Navy Veterans and Asbestos Exposure

Throughout the 20th century, asbestos was used in many industrial applications as a form of insulation, piping, flooring, brake lining and roofing. The United States military implemented asbestos use in Navy vessels because of its heat resistant, durable and versatile qualities. Hundreds of thousands, if not millions of living veterans were exposed to asbestos-containing materials during their service. Asbestos was valued so high that its use was widespread until the 1970’s, when it began to be phased out.

Thousands of tons of asbestos were used as piping and boiler insulation aboard navigation rooms, sleeping quarters and mess halls in ships. It’s qualities as fire resistant, versatile and durable nature paved the way for its uses as insulation in aircraft, vehicles and buildings. Asbestos appeared on most vessels used by the Navy and in shipyards. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs stated that out of the 25 million military veterans living today in the country, hundreds of thousands were exposed to asbestos while on service.
Asbestos exposure is the only known cause of a rare cancer known as mesothelioma. This type of cancer typically affects the lining of the lungs, heart or stomach. Unfortunately, because the symptoms of mesothelioma do not show up until about 15 to 25 years after exposure, the cancer is usually diagnosed in its advanced stages when it is more difficult to treat. A typical mesothelioma survival rate is about 1 year from the time it is diagnosed.

Regarded as one of many cover-ups jointly executed by corporations and government, it appears that the asbestos scandal still has not reached its climax. It appears that until there is a vehement change in policies enforced on a federal level against the use of asbestos, it will continue to inflict damage and harm to yet another generation of innocent by standards.Military veterans and civilians who have developed an asbestos-related disease find themselves in a tough situation when attempting to receive assistance and benefits for their wrongful illness. Currently, mesothelioma is not readily recognized as a service-related medical ailment. However, veterans can apply for Veteran Affairs (VA) benefits for asbestos-related illness and must provide proof that their exposure occurred at the time of their military service.