Asbestos Exposure in the Military

Asbestos was a widely-used material in military bases, barracks and vehicles until it was found to be a danger and cause health effects. Veterans from every branch of the military may have been exposed to asbestos and are at risk of developing mesothelioma as well as other ailments.

Navy veterans have the highest risk of exposure, due to the asbestos usage on Navy vessels. Army Veterans who constructed or repaired ships and motor vehicles, and those who repair them, are also at risk.

Military Occupational Specialty

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

In WWII during WWII, the Navy employed asbestos extensively in both ships and submarines. Asbestos was likely to have been present in the compartments for sleeping, sleeping quarters and other areas aboard as well as in nearby shipyards, construction sites and shipyards.

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

Asbestos was frequently found in the work of Navy pipefitters and welding crews. On pipes that run the length of a vessel, asbestos lawsuit (just click the following article)-containing lagging is often used. Navy welders were sometimes required to remove this lagging prior to making repairs. Navy pipefitters frequently worked with asbestos-containing insulation, gaskets and seals. One Navy pipefitter named William Smith developed mesothelioma after developing lung cancer from his exposure to asbestos.

Metal fabricators and steelworkers in the Navy were often exposed to asbestos while working at a shipyard or at construction sites. Asbestos was used as insulation, fireproofing and also as a welding material. Inhaling asbestos fibers poses very dangerous for any type of welding work, especially when it is wet.

Asbestos was a common substance used by veterans of the Army, Marine Corps Navy and Air Force who worked on ships or motor vehicles. Veterans can focus on their treatment for mesothelioma, not worrying about their daily expenses. Veterans may be entitled to compensation for mesothelioma from negligent asbestos producers. These companies were aware of the dangers associated with asbestos and should be held responsible for their victims' medical bills. Asbestos lawsuits have helped many asbestos victims receive substantial compensation.

Symptoms

Many veterans who have been exposed to asbestos have suffered from a range of serious diseases. The exposure to asbestos increases the chance of developing mesothelioma as well as lung cancer. These diseases can develop over a time of 20 to 50 years. It is good news that many veterans who served on Army bases, Navy shipyards and Air Force bases can receive compensation for asbestos exposure and the resulting health issues.

The military relied heavily on asbestos-based products up until the 1980s. Asbest was used in the construction and repair of naval ships by Navy shipyards as well Army bases and Coast Guard yards. Navy sailors are at a higher risk of being exposed to asbestos. Asbestos can be found in ship engine rooms as well as boiler rooms and deck flooring.

In addition, military personnel in a variety of other jobs also were exposed to asbestos, for example insulators, pipefitters, plumbers and auto mechanics. Asbestos is frequently used as a building material to construct walls as well as roofs, doors, and walls. The Navy used asbestos to make fireproofing.

These harmful substances pose a health risk to military personnel and women even when they were not on the ship or base. When an individual inhaled asbestos fibers, they remained in 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 led to asbestosis, a lung disease.

Asbestosis, while not cancerous, can lead to other health issues, such as mesothelioma. This condition can take anywhere from 20 to 50 years to develop after exposure. Mesothelioma is between six and nine times more likely to develop in people with plaques in the pleura. Pleural plaques are a form of asbestosis that isn't cancerous.

Secondhand exposure to asbestos may cause mesothelioma too. This is particularly true if a family member worked as a worker or in the military and handled asbestos-based products. This is because asbestos can be transported through the air. Asbestos sufferers often brought these harmful fibers home on their clothes and exposed their loved ones to asbestos. Secondhand mesothelioma cases typically involve children, spouses and siblings of those who were exposed to asbestos while at work. In these cases, the surviving spouse or children of a mesothelioma victim may be eligible for compensation from the VA for their loved one's asbestos-related illness.

Treatment

Patients suffering from mesothelioma have various treatment options to help manage their symptoms, slow the progress of the disease, and prevent complications. These include chemotherapy, surgery or radiation therapy, as well as immunotherapy. Often, doctors will recommend a combination of these treatments, depending on the type of asbestos-related disease.

Asbestos was widely used in military bases as well as aircrafts, ships and even vehicles. It was incorporated into drywall, cement mixtures, spackling and roofing to insulate and protect components. In the course of repairs and maintenance the materials were smashed and put personnel at risk of exposure.

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

Asbestos is a flexible, durable material that was used to insulate valves, pipes and boilers. It was also used as a ceiling tile and floor tile. Its properties as an insulator as well as its low cost and ease of manufacture made asbestos a perfect material for fireproofing. Asbestos also has a resistance to heat, making it an ideal choice for engine parts like turbines and engines.

Asbestos is linked to numerous illnesses such as mesothelioma. Lung cancer and mesothelioma are two kinds of cancers that are caused by asbestos fibers. These cancers cause malignant tumors in the lungs and chest walls.

The asbestos manufacturers who are responsible for the mesothelioma that affects those diagnosed with asbestos-related conditions might be able pay them a financial settlement. This money can help provide medical treatment and support services. To qualify for this type of assistance, the victims must undergo a thorough process which includes obtaining medical records and other critical documents. Many victims of mesothelioma have experienced the hardships of dealing with this illness and it is essential to seek legal counsel to safeguard their rights.

VA Benefits

Veterans suffering from asbestos-related ailments are entitled to disability benefits and compensation. It isn't easy for veterans to prove their condition is related to their military service. Many symptoms are confused with other conditions, like smoking-induced COPD. Veterans should file an VA claim immediately. A mesothelioma lawyer who is experienced can assist veterans in gathering the evidence required to make a successful claim.

Each veteran's asbestos exposure is different, however certain branches of the military were at higher risk. Navy veterans were frequently most at risk because of their work 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 also faced a high level of risk because they frequently were in contact with vehicles and planes which contained asbestos.

Although asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally, it must be extracted and processed in order to be used in the military. When it is not handled correctly tiny asbestos fibers may 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 stomach and chest to become scarred over time. These tumors, known as mesothelioma are the most hazardous form of asbestos lawyer-related cancer.

Other asbestos-related diseases could include respiratory conditions like chronic obstructive respiratory disease (COPD). These symptoms can be confused with smoking-related COPD. However it is essential that Veterans consult a physician to obtain a proper diagnosis.

The Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, located in Miami is a treatment center for a variety of Veterans who suffer from asbestos-related diseases. This center is few minutes away from the Miami VA Medical Center. The VA could provide financial assistance to Veterans who aren't residents of the region. This could include travel and housing costs. In addition, many mesothelioma specialists provide private practice options for patients that do not want to be seen at a VA facility.