From the late 1930s to the early 1980s, the U.S. military was the nation’s largest consumer of asbestos-containing products. As a result, hundreds of U.S. veterans have been diagnosed with asbestos-related illnesses, including mesothelioma.
Proving military asbestos exposure is an uphill battle. There are so many moving battles, and the system is riddled with complex legal processes. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with an asbestos-related illness after serving in the military, this guide is for you. Here’s everything you need
Asbestos Exposure and Military Branches
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that can withstand heat and fire. Throughout the 1900s, it was known as a “wonder-product” and used in the construction of buildings and ships. Asbestos was also used in the manufacturing of military equipment. The dark side of asbestos usage was later revealed.
All branches of the military used asbestos products. They were used in the construction of U.S. military bases as well as in ships, vehicles, and airplanes. To know more about military bases with asbestos contamination, look at this brief branch-specific breakdown:
Asbestos Exposure in the Navy
According to reports, the U.S. Navy used more asbestos-containing products than any other military branch. These products include:
- Packing materials
- Thermal materials
- Boiler insulation
- Paneling
- Paint
- Adhesives
- Cables
- Deck covering materials
While government officials were aware of some health risks, they didn’t realize how notoriously dangerous asbestos exposure could be until many years later.
Asbestos Exposure in the Air Force
United States Air Force veterans were also exposed to asbestos as they worked on military bases and inside aircrafts. The following occupations were exposed:
- Vehicle mechanics
- Welders
- Aircraft mechanics
- Boiler workers
- Aircraft electricians
- Construction workers
Asbestos Exposure in the Army
Army servicemen and servicewomen who were exposed to asbestos during their service years can file a claim with the VA and get compensated. The following jobs in the army were greatly exposed:
- Carpentry
- Construction
- Demolition
- Insulating
Asbestos Exposure in the Marines
As hinted earlier, asbestos-containing products were used in shipbuilding and the construction of other navy equipment. Unfortunately, asbestos fibers remain to this day. As of 2020, 38,000 Marine housing units have been found to be contaminated with asbestos or lead.
Evidence You Need
The next step in identifying asbestos exposure at military bases is collecting necessary evidence. This will help build a strong personal injury case and help you get fairly compensated.
You will need the following:
- Detailed military service records
- Specific locations you served at. Exposure could have occurred in older buildings on bases in the U.S., so detailed records are critical.
- Any medical documentation linking your symptoms to asbestos exposure
Monitoring Symptoms
Asbestos exposure can lead to life-threatening diseases like asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma. That said, these illnesses have an exceptionally long latency period. Symptoms do not appear for 20 to 50 years after exposure. Make sure you monitor them over the years. This can include:
- Shortness of breath
- A persistent cough
- Chest pain or tightness
- Unexplained weight loss
- Fatigue
Once you have the necessary documents, file a claim with the VA. Work with a reputable law firm like ELSM Law to get the best possible legal representation.
