According to the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, thousands of veterans were exposed to asbestos during their service.
More than 300 asbestos-containing products were utilized by many sectors of the military from the 1930s through the 1970s and those who served years ago are beginning to demonstrate symptoms of asbestos-related diseases, such as mesothelioma, today.
asbestos appeared on most ships used by the Navy and in the shipyards where ships and vessels were built. asbestos, a toxic mineral, was commonly used as insulation in piping, boilers, sleeping quarters and navigation halls since it possesses a natural resistance to heat and fire. Manufacturers of asbestos often knew of the dangers surrounding the mineral, though military personnel were typically unaware.
According to a former Interior Communications Petty Officer aboard the USS Peleliu LHA-5, many employees worked around asbestos for years without any protective equipment or warnings of the dangers.
“We didn’t have air respirators, gloves or suits, no protective gear. But there wasn’t much information out about asbestos, or asbestos mesothelioma at that time, as I recall,” said the officer.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, officials discovered that the number of deaths relating to asbestos exposure have steadily increased between 1999 and 2005. Approximately 30 percent of those diagnosed with mesothelioma are veterans.
Exposure to asbestos may lead to the development of severe illnesses such as asbestosis and mesothelioma, a rare and highly aggressive cancer. Approximately 2,000 to 3,000 new mesothelioma cases are reported every year in the United States. Since many mesothelioma symptoms are similar to less serious conditions, a mesothelioma diagnosis can be difficult.
Due to the long latency periods often associated with asbestos illnesses, it can take 20 to 50 years for an asbestos-related disease to develop so veterans who served decades ago are now beginning to be diagnosed with these illnesses.
Additional information about mesothelioma and asbestos exposure may be found through the mesothelioma Center.