The Coast Guard is responsible for safeguarding the ports and harbors of the United States. While the Coast Guard is currently under the jurisdiction of the Department of Homeland Security, it can be moved to the Department of Defense. In the past, the Coast Guard has been instrumental in wars around the globe. During the second World War, the Coast Guard patrolled the waters of the Northern Atlantic Ocean and engaged in rescue missions after German ships and submarines sunk ships belonging to the United States.

The USCGC, a Coast Guard vessel, took the first German prisoners for the United States when it sunk a German ship off the Carolina coast. The Coast Guard also discovered the first invasion of German soldiers on US soil. This discovery led to their immediate capture. In the Second World War the Coast Guard sunk twelve German and two Japanese submarines and captured two German ships. During the pivotal invasion of Normandy, sixty Coast Guard cutters stayed off shore at the five beach locations where Allied forces were to come ashore. They served as a search and rescue crew and ultimately saved 400 lives. During the Korean War the Coast Guard arranged for the evacuation of the Korean peninsula.

How Were Members of the Coast Guard Exposed to Asbestos?

Members of the Coast Guard, like other members of the military, were exposed to asbestos due to the extensive use of asbestos containing material. The military, at one point, mandated the use of asbestos. Asbestos was highly regarded because of its durability as well as its ability to withstand heat and flame. Military barracks and offices used asbestos containing products as insulation, in the duct work, the water pipes, and the ceiling and floor tiles. It is estimated that thirty percent of people diagnosed with mesothelioma are veterans in some branch of the military.

For members of the Coast Guard, there are additional concerns about asbestos exposure. The ships on which these men spent so much of their lives were filled with asbestos containing materials. The areas around the engine and boiler rooms used asbestos containing insulation and reflective material to contain the heat. The ropes used throughout the naval ships were woven with asbestos fibers, and the covering on pipes that ran through the ships were coated with asbestos. Not only did members of the Coast Guard spend their entire work day surrounded by asbestos, but their off duty hours were spent surrounded by it as well.

What are the Hazards of Asbestos Exposure?

Asbestos exposure can lead to an increased risk of developing cancer. Additionally, those who develop cancer as a result of asbestos exposure often suffer from rapid tumor growth. It is thought that exposure to asbestos switches off the gene in the body that controls and halts tumor production. People that are exposed to asbestos may also develop asbestosis or mesothelioma. Asbestosis is a chronic and progressive disease of the lungs that eventually results in respiratory failure. There is no cure for asbestosis, although doctors can treat the symptoms with supplemental oxygen.

Mesothelioma is a fast spreading form of cancer that attacks the protective layers surrounding the body's organs. Mesothelioma most commonly develops around the lungs, but it can also form in the area surrounding the heart or stomach. Mesothelioma is difficult to diagnose and treat. It has an extremely high mortality rate. Both mesothelioma and asbestosis are complicated by the fact that they commonly develop several decades after asbestos exposure occurred. Because of this it can be difficult to determine when and where the exposure to asbestos occurred.

How Does the Military Deal with Asbestos Related Claims?

Members of the military who were exposed to asbestos may have trouble receiving compensation for their health concerns. As a member of the military, you are not permitted to seek compensation for injury through a court of law. This effectively prevents any veteran that may have suffered from asbestos exposure from bringing a lawsuit against the United States.

If you suffered from asbestos exposure as a member of any branch of the military, you can seek recourse by applying for benefits through the Department of Veteran Affairs. The process of applying for benefits does not, however, guarantee that you will receive them. Another way to seek compensation for your health concerns is by filing suit against the manufactures of the various asbestos containing materials that led to your exposure. Because of the extensive use of asbestos in the military setting this can become a tedious process, as the court requires that the injured party specifically state who is responsible for the harm received. An experienced mesothelioma attorney can help guide you through the process of applying for VA benefits and filing suit against companies that manufactured and supplied the military with asbestos containing materials.

Mesothelioma News

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