20 Things You Must Know About Asbestos Exposure By Mos
Asbestos Exposure in the Military
Asbestos was a common material in military barracks, bases and vehicles until it was discovered to cause deadly and dangerous health effects. Veterans in every branch of the military may have been exposed to asbestos and are at risk for developing mesothelioma and other ailments.
The Navy veterans are the most at risk of asbestos exposure because of the widespread use of asbestos on Navy vessels. However, Army Veterans who repaired or built ships and motor vehicles also faced the risk of exposure.
Military Occupational Specialty
Asbestos was a well-known material for building materials for a long time before its negative health effects were discovered. Asbestos exposure during the United States military was widespread and many veterans from every branch exposed to asbestos and developing mesothelioma and other illnesses from inhaling asbestos, a deadly mineral. The Boston asbestos lawyers at Jeffrey Glassman Injury Lawyers have extensive experience helping Army veterans obtain VA benefits and compensation for mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases.
The Navy used asbestos extensively on ships and submarines during WWII. Asbestos was likely to have been present in the compartments, sleeping quarters, and other areas on board and in nearby construction sites, shipyards and shipyards.
Air Force veterans could have also been exposed to asbestos during their time in the service. Asbestos was frequently employed in aircraft, such as fuel systems, rotors, and hydraulics. Asbestos is also used in the production of thermal insulation, gaskets and fireproofing.
Asbestos was frequently present in the work of Navy pipefitters and welding crews. On pipes that run the length of a vessel, asbestos-containing lagging is often employed. Welders working in the Navy were often required to remove this lagging prior to making repairs. Navy pipefitters were often working with asbestos-containing insulation, gaskets, and seals. One Navy pipefitter named William Smith developed mesothelioma after developing lung cancer from his exposure to asbestos.
Steelworkers and metal fabricators in the Navy were often exposed to asbestos when working in the shipyard or on construction sites. Asbestos is used as an insulation material, a fireproofing substance and a welding material. Inhaling asbestos fibers poses an extremely dangerous health risk for any type of welding especially when it's wet.
Army, Marine Corps, Navy and Air Force veterans who worked on ships or motor vehicles were exposed to asbestos as part of their duties. Veterans can concentrate on the treatment they receive for mesothelioma instead of worrying about everyday living expenses. These veterans may be entitled to compensation for mesothelioma caused by negligent asbestos manufacturers. These companies knew about asbestos' dangers and are responsible for the medical bills of their victims. Asbestos lawsuits have helped many asbestos victims receive substantial compensation.
Signs and symptoms
Veterans who have been exposed to asbestos have suffered many serious illnesses. Exposure to the toxic mineral puts a person at risk of developing mesothelioma, lung cancer and asbestosis. These diseases may develop over a period of 20 to 50 years. Many veterans who served in Army bases, Navy Shipyards, and Air Force Bases can receive compensation for exposure to asbestos and health issues.
The military relied heavily on asbestos-based products until the 1980s. Navy shipyards, Coast Guard yards and Army bases all utilized asbestos to build and repair naval vessels. Navy sailors are at a greater risk of exposure to asbestos. Asbestos can be found in ship engine rooms as well as boiler rooms and deck flooring.
Additionally, military personnel working in a variety of other jobs also were exposed to asbestos, for example insulators, pipefitters, plumbers and auto mechanics. Asbestos was frequently employed in building materials, such as doors, walls and roofs. The Navy even employed asbestos to make fireproofing.
These hazardous substances posed a threat to service members' health even if they were not on the ship or base. Asbestos particles can remain in the lungs and cause scarring for an extended period of time after inhalation. As time passed the scarring on the lungs was so severe that the condition asbestosis was caused.
Asbestosis, while not cancerous however, can trigger other health problems, including mesothelioma. This condition can take anywhere from between 20 and 50 years to develop after exposure. Patients with pleural plaques, which are an asbestosis that is not cancerous could be between six and nine times more likely to develop mesothelioma.
The exposure to asbestos through secondhand sources can also cause mesothelioma. This is particularly true if a family member worked as a worker or in the military and used asbestos-based products. This is due to the fact that asbestos fibers can be carried in the air. Asbestos victims often brought the harmful fibers home on their clothes and exposed their family members. Beaverton asbestos lawsuit is usually caused by spouses, children and siblings of asbestos workers. In these instances, a mesothelioma patient's surviving spouse or child may be eligible for compensation for the asbestos-related disease of their loved one.
Treatment
Veterans with mesothelioma have various treatment options to help manage their symptoms, slow the progress of the disease, and prevent complications. These include surgery, chemotherapy and radiation, as well as immunotherapy. Most often, doctors recommend a combination of these treatments, depending on the type of asbestos-related disease.
Asbestos was used extensively in military bases and ships, aircrafts and vehicles. It was added to drywall and cement mixtures, spackling, and roofing to fireproof and insulate components. These materials were smashed during repair and maintenance, putting service members at risk.
Marine Corps veterans were exposed to asbestos in barracks on naval vessels and during transportation, as well during their work on aircraft and vehicles. Asbestos was utilized in ship insulation, electrical wiring, and boiler rooms and engine components and fabricated components like brake pads and clutches. Marines who worked on vehicles-related equipment were at a higher risk of asbestos exposure because they regularly interacted with these components.
Because asbestos is a flexible and durable material, it was used for insulating boilers, valves, pipes cables flooring tiles and ceilings. The properties of insulation, along with its affordability and ease of manufacture, made asbestos an ideal material for fireproofing. Asbestos is also resistant to heat, which makes it a popular material for engine components like engines and turbines.
Asbestos has been linked to a number of diseases which include mesothelioma. Lung cancer and pleural mesothelioma are two most common forms of the disease and both are triggered by exposure to asbestos fibers. These cancers affect the lungs and chest wall which causes malignant tumors develop.
The asbestos producers who are responsible for mesothelioma in people diagnosed with asbestos-related diseases might be able compensate them financially. This money can be used to pay for needed medical care and support services. To be eligible for this money, the victims have to go through an exhaustive process that includes the collection of medical records and other important documents. Many victims of mesothelioma have faced the challenges of living with this disease and it is crucial that they get legal representation to ensure their rights.
VA Benefits
Veterans suffering from asbestos-related ailments are entitled to compensation and disability benefits. However, it can be difficult to prove that the medical condition is linked to their military service. This is because many symptoms can be mistaken as other conditions, like smoking-induced COPD. Veterans should file an VA claim as soon as they can. A mesothelioma lawyer can assist veterans gather evidence for an effective claim.
Every veteran's exposure to asbestos is different, however there were certain branches of the military that were at a higher chance of being exposed to the harmful mineral. Navy veterans were often at the highest risk because of their time aboard ships and shipyards. The vessels contained asbestos in a variety of places, such as the boiler room and engine as well as living quarters and aircraft machinery. Air Force veterans also faced an increased risk, as they often were in contact with vehicles and planes which contained asbestos.
Asbestos is an element that occurs naturally, but it has to be extracted to be utilized by the military. If asbestos is not properly handled, it could break down and then become airborne. These tiny fibers can get into the lungs, abdomen, and cause irritation of the membranes that line the chest and stomach. In time these fibers can cause the linings to become scarred and form tumors. These tumors are known as mesothelioma. They are the most deadly asbestos-related cancer.
Other asbestos-related diseases that can develop include respiratory issues like chronic obstructive respiratory disease (COPD). These symptoms are often mistaken for smoking-induced COPD. However it is crucial that Veterans consult a physician to obtain a proper diagnosis.
Many Veterans who are diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease receive treatment at the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center in Miami. The Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center is situated just few minutes away from the Miami VA Medical Center. For Veterans who don't reside in the area and are not eligible for the VA may provide financial assistance for housing and travel expenses. In addition, many mesothelioma doctors offer private treatment options for patients who do not want to be seen at an VA facility.