According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, out of the millions of veterans who served the country, hundreds of thousands experienced asbestos exposure during service.
Commonly used by each military branch, more than 300 products containing asbestos were utilized by the Navy and other military sectors from the 1930s through the 1970s. Though not everyone exposed to asbestos will develop an asbestos-related illness, long-term exposure does increase the possibility. Asbestos exposure can cause terminal diseases such as asbestosis and malignant mesothelioma.
A highly aggressive cancer caused almost exclusively by asbestos exposure, mesothelioma is currently difficult to treat and exhibits a life span between four and 18 months. Approximately 2,000 to 3,000 new cases of mesothelioma are reported every year in the United States.
Due to a long latency period associated with mesothelioma, many veterans will not experience related symptoms until 20 to 50 years after exposure, when the disease has already progressed to its later stages. Many symptoms of mesothelioma are also found with other less serious conditions, making early diagnosis a challenge for doctors.
Veterans with an asbestos-related disease can apply for Veteran Affairs (VA) benefits by providing proof that their exposure occurred at the time of their military service. Many believe veterans of the Navy have an increased risk of developing an asbestos-related condition due to the widespread use of the substance in ships.
Some naval vessels and public facilities may still contain asbestos-laden materials, such as clutches, brakes, gaskets or older construction materials. Thus, the potential remains for more veterans and civilians to be exposed to asbestos without proper protection.
Additional information on veteran asbestos exposure and mesothelioma may be found through the Mesothelioma Center.
source: http://www.asbestos.com
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