Asbestos Exposure in the Military

Asbestos was a common material in military bases, barracks and vehicles until it was discovered to have dangerous and deadly health risks. Veterans from every branch of the military could have been exposed to asbestos and are at risk of developing mesothelioma and other diseases.

The Navy veterans are at the greatest risk of asbestos exposure due to the frequent use of asbestos attorney on Navy ships. However, Army Veterans who repaired or built vessels and motor vehicles also had the risk of exposure.

Military Occupational Specialty

Asbestos was a popular material for building materials 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 many were diagnosed with mesothelioma and other ailments after inhaling this deadly mineral. The Boston asbestos lawyers; Learn Additional, at the Jeffrey Glassman Injury Lawyers have extensive experience helping Army veterans pursue VA benefits and compensation for mesothelioma as well as other asbestos-related illnesses.

The Navy employed asbestos extensively on vessels and submarines during WWII. Asbestos could be present in compartments, sleeping quarters, and other areas on board, as well at nearby construction sites, shipyards and shipyards.

Air Force veterans could have also been exposed to asbestos during their time in the service. Asbestos is a common component in aircraft, including fuel systems and rotors. Asbestos is also used in the manufacturing of gaskets, thermal insulation and fireproofing.

Asbestos was frequently present in the work of Navy pipefitters and welding crews. On pipes that ran the length of a vessel asbestos-containing lagging was frequently employed. Welders in the Navy were often required to remove this lagging prior making repairs. Navy pipefitters often worked with asbestos in the form of loose asbestos, asbestos-containing gaskets, seals and insulation. One Navy pipefitter named William Smith developed mesothelioma after developing lung cancer from his asbestos exposure.

Steelworkers and metal fabricators in the Navy were frequently exposed to asbestos while working at the shipyard or on construction sites. Asbestos is an insulation material, a fireproofing substance and a welding material. Inhaling asbestos fibers poses very dangerous for health in any type welding work especially when it's 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. VA benefits like disability compensation can help these veterans concentrate on their mesothelioma treatment instead of wyears to develop following exposure. Patients with the pleural plaques, a non-cancerous form of asbestosis could be between six and nine times more likely to develop mesothelioma.

The exposure to asbestos lawyer through secondhand contact can cause mesothelioma as well, particularly if a family member was a worker or military personnel who worked with asbestos-based materials. This is due to asbestos's ability to be transported through the air. Asbestos victims often brought these harmful fibers home on their clothes and exposed to their family members. Secondhand mesothelioma is typically caused by children, spouses and siblings of asbestos workers. In these cases, the survivors of the spouse or children of a mesothelioma victim can receive compensation from the VA for their loved one's asbestos-related disease.

Treatment

Affected veterans face a number of treatment options to assist with symptoms, slow the progression of mesothelioma and prevent complications. These include surgery, chemotherapy or radiation therapy, as well as immunotherapy. Doctors often recommend a combination treatment depending on the type and severity of asbestos-related disease.

Asbestos is a toxic substance that was widely used in military bases as well as in ships, aircrafts and vehicles. It was incorporated into drywall, cement mixtures, spacklings and roofing to fireproof and insulate components. In the course of repairs and maintenance these materials were damaged and put personnel at risk of being exposed.

Marine Corps veterans were exposed to asbestos in their barracks, on naval vessels and during transport, as well as in their work on vehicles and aircraft. Asbestos was used in ship insulation boiler rooms, boiler rooms and electrical wiring and engine parts and fabricated items such as brake pads and clutches. Marines who worked on vehicle-based equipment were at a higher risk of exposure to asbestos since they often interacted with these components.

Because asbestos is a flexible and durable material, it was employed to insulate pipes, valves, boilers, cables, floor tiles and ceilings. Its properties as an insulator, along with its affordability and easy to manufacture, made asbestos an ideal material for fireproofing. Asbestos also resists heat, which made it an extremely popular choice for engine parts like turbines and engines.

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

Those diagnosed with an asbestos-related condition are usually eligible for financial compensation from the asbestos manufacturers who are responsible for their mesothelioma. The money will help pay for needed medical care and support services. To qualify for this type of assistance, the victims must go through a thorough procedure which includes getting medical records as well as other vital documents. Many mesothelioma victims have suffered the pain of living with this disease and it is essential to have legal representation to ensure their rights.

VA Benefits

Veterans suffering from an asbestos-related illness are entitled to disability benefits and compensation. However, it is difficult to prove that the condition is due to their military service. This is because many symptoms can be mistaken as other ailments, such as smoking-related COPD. Veterans must file an VA claim as soon as they can. A mesothelioma lawyer with experience can help veterans gather the evidence necessary to submit an effective claim.

Each veteran's exposure to asbestos is unique, but certain branches of the military were at higher risk. Navy veterans were frequently at the highest risk because of their time aboard ships and shipyards. The vessels were contaminated with asbestos in many places including boiler and engine rooms, living quarters and aircraft machinery. Air Force veterans were also at a high risk because they often worked with military vehicles and planes that contained asbestos.

Asbestos is a mineral that is found naturally, however it requires mining to be used by the military. If it is not handled properly tiny asbestos fibers could break up and then become airborne. These tiny fibers can penetrate the lungs, abdomen and cause irritation to the membranes that line the chest and stomach. These fibers can cause the tissues of the chest and stomach to become scarred over time. These tumors, referred to as mesothelioma, are among the most dangerous type of asbestos-related cancer.

Other asbestos-related diseases could include respiratory problems like chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD). These symptoms are often mistaken for smoking-induced COPD. However it is crucial that Veterans see a doctor to obtain a proper diagnosis.

Many Veterans who are diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease receive treatment at the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center in Miami. The facility is just a short drive from the Miami VA Medical Center. The VA could provide financial assistance to Veterans who aren't residents of the region. This could include the cost of travel and accommodation. Additionally, many mesothelioma specialists provide private practices for patients who do not want to be treated at a VA facility.