Veterans who served in the army, navy, air force and marines before 1970 are a high-risk group for mesothelioma, a type of cancer caused primarily by exposure to asbestos. It is estimated that at least 30 percent of those suffering with asbestos-induced mesothelioma are American veterans. In the 1970s the government began regulating the use of asbestos, but previous to that, asbestos was widely used in military buildings, equipment, submarines and ships. World War II veterans are at an especially high risk for developing asbestos-induced mesothelioma.
What is Asbestos-Induced Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is a cancer affecting the mesothelium, a fine protective lining that covers the majority of the body’s organs. It is believed that 90 percent of mesothelioma cases are caused by asbestos exposure. The tiny fibers of asbestos bury themselves deep inside the lining, usually around the lungs and chest cavity. If asbestos gets into the mouth and is swallowed, mesothelioma can also develop in the abdomen.
Asebestos was often used in insulation, building materials, and ships, and people who worked in construction, building demolition, shipyards or the military prior to government asbestos regulations are at risk for asbestos-induced mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma takes an exceptionally long time to develop, often not showing up for 30 to 60 years after exposure. Because of this, many people are just finding out today that they are suffering with asbestos-induced mesothelioma, even though the government now regulates the use of asbestos. That is why it is essential that veterans who served prior to 1970 be screened regularly for mesothelioma.
Asbestos-Induced Mesothelioma in Navy Veterans
Navy veterans are at a greater risk than those who were involved in other branches of the military because of the wide-spread use of asbestos in military ships. All areas of navy ships built before the government began regulating the use of asbestos increased exposure including boiler rooms, mess halls, sleeping quarters, navigation rooms, and engine rooms. The families of those who served in the navy were also at increased risk of asbestos-induced mesothelioma because of asbestos fibers carried home on the clothes of navy veterans.
If a veteran believes he or she may be at risk for asbestos-induced mesothelioma, he or she needs to be checked regularly. Also, veterans rights organizations are advocating that the government take steps to help veterans who are suffering from mesothelioma or may be at risk.
Navy Personnel are at Risk for Developing Mesothelioma
Veterans from all branches of the armed forces including the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marines are at risk for developing mesothelioma due to asbestos exposure sustained while on active duty serving their country. Mesothelioma Navy cases, however, are typically those recognized as the most common. Over time, these military veterans and particularly, Navy veterans and shipyard workers, have demonstrated a higher rate of developing mesothelioma than individuals with no military or navy history. These brave men and women, who so honorably served our country from World War II through the Vietnam War, were unknowingly exposed to high levels of airborne asbestos dust throughout their tours of duty. Until the late 1970’s and early 1980’s, products containing asbestos were made and used extensively in military establishments and on Navy warships and submarines. Warships were constructed using many types of asbestos containing products including pipe-fittings, gaskets, cables, cement, joint compound and boiler insulation just to name a few. Military vehicles were equipped with asbestos containing gaskets, clutches and brakes. When constructing buildings on our nation’s army bases floor covering materials, cement mixtures and plumbing systems frequently contained asbestos based products. Exposed insulation and airborne dust from grinding and sanding or ongoing maintenance procedures all created dangerous opportunities for Navy veterans to be exposed to asbestos.
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that possesses exceptional heat and fire resistant properties and is relatively inexpensive to produce. Once the dangers of asbestos exposure became incontestable in the early 80’s, however, the Navy and military in general curtailed the use of asbestos containing products. Because Navy warships and military establishments remain ”in service” for many years, however, they continue to harbor asbestos containing parts and materials that present exposure risks even today in any type of asbestos removal project or maintenance and repair effort. As a result, present day military personnel may still be at risk for asbestos exposure although many safety precautions have been put in place to minimize their risk.
Navy Ships and Shipyard Workers
Many Navy veterans who were responsible for building and maintaining warships are reported to be at particularly high risk for developing mesothelioma or other asbestos cancer diseases. This is because many different types of products containing asbestos were used on the ships and the ventilation systems were very poor. Consequently these Navy personnel were frequently exposed to highly concentrated levels of asbestos dust in fire and engine rooms, boiler rooms, navigation rooms, mess halls and sleeping quarters. In fact, because signs of malignant mesothelioma may not show up for 30 to 40 years after being exposed to asbestos, it is only recently that a rise in the number of mesothelioma cases among Navy veterans and shipyard workers is being reported.
Navy veterans who worked below deck on naval warships or submarines are those most likely to develop mesothelioma due to asbestos exposure. They worked (and sometimes lived) in extremely tight quarters with dangerously high levels of asbestos dust lingering in the air. Poor ventilation systems prevented adequate air exchange and resulted in highly concentrated levels of asbestos to remain in the air for Navy personnel to breathe in. Unfortunately, because Navy veterans and shipyard workers carried the asbestos dust and fibers home on their clothes it is not uncommon for loved ones, particularly those responsible for handling the laundry, to also find that they have been diagnosed with mesothelioma.
Where Was Asbestos Found Aboard Navy Ships?
Asbestos could be found in nearly any area of a naval ship, as it served myriad uses within these vessels. However, most often, asbestos was used in an insulation capacity. Some of the areas asbestos was found include boiler/steam valves, piping, and related fixtures. Those who worked closest to asbestos within vessels were often those who conducted repairs of this type of fixtures. Oftentimes, the repairs of these materials necessitated disturbing older products by chipping and grinding- which would release asbestos fibers into the surrounding air. Because of this, it is not unusual for those who have worked extensively aboard naval ships or in naval shipyards to develop asbestos-related health complications like pleural mesothelioma, asbestosis, and other respiratory conditions as a result of exposure to asbestos.
Those who have knowingly worked with asbestos product, and particularly those who worked with products in the capacity discussed above, should be aware of the warning signs of mesothelioma disease and other asbestos related health complications. Mesothelioma symptoms closely mimic those associated with other respiratory conditions (including the common cold or chronic cough) but those who have worked with asbestos should share their asbestos exposure history and mesothelioma risk factors with their doctor or oncologist to ensure that they identify possible asbestos-related health complications.
Mesothelioma Navy Legal Rights
If you are a Navy veteran or if you served in another branch of the armed forces or at a Naval shipyard and have been diagnosed with mesothelioma cancer you may be eligible to receive compensation for your injuries.
Among the mesothelioma affected persons, a large number of veterans are reported in America with an increased disease rate. It is because of the excessive use of asbestos by the military services of United States. The common disease seen among the veterans who are exposed to asbestos are subjects of Mesothelioma navy. The extensive uses of asbestos by the military services are the victims of this hazardous illness.
The inhalation under asbestos exposure is the lone cause of the disease mesothelioma. A large number of veterans worked in shipyards and ships from 1930s to 1970s got affected by pleural mesothelioma due to the heavy asbestos exposure. The question, How mesothelioma affects veteran is now more obvious to both army and navy personnel. But the fact is that in most cases the disease had discovered in the later stages. The danger of asbestos exposure in Iraq is a harmful threat for the troops of U.S.
Many challenges have been faced by the retired veteran employees of America. Healing resources for veterans affected by mesothelioma cases are now available in plenty. Biofeedback is one among them which includes measuring the muscletension, temperature and brain working to verify the stress and other discomfort level of the veterans. Equine therapy is another level of medication to resolve the problems of mesothelioma patients. Addiction treatment is also available for veterans to free from the sufferings of intoxicants following an employment. Treatments like massage, yoga, acupuncture and meditation are the therapies alternative to retain normalcy and calm in the retired life.
Virtual therapy is completely an intensive treatment based on computer and interactions to free veterans from severe miseries and anxiety troubles. This treatment is offered at numerous veteran treatment centers. Warrior mind training is an effective treatment brought out by military associates for the comfortable life of veterans. Veteran treatment centers run by department of America offer a wide range of veteran medical support for mesothelioma patients among veterans.
Veteran legal support and Veteran resources grant surplus services including compensations for the patients enduring mesothelioma and other chronic diseases. Veterans Blog are now available to offer detailed information on veterans and mesothelioma. Hepatitis C, like mesothelioma is a serious health problem faced by veterans of many countries and hence it is an ostensible fact that veterans and hepatitis are closely related.
Veterans and Mesothelioma