Asbestos Exposure in the Military
Asbestos was a common material in military barracks and bases, as well as vehicles. However it was later discovered that asbestos may cause deadly and harmful health effects. Veterans from all branches of the military may have been exposed to asbestos and are at risk of developing mesothelioma as well as other diseases.
The Navy veterans are at the greatest risk of asbestos exposure due to the frequent use of asbestos on Navy ships. However, Army Veterans who repaired or built ships and motor vehicles also had dangers of exposure.
Military Occupational Specialty (MOS)
Asbestos was a popular material for building materials for decades before its harmful health effects were discovered. Whittier asbestos lawyers was widely used in the United States Military. Many veterans from all branches were exposed asbestos, and many were diagnosed with mesothelioma and other illnesses after inhaling the deadly mineral. Jeffrey Glassman Injury Lawyers, Boston asbestos lawyers have years of experience helping Army veterans obtain VA benefits and compensation relating to mesothelioma, asbestos-related diseases.
The Navy used asbestos extensively on vessels and submarines during WWII. Asbestos was likely to be present in compartments, sleeping quarters, and other areas on board and in nearby shipyards, construction sites and shipyards.
Air Force veterans may also have been exposed to asbestos during their time in the service. Asbestos is often used in aircraft, including fuel systems and rotors. Asbestos was also used to create thermal insulation, fireproofing and gaskets.
Navy pipefitters and welders were often exposed to asbestos while doing maintenance on Navy ships. On pipes that run across the length of a vessel, asbestos-containing lagging is often used. Navy welders were often required to remove the lagging prior to making repairs. Navy pipefitters frequently worked with asbestos-containing gaskets, seals and insulation. One Navy pipefitter named William Smith developed mesothelioma after developing lung cancer from his exposure to asbestos.
Steelworkers and metal fabricators in the Navy were often exposed to asbestos while working at the shipyard or on construction sites. Asbestos was utilized for insulation, fireproofing and as a welding material. Inhaling asbestos fibers poses an extremely dangerous health risk for any type of welding particularly when it's damp.
Asbestos was a common ingredient in the work of veterans from the Army, Marine Corps Navy and Air Force who worked on ships or motor vehicles. VA benefits such as disability compensation can help these veterans concentrate on their mesothelioma treatment instead of worrying about paying for their daily living expenses. These veterans may also be eligible for mesothelioma damages from negligent asbestos manufacturers. These companies were aware of the dangers associated with asbestos and are responsible for their victims' medical bills. Asbestos lawsuits have helped many asbestos victims receive substantial compensation.
Symptoms
Veterans who have been exposed to asbestos have suffered many serious diseases. The exposure to asbestos's toxic mineral exposes a person to risk of developing mesothelioma, asbestosis, and lung cancer. These illnesses may develop over a period of between 20 and 50 years. Many veterans who were employed in Army bases, Navy Shipyards, and Air Force Bases can receive compensation for asbestos exposure and health conditions.
The military relied heavily upon asbestos-based products prior to the 1980s. Asbest was employed in the construction and repair of naval vessels by Navy shipyards as well Army bases and Coast Guard yards. Navy sailors are at greater risk of exposure to asbestos. Asbestos was frequently found in boiler rooms, engine room rooms and the deck flooring on ships.
In addition, military personnel in various other jobs also were exposed to asbestos, such as plumbers, pipefitters and insulators and auto mechanics. Asbestos was frequently used in building materials such as doors, walls, and roofs. The Navy employed asbestos to create fireproofing.
These harmful substances could pose a health risk for military personnel and women even when they were not in the base or ship. When a person inhaled asbestos fibers, they remained in the lungs for prolonged periods of time and caused scarring on the lungs' cells. As time passed the scarring of the lungs became so severe that the condition asbestosis was triggered.
Asbestosis, while not cancerous however, can trigger other health issues, such as mesothelioma. This condition can take anywhere from between 20 and 50 years to develop following exposure. Mesothelioma is between six and nine times more likely to develop in those who have Pleural plaques. Pleural plaques are a type of asbestosis that isn't cancerous.
Exposure to asbestos from the outside can also cause mesothelioma. This is especially true if a family member worked as a worker or in the military and used asbestos-based products. This is due to asbestos's ability to be transported through the air. Asbestos victims typically brought these dangerous fibers home on their clothes and exposed their loved ones to asbestos. Secondhand mesothelioma is typically caused by children, spouses and the siblings of asbestos workers. In these instances the mesothelioma patient's remaining spouse or child can receive compensation for the illness caused by asbestos of their loved one.
Treatment
Patients suffering from mesothelioma have various treatment options to help them manage symptoms, slow the progress of the disease, and prevent complications. These include chemotherapy, surgery, radiation and immunotherapy. Most often, doctors recommend a combination of the treatments, depending on the type of asbestos-related illness.
Asbestos is a toxic material that was extensively used in military bases as well as in ships, aircrafts and vehicles. It was added to drywall and cement mixtures, spackling, and roofing to insulate and protect components. These materials were damaged 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 as well as when they worked on aircraft and vehicles. Asbestos was incorporated in ship insulation, boiler rooms and electrical wiring as well as engine parts and manufactured items like brake pads and clutches. Marines who worked with vehicle-based equipment were at a high risk of exposure to asbestos because they frequently interacted with asbestos-containing components.
Since asbestos is a pliable and durable material, it was also employed to insulate boilers, valves, pipes cables, floor tiles and ceilings. Asbestos's insulating properties made it a great fireproofing material and it was also cheap and easy to make. Asbestos also resists heat, making it an extremely popular choice for engine parts like turbines and engines.
Asbestos is linked to numerous illnesses, including mesothelioma. Lung cancer and mesothelioma are two kinds of diseases caused by asbestos fibers. These cancers cause malignant tumors in the chest and lungs.
People who are who are diagnosed with an asbestos-related illness are usually qualified for financial compensation from asbestos producers responsible for mesothelioma. This money can be used to pay for medical care and other support services. To be eligible for these funds, patients have to go through an extensive process that includes obtaining medical records and important documents. It is important to get legal representation for those suffering from mesothelioma who have suffered the hardships that come with this disease.
VA Benefits
Veterans suffering from asbestos-related ailments are entitled to compensation and disability benefits. It can be difficult for veterans to prove that their condition is related to their military service. The reason is that many symptoms are mistaken for other conditions, like smoking-induced COPD. Veterans need to file an VA claim immediately. A mesothelioma lawyer who is experienced can help veterans gather the evidence required to file a successful claim.
Each veteran's asbestos exposure is different, however certain branches of the military were at greater risk. The exposure of Navy veterans to asbestos was usually the highest due to their work on shipyards and ships. These vessels had asbestos in a variety of places including boiler and engine rooms, living quarters, and aircraft machinery. Air Force veterans also faced a high level of risk when they worked with planes and vehicles which contained asbestos.
Asbestos is a natural mineral that occurs naturally, but it must be mined to be employed by the military. If it is not handled in a proper manner tiny asbestos fibers could break up and become airborne. When inhaled, these microscopic fibers can enter the lungs and abdomen, and cause irritation to the membranes that are found in the stomach and chest. These fibers can cause the tissues of the chest and stomach to swell over time. These tumors, known as mesothelioma, are among the most hazardous type of asbestos-related cancer.
Other asbestos-related illnesses can include respiratory problems like chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD). These symptoms are often mistaken for smoking-induced COPD however, it is crucial for Veterans to see a doctor and receive an accurate diagnosis.
Many Veterans who are diagnosed with an asbestos-related illness receive treatment at the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center in Miami. This facility is a short drive from the Miami VA Medical Center. The VA might offer financial assistance to Veterans who aren't residents of the region. This includes travel and housing costs. In addition, many mesothelioma doctors offer private treatment options for patients who do not want to be seen at the VA facility.