Exposure to asbestos fibres causes a deadly disease called mesothelioma. This toxic mineral was commonly employed in numerous industries over decades. The United States Navy being one of them. Owing to the existence of asbestos in vital parts of the ship, seamen and people serving in navy shipyards were at a greater risk of being exposed.

Navy veterans realize the extent of their exposure to asbestos several years later. This article explains how and where exposure happened and what actions Navy veterans can pursue in the event that they develop mesothelioma or other asbestos-related illnesses.

Why Asbestos Was Used in the Navy

Throughout most of the twentieth century, asbestos was considered an essential resource to the Navy due to its inherent fire, heat, and corrosion resistance. Ships used this mineral to:

Insulate pipes and boilers
Contain electrical systems
Prevent fires from spreading

Older ships still had asbestos even after the risks involved were more clearly understood. A large number of such vessels were in service over a span of decades. The shipyard workers and sailors undertaking their repair and modernization works risked exposure.

Common Sources of Exposure for Navy Veterans

Exposure could occur in many different environments and work settings. Engine rooms and boiler rooms contained high concentrations of asbestos in the insulation around pipes, pumps, and gaskets. This created dangerous situations for the crew members who worked long hours in these enclosed spaces.

Another area of concern was shipyards. The process of cutting, sanding, and repair of ship parts produced a lot of dust. These tasks were done in small areas and posed a high risk to workers’ breathing in airborne particles. Emergency repairs on ships also disrupted asbestos-containing materials, putting everyone onboard at risk. These are some reasons why navy veterans and mesothelioma cases are closely linked today.

Navy Jobs with the Highest Exposure Risk

Some Navy roles had more frequent or direct contact with asbestos-containing materials than others.

Machinist’s mates
Boiler technicians
Electricians
Pipefitters
Shipyard mechanics
Construction battalions

Even the staff without maintenance responsibilities could be exposed simply by living and serving on older ships. Since legal redress has now been extended to the victims, most of these cases are about high-stakes litigation in ensuring that veterans and their families are compensated.

Long-Term Health Impact on Veterans

The most difficult aspect of mesothelioma is the long period between exposure and symptoms.The disease may require 20 to 50 years to manifest. Breathing issues or chest pain typically manifest during the later stages. Victims may even develop lung cancer or asbestosis.

These risks prompt veterans to seek medical care as early as they start showing symptoms. When communicating with doctors or investigators, they may be informed of their protections and legal rights, including their Miranda rights when providing official statements.

Legal Pathways for Navy Veterans Diagnosed with Mesothelioma

Once diagnosed, veterans are supposed to seek specialized treatment under the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. They can receive disability benefits and healthcare coverage on service related asbestos exposure. Many also decide to initiate legal suits to hold careless companies accountable for providing hazardous asbestos substances. It is important to understand that VA claims and legal claims are separate. Veterans have the right to seek both at the same time to ensure comprehensive support for medical needs and financial security.

Endnote

Navy soldiers committed their lives to securing the country without paying attention to the health risks around them. Now that the knowledge about mesothelioma and asbestos is widespread , veterans can decide the best course of action to safeguard their health. A conversation with qualified professionals may assist them in knowing what to expect and proceed with confidence.