High-Risk Ships and Submarines
Navy veterans face higher asbestos exposure risk because of extensive asbestos use in the military. Many naval ships, including aircraft carriers, submarines, and destroyers, were built with asbestos-containing materials. This was especially true for ships constructed before the 1980s. The Navy reported that all of its ships contained asbestos as late as 1979. The material was used in various parts of the ships, such as clutches, piping systems, and electric cables.
Common Asbestos-Containing Materials
Asbestos was used in many materials on naval vessels. These included thermal insulation, clutches, and electric cables. The material was chosen for its heat-resistant properties, making it ideal for use in engine rooms and around boilers. However, when these materials were disturbed, asbestos fibers could become airborne, posing a health risk to those on board.
Health Risks for Naval Personnel
Exposure to asbestos can lead to serious health issues, including mesothelioma, a type of cancer. Studies have shown that naval personnel who worked in shipyards or on ships had a higher risk of developing mesothelioma. This is because they were often exposed to high levels of asbestos fibers. The risk was particularly high for those who worked in engine rooms or other areas where asbestos-containing materials were frequently disturbed.
Air Force Veterans and Asbestos-Related Illnesses
Risk Factors for Air Force Personnel
Air Force veterans are at risk of developing mesothelioma due to the widespread use of asbestos in the military, specifically in aircraft and vehicles. The level of risk for chronic diseases like mesothelioma is determined by the individual’s:
- Branch of service
- Length of service
- Occupation during service
- Years of service
Common Exposure Scenarios
Veterans who served in the U.S. Air Force may have been exposed to asbestos and may later be diagnosed with illnesses like mesothelioma. Common scenarios include:
- Working on or near aircraft that contained asbestos parts.
- Maintenance and repair tasks involving asbestos-containing materials.
- Living in military housing with asbestos insulation.
Long-Term Health Impacts
Up to 40 years later, asbestos exposure can cause internal damage like tissue scarring among veterans. Though rare among cancers, mesothelioma is the most common result of exposure to asbestos in the military. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential for veterans with mesothelioma. Symptoms and signs of mesothelioma can take decades to show up after service. Discuss your history or risk of exposure to asbestos in the military with your doctor who may recommend regular screenings.
Occupational Hazards for Marines
High-Risk Military Occupations
Marines often face high-risk military occupations that expose them to asbestos. Jobs like automotive mechanics, carpentry, and construction are particularly dangerous. These roles involve handling materials that may contain asbestos, increasing the risk of inhaling harmful fibers.
Civilian Jobs with Similar Risks
Many civilian jobs share similar risks with military occupations. For instance, an automotive mechanic working with brake clutches is at risk of developing mesothelioma. Other high-risk civilian jobs include:
- Cement work
- Demolition
- Flooring installation
- Insulation work
- Manufacturing
- Mining or milling
- Roofing installation
- Shipyard work
Preventative Measures and Safety Protocols
To reduce the risk of asbestos exposure, it’s crucial to follow safety protocols. Wearing protective gear, using proper ventilation, and following guidelines can help minimize exposure. Regular health check-ups are also important for early detection of any asbestos-related illnesses.
Legal and Medical Support for Veterans
VA Benefits and Compensation
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers a range of benefits for veterans diagnosed with mesothelioma. These benefits include monthly financial assistance, free health insurance, and other forms of support. Veterans can apply for these benefits through the Veterans Benefits Administration, which manages various medical and financial services. Depending on the situation, veterans and their families may be eligible for:
- Disability compensation: Monthly payments for service-connected conditions.
- Healthcare: Comprehensive medical care, including specialized treatment for mesothelioma.
- Financial assistance: Services like housing grants, educational training, and mortgage help.
- Burial and memorial benefits: Assistance with burial costs and memorial services.
- Dependency and indemnity compensation: Monetary support for families of veterans whose death was service-related.
Legal Aid for Asbestos-Related Claims
Veterans diagnosed with mesothelioma due to asbestos exposure during their service can seek legal assistance to file claims against responsible companies. It’s important to note that veterans can pursue compensation without suing the government. Qualified attorneys can help veterans and their families navigate the legal process, ensuring they receive the compensation they deserve.
Medical Resources and Treatment Options
Veterans with mesothelioma have access to specialized care at VA medical centers. Many of these centers have dedicated programs for treating mesothelioma, offering top-notch cancer care. Additionally, the VA Community Care Network provides treatment options closer to home. Veterans can also participate in clinical trials at VA hospitals, exploring new therapies like immunotherapy to improve their quality of life.
Comparative Risks Across Military Branches
Navy vs. Army and Air Force
When comparing the Navy to the Army and Air Force, it’s clear that the Navy has the highest risk of mesothelioma. This is largely due to the extensive use of asbestos on ships. Studies show that the standardized incidence ratios (SIRs) for mesothelioma are significantly higher in naval personnel compared to their counterparts in the Army and Air Force. For example, in one study, the SIR for mesothelioma in Navy veterans was 2.79, while it was only 0.98 for Army veterans and 0 for Air Force veterans.
Impact of Service Duration and Occupation
The length of service and specific job roles also play a crucial part in the risk of developing mesothelioma. Naval personnel who served longer periods or had roles directly involving asbestos-containing materials faced higher risks. In contrast, Air Force personnel, who generally had shorter service durations and less direct exposure to asbestos, showed lower incidence rates of mesothelioma.
Statistical Analysis of Mesothelioma Cases
Statistical data supports the higher risk for Navy veterans. For instance, the SIR for lung cancer in naval personnel was 1.5, compared to 1.09 in the Army and 1.04 in the Air Force. This data suggests that the higher rates of mesothelioma and lung cancer in the Navy are not solely due to smoking but are likely related to asbestos exposure. The different types of mesothelioma also vary by cell type, treatment options, and prognosis, but most are malignant and aggressive.
Secondary Asbestos Exposure Risks
Family Members at Risk
Veterans who worked with asbestos often unknowingly brought asbestos fibers home on their clothing, hair, and skin. This put their family members at risk of secondary asbestos exposure. Spouses and children of these veterans could inhale or ingest these fibers, leading to serious health issues like mesothelioma.
Secondhand Exposure Scenarios
Several scenarios can lead to secondhand asbestos exposure:
- Laundry: Washing contaminated clothing can release asbestos fibers into the air.
- Hugging: Close physical contact with someone who has asbestos fibers on their clothes or body.
- Household Dust: Asbestos fibers can settle in household dust and be inhaled by family members.
Preventative Measures for Families
To reduce the risk of secondary asbestos exposure, families can take several steps:
- Change Clothes: Veterans should change clothes and shower before coming home from work.
- Separate Laundry: Wash contaminated clothing separately from other household laundry.
- Regular Cleaning: Frequently clean the home to remove any asbestos fibers that may have settled.
By following these measures, families can significantly lower their risk of asbestos-related health issues.
Historical Context of Asbestos Use in the Military
Timeline of Asbestos Regulations
The use of asbestos dates back to ancient times, but it became especially popular during the industrial age. The U.S. military was one of the largest consumers of asbestos-containing materials (ACM) throughout the 20th century. It wasn’t until the 1970s and 1980s that regulations began to limit its use. In 1982, a flood of asbestos-related lawsuits and regulations started to surface, even though the proof of its danger had been discovered decades ago.
Military Policies on Asbestos
Asbestos was used in a variety of machine parts, insulation, building materials, and barracks across all branches of the U.S. military. This widespread use was due to its properties that made materials stronger and resistant to fire. Unfortunately, inhaling asbestos dust can send particles deep into the lungs, leading to severe health issues. The military did not initially have strict safety measures in place, which increased the risk of exposure for service members.
Impact of Historical Exposure on Modern Veterans
Veterans who served during the peak years of asbestos use are now facing the consequences. The latency period for asbestos-related diseases like mesothelioma can be several decades, meaning symptoms often appear long after exposure. Veterans diagnosed with mesothelioma today were usually enlisted beginning in the 1970s, during the Korean and Vietnam Wars. This long latency period makes it difficult to pinpoint the exact time and place of exposure, complicating both medical treatment and legal claims.
