U.S. Navy Veterans - Mesothelioma Risks

Many serious illnesses developed by Unites States Navy veterans can be traced back to asbestos exposure they experienced during service. While workers in many occupations faced the risk of exposure to asbestos, Navy veterans comprise the largest group of those exposed in an occupational setting, as approximately one third of those diagnosed with mesothelioma are military veterans.

Asbestos Exposure

Navy veterans were exposed to asbestos through a wide variety of products that the United States 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 could withstand heavy use. It is estimated that more than 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 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 was also used to surround 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 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 often 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 or ingested by those in the area. Those who worked in the shipyards were not immune to the health risks of asbestos. When the ship underwent repairs, the workers often completed repairs without wearing protective gear. Whether they were spraying asbestos insulation into the boiler room, or replacing worn floor tiles, these duties frequently exposed workers to airborne asbestos.

While the members of the navy who 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 exactly 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 hazards (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 manufacturer of the asbestos-containing materials. This is a time consuming process, and the veteran is responsible for proving where and how they were exposed and a qualified lawyer may be able to help. Another option for a Navy veteran that was exposed to asbestos in shipyards is to apply to the Veterans Administration for medical benefits.

Dangers of Asbestos Exposure

Asbestos exposure may lead to mesothelioma and asbestosis. Both of these conditions are very serious. 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 have passed away from diseases related to asbestos exposure. Thirty percent of new cases of mesothelioma are diagnosed in those who served and were exposed to asbestos 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 U.S. Navy veterans today.