Navy Veterans and Asbestos Exposure

Navy Veterans Face High Risk of Developing Asbestos Illnesses

The shipbuilding and repairing activities from before World War II until the 1980s (when restrictions were placed on asbestos use) subjected thousands of Navy veterans to asbestos exposure on a daily basis, often for years at a time. The resulting asbestos-caused diseases are now being diagnosed in increasing numbers of Navy veterans.

It’s estimated that up to one-third of the individuals suffering from mesothelioma are veterans of the armed forces, and that most of these are Navy veterans whose asbestos exposure during their service caused their diseases.     On the Job or in Combat

As many Navy veterans know, their asbestos exposure often happened on the job as they worked with asbestos-containing components of ships, vehicles, and buildings. Asbestos was used as a spray — in sheets, as welding cloths, and in many other forms and applications. Navy personnel were usually not aware of the dangers of the asbestos exposure, and if the military knew about it, it did not tell its service members.

Other Navy veterans suffered their asbestos exposure during combat, when the guns on battleships and aircraft carriers were fired, for instance.

Asbestos Exposure in Navy Environments

Asbestos was once thought of as a miracle material because of its durability, versatility, and especially its fire-retardant and friction-resistant qualities. Asbestos seemed like a very useful and effective insulator and fireproofing material, ideal for many applications aboard both merchant and military vessels. It was used in boiler rooms, as plumbing and wiring insulation, in fire and engine rooms, and in products such as adhesives, gaskets, valves, and cables.

Unfortunately, asbestos is a very dangerous material when it is disturbed in any way. Disturbing or manipulating asbestos makes it release its fibers into the air, where the fibers can be inhaled by those in the area. When the fibers become lodged inside the body, they can start a disease process that results in asbestosis, lung cancer, or mesothelioma (cancer of the lining of the lungs and chest).

Navy Veterans’ Rights

Asbestos exposure has caused untold damage to the lives of thousands of Navy veterans and their families. If you are a Navy veteran who has been diagnosed with mesothelioma or other asbestos-related disease, it’s important to know that help is available. Visit Asbestos News today to learn more about asbestos exposure and the resources that are available to Veterans who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma.