> Veterans & Mesothelioma > Veterans at Risk > Other Branches > Army

Mesothelioma & Army Veterans

Asbestos was atop the contaminants at 32 U.S. Army installations that required an estimated $1 billion environmental cleanup before they were closed or realigned during the late 1990s. Unfortunately, that was typical since the U.S. Armed Forces used so much asbestos throughout much of the 20th century. Consequently, U.S. Army veterans were exposed to asbestos, the primary cause of mesothelioma cancer.

Although the use of asbestos in new construction was stopped in the late '70s, the toxic fibers remained present at installations decades later, threatening a new batch of soldiers for many years. And since symptoms of asbestos-related disease often do not appear until 10 to 50 years after exposure to asbestos, many veterans are still concerned for the potential of developing a serious condition like mesothelioma later in life.

Army veterans can become informed on the symptoms to watch out for and learn more about how they may have been exposed in an effort to understand their personal risk. They can also reach out to the Veterans Assistance Program at the Mesothelioma Center to speak with a veteran benefits counselor and receive free assistance with filing a VA claim.

How Army Vets were Exposed

The health hazards were emerging even before WW II, but asbestos still became a valuable resource for all branches of military service because of its almost-miraculous characteristics and affordability. Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral, is inexpensive and heat resistant. It provided a durable fire-retardant for a wide variety of construction materials, perfect for use in the military.

It was used throughout buildings where soldiers slept, worked and ate. It was used in insulation, in the cement foundation, the caulking, flooring, roofing and throughout the plumbing system. Vehicles they traveled in and maintained had asbestos in the gaskets, clutch plates and brake pads.

Although most prevalent in the Navy, asbestos was found throughout Army bases, too. The U.S. Army received congressional approval in the '90s for the environmental cleanup. The Army produced a 157-page checklist entitled "The Installation Asbestos Management Program Assessment" as part of the process.

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has listed a variety of duties performed by servicemen that would have exposed its men and women to asbestos. Among the duties are: pipefitting, mining, milling, shipyard work, insulation work, demolition of old buildings, carpentry and construction; manufacture and servicing of friction products such as clutch facings and brake linings; manufacture and installation of products such as roofing and flooring materials, asbestos cement sheets, pipe products, and military equipment.

Soldiers serving recently in Iraq also have been exposed. Iraq and other countries in that region have been importing large amounts asbestos in recent years for construction. There are worries now that asbestos-containing buildings, when they are damaged by assaults, are releasing asbestos that could be spread for miles by the strong winds that are so prevalent in the dessert.

Although it’s difficult for the Unites States government, including the Army, to be held responsible for asbestos exposure and the illnesses it has caused, veterans do have the option of recovering health care costs from the manufacturers of the products that were supplied to the military. It’s the same option that is used by those exposed in the private sector. Consulting with an experienced attorney who has handled asbestos claims for other members of the military can provide you with the guidance that may help secure veterans benefits.

Free Resources for Army Veterans

Asbestos.com offers free assistance with filing a VA claim. Our Veterans Assistance Department offers extensive experience in filing VA claims and can help any veteran coping with mesothelioma. For more information or free assistance regarding VA benefits, programs and eligibility, please call (800) 615-2270 or contact our Veterans Assistance Department by filling out this form.

Sources: