A Hidden Danger for Veterans

The brave men and women who have served their country are modern day heroes. Fighting for freedom has never come easy, nor does it now. According to the United States Department of Veteran Affairs, there are currently 25 million individuals who have served in the United States Armed Forces—THANK YOU!!

Unfortunately, literally hundreds of thousands, if not millions of these heroes were exposed to asbestos-containing materials during their services, and are only now—sometimes 50 years later—experiencing what that can mean.

What is asbestos?

These days, asbestos is a well known hazardous carcinogen. This fiber consists of long, thin fibrous crystals and may be mixed with other substances in order to resistant heat, electricity and chemical damage, once making it a very popular insulator and fire-retardant.

Why are veterans at risk?

Due to these characteristics, asbestos was widely used by every branch, seemingly to protect service men and women. It was so useful that it was mandated for wide spread usage prior to being phased out in the 1970s, after risks were becoming more public. In the Armed Forces, it was used mainly for insulation purposes, but has also been used in over 300 consumer and building products. The Navy primarily used asbestos between the 1930s and 1970s, fitting nearly every ship with asbestos, and covering nearly all shipyards with numerous asbestos-containing materials. The bad news now is that this asbestos exposure may lead to many diseases such as mesothelioma.

What is mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that can be either malignant or benign. Malignant mesothelioma is the most hazardous form of asbestos cancer and may be deadly in most cases. This cancer affects the mesothelium tissue, which protects the heart, stomach, lungs, and other organs by making a special fluid that allows the organs to move.

What was asbestos used in?

Asbestos was used in various area of the military which may include:

--Cement

--Flooring products

--Insulation

--Steam pipes

--Gaskets

--Brakes and Clutches

--Boilers

Who could be affected by asbestos?

Many veterans could be affected by asbestos as its wide spread usage was mandated between the 1930s and 1970s. These occupations in the service includes:

--Navy personnel below the deck

--Construction workers

--Shipyard workers

--Boiler room workers

--Machinery repairmen

--Literally all sailors because asbestos was used in their navigation rooms, sleeping quarters, and mess halls, just to name a few.

Possibly even more appalling, these men and women's spouses and children at home could be inadvertently affected due to the asbestos fibers being carried home in the clothing and other accessories. Those fibers could then be breathed in by whoever came in contact, therefore affecting that individual.

Is there any compensation involved?

Unfortunately, there is no disability eligibility unless you can prove that the mesothelioma was due to asbestos exposure during active duty. Due to the longevity it takes for the disease to manifest, this can be very difficult to prove. However, there may be a recourse available, if you research your situation.

As a veteran of our Armed Forces, you realized many of the dangers involved in protecting this country, and again that service is very much appreciated. However, if you are suffering from lung-related issues, you may want to seek medical and/or legal help before it is too late.