Does Technology Make Asbestos Exposure By Mos Better Or Worse?
Asbestos Exposure in the Military
Asbestos was a widely-used material in military barracks, bases and vehicles until it was found to cause deadly and dangerous health risks. Veterans from all branches of the military could have been exposed to asbestos and are at risk for developing mesothelioma as well as other illnesses.
The Navy veterans are at the greatest risk of exposure to asbestos due to the frequent use of asbestos on Navy vessels. However, Army Veterans who repaired or built vessels and motor vehicles also had the risk of exposure.
Military Occupational Specialty (MOS)
Asbestos was a well-known building material for a long time before it was discovered to have negative health consequences. Asbestos exposure in United States military was widespread, with many veterans of every branch exposed to asbestos and developing mesothelioma or other illnesses from inhaling asbestos' deadly mineral. The Boston asbestos lawyers at the Jeffrey Glassman Injury Lawyers have extensive experience in helping Army veterans seek VA benefits and compensation for mesothelioma as well as other asbestos-related illnesses.
The Navy employed asbestos extensively on ships and submarines during WWII. Navy veterans with numerous MOSs could have been exposed to asbestos in their sleeping quarters, compartments and other areas of the ship in addition to in nearby shipyards and construction sites.
Air Force veterans may also have been exposed to asbestos while serving. Asbestos was commonly used in aircrafts, including rotors, fuel systems and hydraulics. Asbestos is also used in the manufacture of thermal insulation, gaskets and fireproofing.
Asbestos was frequently found in the work of Navy pipefitters and welding crews. Lagging containing asbestos was commonly used on pipes that ran the entire length of a ship. Navy welders were often required to remove the lagging prior to making repairs. Navy pipefitters were often working with asbestos-containing insulation, gaskets, and seals. William Smith, a Navy pipefitter, contracted mesothelioma as a result of asbestos exposure after developing lung cancer.
Asbestos was a frequent exposure for metal fabricators as well as steelworkers in the Navy when working in the construction site or shipyard. Asbestos is an insulation material, a fireproofing substance and a welding material. Inhaling asbestos fibers poses a serious risk for any type of welding job, particularly when it is wet.
Asbestos was a typical ingredient in the work of veterans from the Army, Marine Corps Navy, and Air Force who worked on vessels or motor vehicles. VA benefits like disability compensation can allow these veterans to concentrate on their mesothelioma treatment instead of worrying about paying for their daily living expenses. These veterans could also be eligible for mesothelioma damages from negligent asbestos manufacturers. These companies were aware of the dangers of asbestos and are responsible for the medical bills of their victims. Asbestos lawsuits have helped many asbestos victims receive substantial compensation.
Symptoms
Veterans who have been exposed to asbestos have suffered many serious illnesses. Exposure to asbestos increases the chance of developing mesothelioma as well as lung cancer. These illnesses can take 20 to 50 years to develop. Fortunately, many veterans who served on Army bases, Navy shipyards and Air Force bases can receive compensation for asbestos exposure and health issues.
The military relied heavily upon asbestos-based products prior to the 1980s. Navy shipyards, Coast Guard yards and Army bases all relied on asbestos for the construction and repair of naval vessels. Navy sailors are at a higher risk of exposure to asbestos. Asbestos was frequently found in boiler rooms, engine room rooms, and the flooring on decks of ships.
Additionally, military workers in a number of other jobs also were exposed to asbestos, including plumbers, pipefitters and insulators and auto mechanics. Asbestos was frequently used in building materials like doors, walls and roofs. The Navy employed asbestos to create fireproofing.
These hazardous materials could pose a risk to service members' health even if they were not on the ship or base. Asbestos fibers can stay in the lungs and cause scarring for many years after inhalation. Over time, the scarring became so severe that it led to asbestosis, a lung condition.
Asbestosis does not cause cancer, but it could cause other health issues, including mesothelioma which can take between 20 and 50 years to develop after exposure. Mesothelioma is between six and nine times more likely to develop in those who have plaques in the pleura. Pleural plaques are a type asbestosis that isn't cancerous.
The exposure to asbestos through secondhand sources can also cause mesothelioma. This is particularly true when a family member was employed as a laborer or in the military and was exposed to asbestos-based products. The reason for this is that asbestos fibers can be carried through the air. Asbestos sufferers often brought these dangerous fibers home with them on their clothing and exposed to their family members. Secondhand mesothelioma cases usually involve children, spouses and siblings of those exposed to asbestos in their work. In these instances, a mesothelioma patient's surviving spouse or child can be awarded compensation for the illness caused by asbestos of their loved one.
Treatment
Affected veterans have a range of treatment options that could assist with symptoms, reduce the progression of mesothelioma, and avoid complications. These include surgery, chemotherapy or radiation therapy, as well as immunotherapy. Most often, doctors recommend a combination of these treatments, based on the type of asbestos-related disease.
Asbestos was used extensively in military bases and ships, aircrafts, and vehicles. It was incorporated into drywall, cement mixtures, spacklings and roofing to insulate and protect components. These materials were damaged during repair and maintenance which put service personnel at risk.
Marine Corps veterans were exposed to asbestos in their barracks, on naval vessels, and during transport, as as in their work on aircraft and vehicles. Asbestos was utilized in ship insulation, electrical wiring and boiler rooms as well as engine components and manufactured components like brake pads and clutches. Marines who worked with vehicle-based equipment were at a high risk of asbestos exposure because they frequently interacted with asbestos-containing components.
Because asbestos is a flexible and durable material, it was used for insulating boilers, valves, pipes cables and floor tiles as well as ceilings. Asbestos's insulating properties made it a perfect material for fireproofing, and it was cheap and easy to make. Asbestos is also resistant to heat, which makes it an ideal material for engine parts like engines and turbines.
Asbestos has been linked to a number of illnesses which include mesothelioma. Oceanside asbestos lawyer and pleural mesothelioma comprise two frequent types of mesothelioma, and both are caused by exposure to asbestos fibers. These cancers cause malignant tumors within the chest and lungs.
The asbestos producers responsible for mesothelioma in those diagnosed with asbestos-related conditions may be able to pay them a financial settlement. This money can be used to provide medical treatment and support services. To be eligible for these funds, victims must go through a thorough procedure that includes getting medical records and other critical documents. It is important to get legal representation for patients of mesothelioma that have suffered the hardships associated with this illness.
VA Benefits
Veterans suffering from asbestos-related diseases are entitled to compensation and disability benefits. It isn't easy for veterans to prove their condition is linked to their military service. This is because many symptoms can be mistaken as other ailments, such as smoking-related COPD. For this reason, it is crucial for Veterans to file an VA claim early as possible. A qualified mesothelioma attorney can assist veterans with gathering the evidence necessary to file a successful claim.
Every veteran's exposure is unique, but there are certain military branches which were at a greater risk of being exposed to the harmful mineral. Navy veterans were often at the highest risk because of their time on ships and shipyards. These vessels contained asbestos in a variety of places such as boiler and engine rooms, living quarters, and aircraft machinery. Air Force veterans also faced an increased risk when they worked with planes and vehicles which contained asbestos.
Asbestos is an element that occurs naturally, but it has to be extracted to be used by the military. If asbestos isn't handled correctly, it can break up and become airborne. These tiny fibers can get into the lungs, abdomen, and cause irritation to the membranes that line chest and stomach. As time passes, these fibers can cause the linings to become scarred and grow into tumors. These tumors, known as mesothelioma, are the most deadly form of asbestos-related cancer.
Other asbestos-related illnesses can include respiratory issues like chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD). These symptoms are often confused with smoking-related COPD however it is essential for Veterans to see a doctor and get a clear diagnosis.
The Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, located in Miami is a treatment center for a variety of Veterans suffering from asbestos-related illnesses. This facility is located just a few minutes away from the Miami VA Medical Center. For Veterans who don't reside in the region and are not eligible for the VA may provide financial assistance for travel and housing expenses. Many mesothelioma specialists offer private practice options for patients who don't want to visit a VA facility.