Asbestos

Dangers of Asbestos in the Military

For several decades, the United States Armed Forces used asbestos as a tool. Many individuals in the military used the asbestos substance to fireproof or waterproof certain materials. Due to the widespread use of asbestos, many veterans faced exposure to asbestos, leading to a high risk of developing asbestos-related health issues.

For many years, the military used asbestos to accomplish several tasks. One of the more notable tasks includes waterproofing military vehicles. In order to do this, a worker would take the substance and use it to seal off the sensitive parts of the vehicle. The asbestos often sealed off vulnerable areas, such as electrical systems, to submerge a vehicle in water. Asbestos was also used in other ways, including in barracks, ships, and aircrafts. Due to its ability to prevent fires, it was used in construction to fireproof certain materials. It was also useful for these tasks, due to its low production costs.

How It Affected Veterans

No amount of asbestos exposure is safe, due to its link to developing certain cancers. Therefore, many exposed veterans have a high risk of developing asbestos-related health issues. Those in the U.S. Navy from the 1930s to the 1970s are at the highest risk of developing these issues.

Unfortunately, at that time, the government and veterans did not know about the dangers of using asbestos. Even though asbestos manufacturers knew the health risks, it was not until the mid 1970s when the public discovered that asbestos had disastrous effects on the body. Therefore, millions of those in the military were put at risk, despite the manufacturer’s knowledge. Job positions that dealt with asbestos in each military branch included:

  • Aircraft mechanics
  • Infantrymen
  • Vehicle mechanics
  • Environmental support specialists
  • Marines deployed on naval ships
  • Fire control technicians
  • Machinery repairmen
  • Welders

The Dangers of Asbestos

According to the National Cancer Institute, individuals who breathe in asbestos particles develop inflammation and scarring in their lungs later in life. Asbestos is a known carcinogen, therefore, those exposed to it are vulnerable to certain cancers. Some of these cancers include mesothelioma, lung cancer, larynx cancer, and ovarian cancer. Mesothelioma is a particularly aggressive lung cancer that is often tricky to diagnose.

Philadelphia Asbestos Lawyers at Brookman, Rosenberg, Brown & Sandler Advocate for Military Members with Mesothelioma

If you or a loved one developed mesothelioma due to asbestos exposure in the military, you need to contact a Philadelphia asbestos lawyer at Brookman, Rosenberg, Brown & Sandler. Mesothelioma is an aggressive cancer, leading to both economic and noneconomic losses. Our lawyers help clients obtain compensation for these losses. Contact us online or call us at 215-569-4000 for a free consultation. Located in Philadelphia, we serve clients throughout New Jersey and Pennsylvania, including Delaware County, Chester County, and Philadelphia County.

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