of exposure. Asbestos was often found in boiler rooms, engine room rooms, and the deck flooring on ships.

Asbestos was also present in the workplaces of military workers who were employed in other fields such as insulators or pipefitters. Asbestos was often employed in building materials, such as walls, roofs and doors. The Navy used asbestos to create fireproofing.

These hazardous materials were a danger to the health of soldiers even when they were away from the ship or base. Asbestos particles can remain in the lung and cause scarring over an extended period of time after inhalation. Over time the scarring on the lungs was so severe that asbestosis was triggered.

Asbestosis is not a cancer, but it could lead to the development of other health problems including mesothelioma, which takes between 20 and 50 years to develop following exposure. Patients with the pleural plaques, a non-cancerous type of asbestosis, may be six to nine times more likely to develop mesothelioma.

Secondhand exposure to asbestos can also cause mesothelioma, especially if the family member was a laborer or military personnel who handled asbestos-based materials. This is due to the fact that asbestos fibers can travel through the air. Asbestos victims carried dangerous fibers into their homes, settling on their clothing, which exposed family members. Secondhand mesothelioma is usually caused by children, spouses and the siblings of asbestos workers. In these cases the mesothelioma patient's survivor spouse or child can be awarded compensation for the illness caused by asbestos of their loved one.

Treatment

Patients with mesothelioma can avail a variety of treatments that can help them manage symptoms, slow the progress of the disease, and prevent complications. These include surgery, radiotherapy chemotherapy, and immunotherapy. In most cases, doctors will suggest a combination of these treatments, based on the type of asbestos-related disease.

Asbestos was widely used in military bases, ships, aircrafts and even vehicles. It was incorporated into drywall, cement mixtures, spacklings and roofing to fireproof and insulate components. These materials were smashed in the course of maintenance and repair, putting service members at risk.

Marine Corps veterans were exposed asbestos in barracks and on naval vessels, during transportation and during their work on aircraft and vehicles. Asbestos was incorporated 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 employed as mechanics on vehicles-based equipment were at the highest risk of exposure due to their frequent contact with asbestos-containing parts.

Since asbestos is a pliable and durable material, it was employed to insulate boilers, valves, pipes, cables, floor tiles and ceilings. Asbestos's properties for insulation made it a perfect material for fireproofing and was also inexpensive and easy to manufacture. Asbestos also has a resistance to heat, which helped make it a popular choice for engine parts like turbines and engines.

Asbestos has been linked to various diseases, including mesothelioma. Lung cancer and pleural mesothelioma comprise two most common forms of the disease and both are triggered by exposure to asbestos fibers. These cancers affect the lungs and chest wall which causes malignant tumors grow.

The asbestos manufacturers who are responsible for the mesothelioma of those diagnosed with asbestos lawsuit-related conditions may be able to pay them a financial settlement. This money can be used to provide medical treatment and support services. To be eligible for these funds, victims must go through a thorough procedure that includes the collection of medical records and other critical documents. It is important to get legal representation for patients of mesothelioma who have suffered the hardships associated with this disease.

VA Benefits

Veterans who suffer from an asbestos-related illness have the right to disability benefits and compensation. It isn't easy for veterans to prove that their condition is related to their military service. This is because a variety of symptoms can be mistaken as other ailments, such as smoking-related COPD. Veterans need to file a VA claim as soon as they can. A qualified mesothelioma attorney can assist veterans in gathering the evidence needed to submit a successful claim.

Each veteran's exposure to asbestos is unique, but certain branches of the military were at greater risk. The exposure of veterans from the Navy to asbestos was usually the highest due to their work on shipyards and ships. The vessels had asbestos in a variety of places, such as the engine and boiler room living quarters, as well as aircraft machinery. Air Force veterans were also at a high risk because they often worked with military 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 the military. If asbestos isn't handled correctly, it can break down and become airborne. When inhaled, these tiny fibers get into the lungs and abdomen and cause irritation to the membranes that line the chest and stomach. In time these fibers can cause the linings to scar and form tumors. These tumors, also known as mesothelioma, are the most hazardous form of asbestos-related cancer.

Other types of asbestos-related illnesses that can develop include respiratory issues like chronic obstructive respiratory disease (COPD). These symptoms can be mistaken for smoking-related COPD. However it is essential that Veterans consult a physician to get a precise diagnosis.

Many Veterans who are diagnosed with an asbestos-related illness 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. For Veterans who are not in the area, the VA may provide financial assistance for housing and travel expenses. Many mesothelioma specialists offer private practice options to patients who don't want to visit a VA facility.