Veterans and Mesothelioma:
The courageous men and women of our Armed Services join realizing they may one day be asked to make the ultimate sacrifice. However, these brave souls probably didn’t count on the possibility that their service could unnecessarily expose them to cancer-causing products that could make them sick many years (even decades) later. The Department of Veterans Affairs says military veterans account for approximately one-third of all new mesothelioma cases in the U.S., because of asbestos exposure in the line of duty. Asbestos exposure is also a cause of lung cancer.Mesothelioma is a terminal form of cancer caused by asbestos exposure. In most cases, asbestos fibers enter the body, when someone breathes airborne particles or ingests them. The cancer itself doesn’t manifest until 20-50 years after exposure. Until the 1990s, when the government took steps to mitigate the risk, many military personnel were regularly exposed to asbestos, while performing routine tasks. While certainly not all of these servicemen and women will get sick, the longer their exposure, the greater their risk.
Which Veterans Are Most at Risk?
Prior to the 1970s, asbestos was used as a fire-retardant material in many products used by all branches of the military. However, those who served in the Navy likely received the greatest exposure, because asbestos was used for fire safety purposes in the engine, boiler rooms and other parts of the lower decks.According to the War Related Illness and Injury Study Center, the service members most at risk include the following:
- Navy veterans, especially those who worked on older ships and in shipyards prior to the mid-1990s; those who spent lots of time below deck; and those tasked with replacing damaged asbestos coverings without proper physical or respiratory protection.
- Service members of all branches who handled any asbestos-containing material (ACM) at any time.
- Service members of all branches who worked prior to the mid-1990s as pipe fitters, welders, boiler operators, or in construction-related capacities.
Possibility of Secondary Exposure
If you never served in the armed forces, but lived with someone who did, you may still be at risk for mesothelioma—due to “secondary exposure.”Before anyone knew asbestos was harmful, military personnel who worked in exposed environments typically came home with asbestos fibers lodged on their clothing, hair or skin. And then these could be transferred to their families.Again, the level of risk depends mainly on how much asbestos was present and how long you were exposed.
What to Do If You Are at Risk
Exposure to asbestos by no means guarantees you will get cancer. However, if you determine that military service has put you at risk of contracting mesothelioma or some other asbestos-related disease, be proactive by doing the following:
- If you smoke, quit smoking now. The combination of cigarette smoke and asbestos in the lungs may significantly increase chances of getting sick.
- Get regular checkups and cancer screenings. Early detection and treatment may greatly affect your life expectancy.
If you or someone you love has contracted mesothelioma, lung cancer or another asbestos-related disease as a result of military service, you may be entitled to compensation. There are trust funds established to reimburse you and your family for your injuries. Call the offices of Madeksho Law Firm at 1-888-910-MESO (6376) for a free consultation. There is never a fee unless we recover compensation on your behalf.
