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Risks of mesothelioma and other asbestos-related conditions can develop in U.S. Army Veterans following their service time – especially while on military bases. Those who recently served outside of state-borders, such as Iraq and/or other countries that still import mass amounts of asbestos for constructional purpose, may also be at risk.

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Asbestos Exposure

Mesothelioma – Army Veterans

Risks of mesothelioma and other asbestos-related conditions can develop in U.S. Army Veterans following their service time – especially while on military bases. Those who recently served outside of state-borders, such as Iraq and/or other countries that still import mass amounts of asbestos for constructional purpose, may also be at risk.

Among 32 Army installations, before their realignment or closing during the late 1990s, asbestos was one of the detected contaminants. This however, was unfortunately typical as large amounts of asbestos was utilized by U.S. armed forced throughout the 20th century. As a result, many Army veterans had been exposed to asbestos – the leading cause of mesothelioma.

Despite the new construction that led to the disuse of asbestos in the late 1970s, the toxic fibers had still remained present at installations that threatened new batches of soldiers decades later. Asbestos-related disease symptoms typically do not appear until 10 to 50 years following exposure causing many veterans todays to remain concerned about potential the development of serious, life-threatening illnesses, such as mesothelioma, in the future.

To understand their personal risk, Army veterans should learn more about any potential exposure and be aware of the concerning symptoms to look out for. Free consultations are also available in order to assist with further questions and/or concerns.

Asbestos Exposure

How Army Vets Were Exposed?

Health Hazards

Despite health hazards emerging prior to World War II, asbestos still managed to become a valuable resource for all military service branches due to its affordability and usefulness. Asbestos is both a heat resistant and inexpensive naturally occurring mineral. In fact, for a large variety of construction materials it proved to be a durable fire-retardant – making it a perfect match for military use.

Asbestos Use in the Army

Despite the U.S. Navy having a larger utilization of asbestos, it was still used in the Army throughout bases and vehicles. It was incorporated into the following:

  • Caulking
  • Cement foundations
  • Flooring, insulations
  • Roofing
  • Plumbing systems

Vehicles also contained asbestos within the following:

  • Clutch plates
  • Brake pads
  • Gaskets

The presence of asbestos varied throughout different builders – whether it was where soldiers ate, slept, and worked.

To aid in protecting service members from serious asbestos health risks, the Army adopted the Installation Asbestos Management Program in 1998. This program required all Army activities and facilities to comply with local, state, and federal laws regarding asbestos. As instructed, the release of asbestos fibers was minimized to the greatest extent possible and personnel was expected to use the asbestos alternatives when available. There are many more requirements for the management of asbestos, such as a detailed asbestos management plan for every facility and an inventory of all risks of asbestos.

Duties Exposed to Asbestos
Asbestos Exposure

Duties Exposed to Asbestos

A variety of duties performed that would have exposed servicemen to asbestos is provided by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Such duties include:

  • Carpentry
  • Construction
  • Demolition of old buildings
  • Insulation work
  • Milling
  • Mining
  • Pipefitting
  • Production and installation of products such as asbestos cement sheets, materials for flooring/roofing military equipment, and pipe products.
  • Production and maintenance of friction products, such as brake linings and clutch facings
  • Shipyard work
Asbestos Exposure

Recent Exposure

Soldiers that have recently served in Iraq and numerous other countries in the Middle East that have continued to import mass amounts of asbestos for constructional purposes during recent years have faced exposure. There are growing concerns that the release of toxic mineral particles could spread over miles by strong winds due to building demolitions.

Although it is difficult to hold the federal government accountable for the exposure of asbestos and the diseases it has caused, veterans have the option of recovering health costs from the manufacturers of the products supplied to the military. Those exposed in the private sector have the same option. Benefits can be secured with the help and guidance of an experienced lawyer who has taken on asbestos claims for additional members of the military. Do not wait – get in contact today for a free consultation.

Stages of Pleural Mesothelioma

Pleural Mesothelioma Stages

A doctor will also determine the stage of mesothelioma as part of the diagnostic process, which determines the origin in the lining of the lungs and describes how far it has spread from that point. This information is significant to doctors when determining potential treatment availabilities. Standard treatment options are more commonly available to patients with stage 1 or stage 2 compared to patients with the later 3 and 4 stages.

The following are the pleural mesothelioma stages:

Stage
1

Within Stage 1, the mesothelioma tumor is generally in one location, and the cancerous cells have not dispersed to lymph nodes or other body organs and tissues. In general, surgical treatment may be an option for eliminating the cancerous growth.

 

Stage
2

Within Stage 2, the mesothelioma tumor is larger and has probably intruded on surrounding organs, such as the lung or even diaphragm. Lymph nodes could additionally be included. In this case, surgical reapportion might still be feasible, however much more difficult depending on the scope of the growth.

 

Stage
3

Within Stage 3, mesothelioma cancer has infested a region or perhaps location. Cancer has progressively spread throughout one side of the chest, within the chest wall, esophagus, and additional lymph nodes. Surgical treatment is typically not an option as curative therapy, however various other treatment options may be attempted. 

 

Stage
4

Within Stage 4, the mesothelioma has dispersed to numerous locations, such as various other organs and tissues throughout the body. Surgical treatment is no longer an alternative, and most treatments at this stage concentrate on minimizing discomfort and pain.