U.S. Navy Vets and Asbestos Exposure

It is an unfortunate irony that many of the brave men and women that put their lives on the line to protect the United States may return home safely, only to develop deadly health problems after they retire. Many of these health problems can be traced back to asbestos exposure that they received as members of the military. While many occupations are at risk of asbestos exposure, US navy veterans make up the single largest group, with about one third of the diagnosis of mesothelioma being made to military veterans.

Asbestos Exposure

Navy veterans were exposed to asbestos through a wide variety of products that the United Stated military used from the 1930s through the late 1970s. Asbestos containing products were very popular with the military for many reasons. During the busy construction phase of World War II, asbestos was readily available and affordable. It also has excellent insulation qualities and withstands heavy use. It is estimated that over 300 materials commonly used by the US Navy contained asbestos. The wide use of asbestos containing material made exposure to asbestos a common occurrence. Some of the crew members that served on ships remember seeing the asbestos dust float around the ship after a gun was fired.

Asbestos was used throughout navy ships and shipyards. Primarily used for its ability to insulate against heat and flame, it was used in many areas that were exposed to these elements. Asbestos was used as insulation the boiler rooms and surrounding the electrical wire. It was often placed between the walls of the ship to prevent the machinery that was located in some areas from overheating the living quarters. Asbestos was also used in floor and ceiling tiles as well as in the lining of machinery. The sealant that was used to prevent leaks on board the ship contained asbestos. Even the ropes that were used on the ship were woven with asbestos fibers.

Exposure to asbestos occurred as the ropes, insulation or electrical wiring became worn. As the materials age, they release asbestos fibers into the air, where they are easily inhaled by those in the area. The Navy veterans that worked in the shipyards were not immune to the health risks of asbestos. When the ship had repair work done, the workers completed the job without wearing protective gear. Whether they were spraying asbestos insulation into the boiler room, or replacing worn floor tiles, this work exposed them to airborne asbestos.

What Recourse Does a Navy Veteran Have if Exposed

While the members of the navy that worked on ships and in shipyards prior to the late 1970s had no idea the health dangers associated with asbestos exposure, there is some question about what the United States government knew. It is believed that manufactures of asbestos containing products, and possibly even the government had some idea of the health problems associated with asbestos exposure. While it is not known how much the government knew about the problem, and it is assumed that they knew less than the manufacturers, that does not change the fact that the government was one of the largest users of asbestos. In some instances, they required materials to contain the mineral.

Because of their unique situation as employees, or former employees of the United States government, navy veterans cannot sue their employer for exposure to asbestos containing material. Unlike those that worked in private industry, navy veterans are not permitted to seek compensation from their employer. One option that they do have is to file a lawsuit against the manufacture of the asbestos containing materials. This is a time consuming process, and the veteran is responsible for proving where and how they were exposed. Another option for the navy veteran that was exposed to asbestos in shipyards is to apply to the Veterans Administration for medical benefits, but again, this is an extended and bureaucratic process. US Navy vets that are diagnosed with asbestos related diseases have fewer options than employees in the private sector who were exposed to asbestos in the workplace.

What are the Dangers of Asbestos Exposure?

Asbestos exposure may lead to mesothelioma and asbestosis. Both of these diseases are very serious, and can lead to death. Asbestosis leads to respiratory failure, while mesothelioma is a type of aggressive asbestos cancer that develops in the protective covering of the lungs, abdomen or heart. It is estimated that nearly 100,000 members of the navy during World War II died from diseases related to asbestos exposure. One third of the new cases of mesothelioma are diagnosed in people that served and were exposed in the military. Because of the decades that it takes for mesothelioma and asbestos to develop after exposure, new cases of these diseases are still being diagnosed in US Navy veterans.

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