Mesothelioma & Military Veterans
Lately, the general public has been made aware of the risks of asbestos exposure, especially for those who have served in the military. However, keep in mind that you might have been exposed to asbestos even if you weren't a member of the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, National Guard or Coast Guard. If you were connected to the military in any way, it would be best to see a doctor for an asbestos screening, as you may be at risk.
First and foremost, anyone who helped build or repair ships in a Navy shipyard has a high risk of asbestos exposure. Before the 1980s, asbestos was used readily to help build ships because it was lightweight, fire-resistant, cheap, durable and flexible - the perfect substance for a sea vessel. What workers didn't know is that they were being exposed to asbestos on a daily basis, and that it would have major repercussions later in life. In a 1984 study at Norfolk Naval Shipyard in Virginia, researchers discovered that 79 percent of workers had lung problems caused by asbestos exposure.
In addition, that study showed that between 8 and 9 percent of these workers' wives also had lung abnormalities. If you are (or were) a wife of anyone who worked in the military or in a military-related career, it is important that you get tested for health problems relating to asbestos exposure. While you may not have had direct exposure at work, many homes built on military bases were made with asbestos products. Even if that was not the case, asbestos travels easily on clothing, hair and shoes. Thus, wives who did laundry for their military husbands have been at risk of exposure. Other family members, like children, may have been as well.
Because many buildings on bases were built with asbestos materials, if you worked on a military base at all in any capacity, you may have been put at risk. Most jobs on bases belong to military personnel in one of the branches, but there are some that are held by civilians. Any structure built before the 1980s potentially was built with asbestos, so anyone working or living in them has been put at risk for asbestos-related disease.
Keep in mind that the risks of asbestos exposure did not end when the EPA began to regulate the substance in the 1970s. Although the risks are now not as high, contaminated older ships and buildings are still used. If these structures are in disrepair, the asbestos used in the building materials could be released into the air. That means that anyone involved in renovation or demolition of structures for the military has been put at risk. Currently, there are a number of ships and other structures undergoing renovations in order to modernize them for today's military needs. This kind of work could place people at risk of asbestos exposure.
Why is asbestos such a concern? Although this substance is great for building and fire protection, it is very damaging to your health. Asbestos is very fibrous, so whenever it is disturbed, it fills the air and, as a result, you breathe it in. Asbestos exposure can lead to various medical conditions, including asbestosis, lung cancer and mesothelioma. All of these conditions are very serious, and mesothelioma puts you at an especially high risk.
Mesothelioma develops when the jagged asbestos fibers (most of which are too microscopic to see) stick in the soft tissue lining of your lungs. The body tries to heal the tears and abnormalities that this creates, but unfortunately, this only causes scar tissue to build up. When the scar tissue builds up enough to create breathing problems, the condition is known as asbestosis.
However, more dangerous than that is mesothelioma. Mesothelioma cancer cells begin to multiply, creating tumors typically around the lungs. Unfortunately, by the time you experience symptoms from this problem, the cancer may have already spread to other parts of the body, such as the glands, stomach or heart. Early symptoms are often misdiagnosed because they seem like symptoms of pneumonia or even the flu. However, the longer you go without being treated, the riskier the condition becomes.
If you worked for or around the military before the 1980s, it is important to see a doctor for an asbestos disease screening, even if you have no mesothelioma symptoms. Mesothelioma and other asbestos-related conditions are quite serious, and you don't have to have been an active member of the military to be affected. If you worked on a base, for a shipyard, or in demolition, you are at risk. Military families are also at risk. Talk to a lawyer today to find out more about your rights if you have a medical condition stemming from asbestos exposure.
Asbestos.com and our Veterans Assistance Department offers extensive experience in filing VA claims and can help any veteran coping with mesothelioma receive benefits from the VA system. For more information or free assistance regarding VA benefits, programs and eligibility, please call 800-590-1922 or contact our Veterans Assistance Department by filling out this form.
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© 2012 The Mesothelioma Center |
Last Modified Wednesday, April 11th, 2012 | Disclaimer | Privacy Policy |
The information provided by The Mesothelioma Center is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
Sponsored by a law firm concentrating in asbestos litigation, The Peterson Firm, LLP with offices at 1350 Connecticut Ave, NW, Fifth Floor, Washington DC 20036.
