Army Asbestos Exposure
Mesothelioma cases among current and former members of the United States Army have skyrocketed in the last decade. This is due to countless cases of Army asbestos exposure that occurred through the use of products that contained the fiber until they were banned by the Consumer Product Safety Commission in the 1970s. The long latency period of this deadly cancer means that a veteran is still at risk of developing a mesothelioma injury, even years after their initial exposure to Army asbestos products.
Army Asbestos Exposure: How Did It Occur?
Many homes and commercial/public buildings constructed prior to 1980 contain materials made with asbestos (American Cancer Society). Because asbestos is fire-retardant and resistant to heat, Army asbestos use was quite abundant while many asbestos-containing products were used to – somewhat ironically - protect soldiers. However, the resulting Army asbestos exposure that servicemen experienced did the opposite and led to a number of soldiers becoming sick in years that followed.
Some common materials that caused soldiers to experience Army asbestos exposure include:
- Wall and ceiling insulation
- Foundation cement
- Machinery
- Pipe system insulation
- Roofing and flooring materials
- Caulks
- Structural fireproofing
- Acoustical insulation
- Household products
Many American-made vehicles in the 20th century were built using disk brake pads and linings that were made with asbestos, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. As a consequence, most army vehicles used by soldiers through the end of the Vietnam War contained these dangerous parts, and likely led to countless cases of army asbestos exposure.
Army Asbestos Exposure in Military Housing
While the use of asbestos was severely limited in the mid 1980s, army vehicles and housing weren’t automatically replaced. As a result, there have been a number of Army asbestos exposure cases involving troops who served in the Army. In addition, there have been numerous asbestos exposure cases in the other military branches. Some servicemen were exposed while in the Air Force to asbestos products. Others experienced exposure while in the Coast Guard to asbestos on board ships. Personnel were also exposed while serving in the National Guard to asbestos.
Have You Suffered Army Asbestos Exposure?
Veterans who have become sick with mesothelioma that was caused by Army asbestos have the right to sue the manufacturers that produced and sold the asbestos used in military applications. These types of claims are unique because records on Army asbestos use in the military still exist -- and they are widely used in investigating mesothelioma cases.
If you or your loved one is suffering from an asbestos-related illness that may have been caused by Army asbestos exposure, contact an experienced asbestos attorney today for a free consultation and to receive additional mesothelioma information.
Related Topics: Marines Asbestos