Mesothelioma is a scourge caused by mass asbestos usage, up until the 1980s. With a latency period lasting anywhere from 35 to 50 years, it should come as no surprise that the number of cases is continuing to rise.
Veterans are one group that suffers largely from mesothelioma. Various branches of the US military utilize asbestos due to its fire-resistant properties.
Why Veterans are a Key Focus Group for Mesothelioma
Veterans are often held up as the key focus group for mesothelioma. They make up 30% of all cases of mesothelioma.
Although asbestos is perfectly safe when it’s undisturbed, those veterans who have found themselves in a warzone are much more likely to have been exposed to dangerous asbestos fibers. The moment these are ingested, the chances of contracting mesothelioma later in life go way up.
Asbestos was used in everything from land vehicles to naval warships, so veterans in numerous branches are at risk of contracting mesothelioma.
The issue is asbestos continues to be used in the military.
How Can Veterans Get Help for Mesothelioma?
Veterans are lucky that they’re well-represented by special veterans’ groups. They also gain access to good healthcare programs, so they can leverage those programs to beat mesothelioma.
As well as providing healthcare, a variety of associations for veterans also provide access to legal representatives who can help them get the justice they deserve. The costs of healthcare can also be covered by taking action together with an association for veterans.
Is There Enough Awareness about Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma awareness has come a long way in the past decade. Previously, there was a severe lack of awareness, which meant many of those suffering from mesothelioma weren’t diagnosed until it was too late.
Currently, there is more awareness thanks to survivors such as Paul Kraus.
However, more action must be taken to gradually remove asbestos from use. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) still hasn’t declared asbestos an illegal substance.
The military must continue to remove asbestos from use, or at least make work environments where asbestos is present safer.
Is Mesothelioma Curable?
The drive to remove asbestos from the workplace must continue because mesothelioma has no cure. Thousands of veterans’ lives are at risk now and in the future, as a result of asbestos usage decades ago.
For those suffering from mesothelioma, it’s important to gain inspiration from those who have beaten the odds and survived mesothelioma.
Paul Kraus is one such survivor. He has lived with the disease for more than 20 years and is a pioneer in both spreading awareness of mesothelioma and in showing others how the disease can be beaten.
To find out more about beating mesothelioma, visit the guys at survivingmesothelioma.com.
Last Word – Do Veterans Need Better Legal Protections?
After reading about the situation, do you believe veterans need better legal protections against diseases contracted when serving the country?
Taking care of veterans has become a major issue over the last few years, and now it’s clear the government must act to protect those who have served.
With thousands of veterans potentially being diagnosed with the disease in the coming decade, action must be taken now.
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