Military Asbestos
Cases of military asbestos exposure that may have led to mesothelioma diagnoses have been documented as far back as the 1930s. Because asbestos is as an inexpensive, effective and supposedly safe form of insulation that is heat and fire retardant, military asbestos use, including the use of asbestos in the Navy, was extremely high for much of the 20th century.
What Products Led to Military Asbestos Exposure
Military asbestos was used in the construction of buildings and vessels for flooring, ceilings, insulating tiles, pipe lagging, pipe wrap, cement and much more. There was also much use of asbestos on ships. Military asbestos was used for products such as these until at least the 1970s when new government regulations were adopted to restrict its use.
Although military asbestos exposure likely affected all personnel, workers in shipyards, pipefitters, boiler workers, electricians, plumbers, and insulators are some examples of workers who may have suffered the highest levels of military asbestos exposure.
Military Asbestos Use in Housing Construction
Military housing built prior to 1982 almost certainly used asbestos-containing products, according to an environmental disclaimer published by the military. If you did not serve in the military but did live in military housing built before 1982, you may have been exposed to asbestos also. People who lived or worked near commercial or military shipyards were at risk to military asbestos exposure as well.
The links between military and asbestos exposure are, sadly, very well documented. Veterans who served in any branch of the military account for 40 percent of all mesothelioma cases. Military asbestos exposure symptoms can be similar to those of the common cold, so don’t dismiss them, especially if they persist longer than a week.
Your Legal Options Following Military Asbestos Exposure
If you or a loved one have previously served in a branch of the armed services, suffered military asbestos exposure, and now have been diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma, there may be legal action you can pursue against the makers of the asbestos product that harmed you.
It is important to note that any mesothelioma lawsuit you pursue will not be against the government or the military. Instead, the manufacturers of the asbestos products that were responsible for the exposure will be held accountable.
Speak to a mesothelioma attorney at Sokolove Law today.