Exposure of Military Personnel to Asbestos
Asbestos is a deadly carcinogen that can cause mesothelioma cancer, lung cancer, respiratory problems and other illnesses. In most cases, the degree of risk is linked to the length and the level of the exposure to asbestos. The military commonly used asbestos because of its strong resistance to heat and fire. This exposed many military personnel to asbestos.
Military Service Exposure to Asbestos
Exposure to asbestos is the main cause of mesothelioma cancer. Many military personnel who have developed mesothelioma have been exposed to asbestos on the job. Military veterans have died from asbestos related diseases, mesothelioma cancer, asbestosis and other complications associated with exposure to asbestos. Many army veterans and other military veterans may still not know that they are at risk for developing mesothelioma due to exposure to asbestos fibers. This is because the latency period from the time of initial exposure and for the symptoms of mesothelioma to appear is around 20 to 50 years.
Asbestos Contaminated Materials
Many insulation and construction materials before the mid 70s might have been contaminated with asbestos substances. Some of the most common products that contained asbestos materials were:
- Fireproofing spray insulation
- Firebricks
- Roofs
- Floor tiles
- Insulation on pipes
- Auto clutches and d brakes
- Boiler insulation
- Insulating cements
- Plasters
- Ceiling tiles
Risk of Asbestos Exposure in the Military
Pipefitters, boiler men, shipyard workers, enginemen, ship crew, and military construction workers are a few of the military men that might have been exposed to asbestos. Boiler rooms aboard ships had very high exposure and placed a lot of workers at great risk for contracting asbestos related diseases. Even pipe coverings aboard the ships were contaminated with asbestos materials. Many workers lived on the ships so they might have been exposed to asbestos on a daily basis and for long periods. Military personnel that worked on warships or decommissioned them were also exposed to asbestos fibers at very high levels.
If you are a military veteran or are currently working in the military and believe that you were exposed to asbestos, speak to your doctor or cancer specialist immediately. Let your doctor know about your history of asbestos exposure and get routine screening, such as X-rays and CT-scans to look for any lung abnormalities or any signs of asbestos related cancer. When the cancer is detected early enough there are more treatment options available and the prognosis for most patients’ increases - so get help immediately!
