Shedding Light on Military Asbestos Exposure – National Military Appreciation Month
May is National Military Appreciation Month—a time to honor the brave men and women who have served and continue to serve in the United States Armed Forces. As we express our gratitude for their sacrifices, it’s equally important to recognize the challenges they have faced, including those that remain long after active duty has ended. One of the most serious and often overlooked issues affecting veterans is asbestos exposure, a hidden danger that has impacted thousands of military personnel across generations.
A Hidden Hazard in the Ranks
Asbestos is known for its heat resistance, strength, and insulating properties. It was widely used throughout the 20th century in military infrastructure, vehicles, aircraft, and naval vessels. The military’s reliance on asbestos, especially between the 1930s and 1970s, resulted in extensive exposure among service members—particularly those in the Navy, Army, and Air Force.
For decades, the health risks of asbestos were underestimated or ignored, despite mounting evidence of its harmful effects. Asbestos fibers, when inhaled or ingested, can lodge in the lungs or other parts of the body, leading to serious health conditions such as asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma—a rare and aggressive cancer with no known cure.
Veterans at Risk
Among all branches of the military, Navy veterans have faced the highest risk of asbestos exposure. Ships built prior to the 1980s were constructed with large quantities of asbestos-containing materials. including: gaskets, valves, piping systems, and even flooring and ceiling tiles. Those working in engine rooms, boiler rooms, and maintenance areas may have been exposed to airborne asbestos fibers during maintenance and repairs.
Army and Air Force veterans were also exposed, especially those who served in construction, mechanics, aircraft maintenance, or vehicle repair. Asbestos was used in brake pads, clutches, insulation, cement, and drywall materials commonly found on bases and in equipment.
Due to the long latency period of asbestos-related diseases—often 20 to 50 years—many veterans are being diagnosed decades after their service, making timely medical intervention and legal action challenging.
Mesothelioma and Military Service
Mesothelioma is one of the most devastating consequences of asbestos exposure. This cancer affects the lining of the lungs, abdomen, or heart and is almost exclusively linked to asbestos. Because of the military’s widespread use of asbestos and the prolonged latency period of the disease, a significant percentage of mesothelioma patients in the U.S. are veterans.
Unfortunately, early symptoms of mesothelioma can be mistaken for common ailments like pneumonia or chronic bronchitis. By the time the disease is correctly diagnosed, it is often in an advanced stage, leaving few treatment options.
Resources for Veterans
Veterans diagnosed with asbestos-related diseases may be eligible for benefits through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). These benefits can include monthly compensation, health care, and support services. To qualify, veterans must prove that their asbestos exposure occurred during active military service and that their illness is directly related to that exposure.
National Military Appreciation Month is not only about recognizing military achievements and valor but also about supporting our veterans’ ongoing health and well-being. Raising awareness of asbestos exposure in the military helps shine a light on a serious and preventable issue that has impacted countless lives.
Organizations, legal advocates, and healthcare providers all play a crucial role in educating the public, supporting affected veterans, and working toward a future where no service member has to suffer from preventable occupational illnesses.
If you or someone you know may have been diagnosed with mesothelioma due to asbestos exposure, contact us at (412) 471-3980 to discuss your case and protect your rights. Our team is committed to advocating for justice and holding those responsible for asbestos exposure accountable.
