10 Things Everyone Hates About Asbestos Exposure By Mos

Asbestos Exposure in the Military

Asbestos was a common material in military bases, barracks and vehicles until it was discovered to have dangerous and deadly health consequences. Veterans from every branch of the military could have been exposed to asbestos and are at risk for developing mesothelioma as well as other illnesses.

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 face dangers of exposure.

Military Occupational Specialty

Asbestos was a favored building material for decades before it was discovered to cause dangerous health effects. Asbestos exposure during the United States military was widespread, with many veterans of every branch exposed to asbestos and developing mesothelioma and other diseases from breathing in the dangerous mineral. The Boston asbestos lawyers at Jeffrey Glassman Injury Lawyers have years of experience in helping Army veterans seek VA benefits and compensation for mesothelioma and other asbestos-related illnesses.

The Navy employed asbestos extensively on its ships and submarines during WWII. Navy veterans with numerous MOSs might have been exposed to asbestos in their sleeping quarters, compartments and other areas of the ship, and also in nearby shipyards or construction sites.

Air Force veterans may also have been exposed to asbestos during their time in the service. Asbestos Lawyer is a common component in aircraft, such as fuel systems and rotors. Asbestos was also used for thermal insulation, fireproofing and gaskets.

Navy pipefitters and welders were frequently exposed to asbestos lawyer while doing maintenance on Navy vessels. Asbestos-containing lagging was often used on pipes that ran through the entire length of a ship. Navy welders were often required to remove the lagging prior to making repairs. Navy pipefitters were often working with asbestos-containing insulation, gaskets, and seals. William Smith, a Navy pipefitter, contracted mesothelioma as a result of asbestos exposure following lung cancer.

Steelworkers and metal fabricators in the Navy were frequently exposed to asbestos when working in a shipyard or at construction sites. Asbestos is an insulation material, a fireproofing material and a welding material. Inhaling asbestos fibers poses an extremely dangerous risk for any type of welding, particularly when it is wet.

Asbestos was a typical substance in the work of veterans from the Army, Marine Corps Navy, and Air Force who worked on vessels or motor vehicles. VA benefits such as disability compensation can allow these veterans to concentrate on their mesothelioma treatment instead of worrying about how to pay for their daily living expenses. These veterans may be entitled to compensation for mesothelioma resulting from negligent asbestos-related manufacturers. They were aware of the dangers associated with asbestos and are responsible for their victims' medical bills. Asbestos lawsuits have helped many asbestos victims receive substantial compensation.

Symptoms

Veterans who have been exposed to asbestos have developed a wide range of serious illnesses. Exposure to the toxic mineral puts a person at risk of developing mesothelioma, asbestosis and lung cancer. These illnesses can take 20 to 50 years to develop. Many veterans who worked in Army bases, Navy Shipyards, and Air Force Bases can receive compensation for exposure to asbestos and health issues.

Up until the 1980s, the military relied heavily on asbestos-based products. Asbest was employed in the construction and repair of naval vessels by Navy shipyards, as well as Army bases and Coast Guard yards. Navy sailors were at the highest risk of exposure. Asbestos was commonly found in engine rooms, boiler rooms and deck flooring on ships.

Additionally, military workers in various other jobs also were exposed to asbestos, for example insulators, pipefitters, plumbers and auto mechanics. Asbestos is often used as a building material for walls, roofs, and doors. The Navy employed asbestos to create fireproofing.

These dangerous materials posed a health threat to soldiers and women, even if they were not on the base or ship. When a person inhaled asbestos fibers, they remained in the lungs for a long period of time, and caused scarring on the cells of the lungs. As time passed the scarring became so severe that it led to asbestosis, a lung condition.

Asbestosis isn't a cancer, but it can result in the development of other health issues, including mesothelioma that takes between 20 and 50 years to develop after exposure. Patients with Pleural plaques, which are a non-cancerous form of asbestosis could be six to nine times more likely to develop mesothelioma.

Secondhand exposure to asbestos can cause mesothelioma as well, particularly if the family member was a laborer or military personnel who worked with asbestos lawsuit-based materials. This is because asbestos can be carried through the air. Asbestos sufferers often brought the harmful fibers home with them on their clothing and exposed their family members. Mesothelioma that is secondhand is typically caused by spouses, children, and siblings of asbestos workers. In these cases, the surviving spouse or children of a mesothelioma patient are eligible to receive compensation from the VA for the asbestos-related illness of their loved ones.

Treatment

Patients suffering from mesothelioma have a variety of treatment options to help manage their symptoms, slow the progression of the disease and avoid complications. These include surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy and immunotherapy. Most often, doctors recommend a combination of the treatments, based on the type of asbestos-related disease.

Asbestos was widely used in military bases, ships, aircrafts and vehicles. It was added to drywall and cement mixtures, spacklings and roofing to insulate and protect components. When repairs and maintenance were being carried out these materials were damaged and put personnel at risk of being exposed.

Marine Corps veterans were exposed to asbestos in barracks on naval vessels and during transport, as during their work on vehicles and aircraft. Asbestos was incorporated in ship insulation boiler rooms, boiler rooms and electrical wiring and engine parts and fabricated items like brake pads and clutches. Marines who worked as mechanics on vehicle-based equipment faced a particularly high risk of exposure due to their frequent interactions with asbestos-containing parts.

Since asbestos is a pliable and durable material, it was used for insulating boilers, valves, pipes, cables, floor tiles and ceilings. Asbestos's insulating properties made it a perfect fireproofing material and it was also cheap and easy to make. Asbestos is also resistant heat, making it an ideal material for engine components like engines and turbines.

Asbestos has been linked to numerous illnesses, including mesothelioma. Lung cancer and mesothelioma are two kinds of disease that are caused by asbestos fibers. These cancers affect the lungs and chest wall which causes malignant tumors grow.

The asbestos producers who are responsible for mesothelioma in people diagnosed with asbestos-related diseases may be able to pay them a financial settlement. This money can be used to pay for needed medical care and other support services. To be eligible for this money, the victims must undergo a rigorous process that involves the collection of medical records and other important documents. Many mesothelioma victims have experienced the hardships of dealing with this illness and it is crucial to have legal representation to protect their rights.

VA Benefits

Veterans who suffer from an asbestos-related condition have the right to disability benefits and compensation. It is often difficult for veterans to prove that their condition is related to their military service. Many symptoms can be misinterpreted as other ailments, like smoking-induced COPD. Veterans need to make an VA claim as soon as possible. A mesothelioma lawyer who is experienced can help veterans gather the evidence needed to make a successful claim.

Each veteran's exposure to asbestos is different, however there are specific branches of the military that were at greater chance of being exposed to the harmful mineral. Navy veterans were often at risk due to the duration of their work aboard ships and shipyards. The vessels were contaminated with asbestos in many locations, including the boiler room and engine, living quarters and aircraft machinery. Air Force veterans were also at risk because they frequently worked with military vehicles and planes which contained asbestos.

Asbestos is a mineral that is found naturally, however it must be mined to be employed by the military. When asbestos is not treated properly, it may break up and become airborne. When inhaled, these tiny fibers enter the lungs and abdomen, and cause irritation to the membranes that line the chest and stomach. Over time the fibers may cause the linings of the stomach to scar and form tumors. These tumors, known as mesothelioma are the most deadly form of asbestos-related cancer.

Other asbestos-related diseases that can develop include respiratory issues such as chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD). These symptoms are often mistaken for smoking-related COPD however, it is important for Veterans to see a doctor to receive a proper diagnosis.

Many Veterans who are diagnosed with an asbestos-related illness receive treatment at the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center in Miami. The Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center is situated just an hour 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 travel and housing expenses. Many mesothelioma experts offer private practice options to patients who don't want to visit an VA facility.