Marines, along with the other branches of the military, were at risk of asbestos exposure because of the extensive use of asbestos in all types of products. Asbestos was used in insulation, pipes and wiring in all types of construction, from industrial to residential. At one time, the military had a mandate in place calling for the increased use of asbestos containing products in their projects. The reason for the popularity of asbestos was simple. As a naturally occurring mineral, it was widely available, which made the price competitive. It was heat proof and fire resistant, properties that made it very attractive when surrounding engine rooms or boilers.

While all branches of the military used asbestos extensively, none used as much of it in as many materials as the Navy. They used asbestos all through the ships that took to the water from the early 1940s to the late 1970s. The asbestos containing material was used to insulate the boilers, provide a heat shield between the residential areas and the working areas of the ship, and were woven into the ropes that were plentiful aboard the Navy vessels.

How does this affect Marines? Marine units often worked hand in hand with Navy crews. They used Navy aircraft carriers for their base from which to fly fighter-bombers on ship to shore missions. This meant living on these ships for the duration of the missions. The close working relationship between the Marines and the Navy means that Marine veterans may be at just as high of risk of asbestos related illness as those veterans who served in the Navy. Even those Marines that never set foot on a Navy vessel are at risk of asbestos exposure. Asbestos was widely used in the cement pipes, ceiling tiles and insulation that made up the barracks where the Marines spent their time.

What are the Dangers of Asbestos Exposure?

Asbestos exposure can lead to a variety of health problems. Because asbestos is a known carcinogen, exposure to it increases the risk of all types of cancers. In smokers, the chances of developing lung cancer are greatly increased if they have also been exposed to asbestos. Asbestos exposure can also lead to mesothelioma, a cancer that develops in the protective covering of the body's organs. Mesothelioma is difficult to diagnose, and by the time a diagnosis is made the tumors have often spread throughout the body. Mesothelioma does not respond well to treatment, and the average length of survival is a mere two years after diagnosis.

Asbestosis is a chronic and progressive lung disease that develops in those that have been exposed to asbestos. The disease causes shortness of breath that eventually leaves the patient unable to perform the most basic activities. Although the main symptom of asbestosis, shortness of breath, can be relieved somewhat by prescription oxygen, there is no cure and asbestosis leads to respiratory failure.

Asbestos exposure occurs when the materials that contain asbestos become worn. When this wear occurs, asbestos fibers are released into the air, where they are easily ingested or inhaled. The asbestos fibers remain in the body for years, until decades later when the veteran develops health problems associated with the exposure.

How Does the Military Handle Claims of Asbestos Exposure?

If you have been exposed to asbestos during your time in the Marines, your options will be very different from those who have been exposed in other types of work. Wile many people have received cash payments to cover their medical bills as well as compensatory costs, this is not possible if you are a veteran. Members of the military have no recourse in the court system for seeking compensation due to harm on the job. The best that the military will provide are VA benefits. Veterans Administration benefits are not guaranteed, and the system set in place to receive these benefits can be confusing.

To receive financial compensation for damage to your health due to asbestos, you can seek damages by filing a lawsuit against the manufacturer of the asbestos containing materials. While this may seem like a simple process, there are several complicating factors. During the period of greatest use, over 300 suppliers were using asbestos containing materials in products that were used on military bases. Any lawsuit must be filed against the specific company that provided materials at your base or installation. Additionally, the lawsuit must show that the asbestos exposure that you suffered occurred in the Marines, not in any occupation that you held before or after this time. Given the demanding nature of these lawsuits, and the burden of proof that is placed on the veteran, it makes sense to work with an experienced attorney to aquire your veterans benefits and file any lawsuit.

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