Asbestos Exposure in the Military

Asbestos was an everyday material in military barracks and bases, as well as vehicles. However, it was later discovered that asbestos could be deadly and have dangerous health effects. Veterans from all branches of the military may have been exposed to asbestos attorneys and be at risk of developing mesothelioma among other illnesses.

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

Military Occupational Specialty (MOS)

Asbestos was a favored building material for decades before it was discovered to cause negative health consequences. Asbestos exposure in the United States military was widespread, with many veterans of every branch being exposed to asbestos and developing mesothelioma or other diseases from breathing in asbestos, a harmful mineral. The Boston asbestos lawyers at the Jeffrey Glassman Injury Lawyers have years of experience in helping Army veterans pursue VA benefits and compensation for mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases.

During WWII, the Navy employed asbestos extensively in its ships and submarines. Navy veterans with numerous MOSs may have been exposed to asbestos in their sleeping quarters, compartments, and other areas of the ship, and also at nearby shipyards and construction sites.

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 manufacture of thermal insulation, gaskets and fireproofing.

Navy pipefitters and welders were often exposed to asbestos while performing maintenance on Navy vessels. For pipes that ran across the length of vessels, asbestos-containing lagging is often used. Navy welders were often required to remove this lagging prior to 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 a shipyard or at construction sites. Asbestos is utilized as an insulation material, a fireproofing material and as a welding material. Inhaling asbestos fibres is an extremely dangerous health risk for any type welding work, particularly when it's wet.

Asbestos was a typical ingredient in the work of veterans from the Army, Marine Corps Navy and Air Force who worked on motor vehicles or ships. VA benefits such as disability compensation can allow these veterans to concentrate on their mesothelioma treatment instead of worrying about how to pay for the cost of living. They may also be eligible for mesothelioma compensation from negligent asbestos manufacturers. These companies knew about the dangers of asbestos and are responsible for the medical costs of their victims. Asbestos Lawsuits (Https://Squareblogs.Net) have helped many asbestos lawyers victims receive substantial compensation.

Symptoms

Veterans who have been exposed to asbestos have suffered a wide range of serious illnesses. Exposure to asbestos can increase the chance of developing mesothelioma as well as lung cancer. These illnesses can develop over a time of 20 to 50 years. Fortunately, many veterans who worked on Army bases, Navy shipyards and Air Force bases can receive compensation for their asbestos exposure and related health issues.

Up until the 1980s, the military relied heavily 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 is commonly found in ship engines boiler rooms, decks and flooring.

In addition, military personnel in a number of other occupations were also exposed to asbestos, including plumbers, pipefitters, insulators and auto mechanics. Asbestos was commonly used in building materials such as walls, roofs and doors. The Navy used asbestos to make fireproofing.

These hazardous substances were a danger to the health of soldiers even if they were not on the ship or at their base. When a person inhaled asbestos fibers, they remained inside the lungs for a long period of time, and resulted in scarring on the lungs' cells. In time, the scarring became so severe that it caused asbestosis, a lung condition.

Asbestosis isn't a cancer, but it can cause other health problems, such as mesothelioma which can take 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 isn't cancerous.

Exposure to asbestos from the outside can cause mesothelioma as well. This is especially true if a family member worked as a laborer or in the military and was exposed to asbestos-based products. This is due to the fact that asbestos fibers can be carried through the air. Asbestos-related victims brought harmful fibers into their homes, settling on their clothing, exposing their family members. Mesothelioma that is secondhand is typically caused by children, spouses and children of asbestos workers. In these cases, the surviving spouse or children of mesothelioma victims can receive compensation from the VA for their loved one's asbestos-related illness.

Treatment

Veterans with mesothelioma have various treatments that can help them manage symptoms, slow the progression of the disease and avoid complications. These include surgery, radiotherapy chemotherapy, immunotherapy and radiotherapy. In most cases, doctors will recommend a combination of these treatments, based on the type of asbestos-related illness.

Asbestos was extensively used in military bases, ships, aircrafts and even vehicles. It was added to drywall, cement mixtures, spackling, and roofing to insulate and protect components. These materials were damaged during repair and maintenance, putting service members at risk.

Marine Corps veterans were exposed to asbestos in their barracks, on naval vessels, and during transport, as as in their work on aircrafts and vehicles. Asbestos was used in the insulation of ships boiler rooms, boiler rooms and electrical wiring, as well as engine parts and fabricated items such as brake pads and clutches. Marines who worked as mechanics on vehicle-based equipment were at the highest risk of exposure because of their frequent interactions with asbestos-containing parts.

Because asbestos is a flexible and durable material, it was also employed to insulate boilers, valves, pipes, cables, floor tiles and ceilings. Its properties as an insulator, along with its affordability and simple manufacturing made asbestos a great material for fireproofing. Asbestos also resists heat, which made it an extremely popular option for engine components such as turbines and engines.

Asbestos is linked to various diseases including mesothelioma. Lung cancer and mesothelioma pleural are two types of cancers caused by asbestos lawsuits fibers. These cancers affect the lungs as well as the chest wall which causes malignant tumors grow.

The asbestos producers who are responsible for the mesothelioma that affects those diagnosed with asbestos-related conditions might be able pay them a financial settlement. The money is used to cover medical expenses and other support services. To be eligible for this money, the victims must undergo an exhaustive process that includes getting medical records and other important documents. Many mesothelioma victims have suffered the pain of dealing with this disease and it is essential to have legal representation to protect their rights.

VA Benefits

Veterans suffering from an asbestos-related condition have the right to receive disability benefits and compensation. However, it is difficult to prove that the condition is due to their military service. Many symptoms can be misinterpreted as other conditions, such as smoking-related COPD. Veterans must make a VA claim as soon as they can. A mesothelioma lawyer will help veterans gather evidence to make a successful claim.

Each veteran's exposure to asbestos is unique, but certain branches of the military were at greater risk. Navy veterans were frequently most at risk because of their time aboard ships and shipyards. These vessels contained asbestos in a variety of places such as boiler and engine rooms, living quarters, and aircraft machinery. Air Force veterans also faced an increased risk because they frequently worked with planes and vehicles that contained asbestos.

Asbestos is an element that is found naturally, however it must be mined to be utilized by the military. If it isn't handled correctly, tiny asbestos fibers can break apart and then become airborne. These tiny fibers can get into the lungs, abdomen, and cause irritation to the membranes that line chest and stomach. These fibers can cause the linings of the stomach and chest to swell over time. These tumors, known as mesothelioma are the most deadly 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 could be mistaken for smoking-related COPD. However it is crucial that Veterans see a doctor to get a precise diagnosis.

The Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, located in Miami, is a center for treatment for a variety of Veterans who suffer from asbestos-related diseases. This center is an hour away from the Miami VA Medical Center. For Veterans who are not in the area and are not eligible for the VA may provide financial assistance for housing and travel expenses. Additionally, many mesothelioma specialists provide private treatment options for patients who don't want to visit the VA facility.