Menu

What Is Asbestos?

Asbestos is a carcinogenic mineral that was mined in the United States until the late 1900s. The mineral’s strength, durability, and heat resistant properties led to its widespread use in commercial industries, homes, school buildings, and the military.

Many products that contain asbestos are still in use today:

  • Air duct coverings
  • Automobile clutches and brakes
  • Gutters
  • Insulation
  • Pipes
  • Popcorn ceilings
  • Roofing and siding shingles
  • Textured paint
  • Vinyl floor tile

Why Is It Dangerous?

Several agencies have labeled asbestos a carcinogen, including the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), the National Toxicology Program (NTP), and the EPA.

When crumbled or disturbed, asbestos fibers create a dangerous dust cloud. It’s easy to inhale or ingest these microscopic fibers. The military used insulation and other products that were significantly friable or easy to crumble when renovated or repaired.

Once asbestos dust enters the body, the fibers attach to the mesothelium, a protective layer that lubricates the organs in the chest and abdomen. The fibers end up lodged in delicate tissue, creating friction against the organs, which eventually leads to the mutation of cells and the formation of mesothelioma or other diseases.

Asbestos Use in the Military

All five military branches relied heavily on asbestos and products that used the mineral from the 1930s until the 1970s, when the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) restricted its use due to health concerns. However, some military construction used asbestos products as late as 1991.

Who Was Exposed?

Decades of widespread asbestos use meant hundreds of thousands of service members were exposed to toxic dust and fibers. The amount of asbestos exposure often depended on the military job or location:

This is an icon representing the air force.

Air Force Veterans

The Air Force became a separate military branch in 1947 when asbestos use was widespread. As a result, the Air Force used the material to build a majority of its structures. Ceiling insulation, walls, as well as floor tiles in buildings and barracks all contained asbestos. Air Force mechanics came into contact with materials like aircraft brake systems, engine valves, and gaskets.

  • Aircraft Handler
  • Aircraft Mechanic
  • Electrical Systems Specialist
  • Environmental Systems Specialist
  • Fire Control Technician
  • Metalsmith

This is an icon representing the army.

Army Vets

Army buildings and military vehicles also contained large quantities of asbestos. Veterans may have been exposed to the toxic fibers when coming into contact with insulation, cement flooring, roof tiles, and plumbing.

  • Aircraft Mechanic
  • Artilleryman
  • Infantryman
  • Vehicle Mechanic

This is an icon representing the marines.

Marine Corps in the Military

Insulation and plumbing pipes contained asbestos. Marines were exposed to the carcinogen in sleeping quarters, mess halls, and boiler and engine rooms. It was also common for Marines living and working close to Navy shipyards, which contained the largest concentrations of the mineral.

  • Marines on Navy Ships Mechanics

This is an icon representing the navy.

Navy and Coast Guard Veterans

Members of the Navy and Coast Guard faced the highest levels of asbestos exposure. The insulation and paint used on vessels contained asbestos. Boiler and engine rooms on Navy ships, which were often dusty and small,  meant thousands of sailors and crew members inhaled or ingested it.

  • Marine Inspectors
  • Boatswain’s Mate
  • Damage Controlman
  • Gunner’s Mate
  • Hull Maintenance Technician
  • Machinery Repairman
  • Machinist’s Mate
  • Metalsmith
  • Pipefitter
  • Radioman
  • Seabee
  • Water Tender
  • Welder

The U.S. military was once one of the largest consumers of asbestos. If you’re a veteran, let us assess your case for exposure risks.
Evaluate My Case

Indirect Exposure to Asbestos

Service members could have potentially exposed their loved ones to asbestos. The microscopic fibers could easily attach to the clothing, hair, and skin of those who worked with the carcinogen daily, and carried it home. Medical professionals refer to this form of exposure as ‘indirect’ or ‘secondary’ exposure.

Veterans and Mesothelioma

Asbestos is fire resistant, durable, and cheap to produce. At first, the military used it to protect service members. Instead, many veterans now face a higher risk of developing mesothelioma, asbestosis, or lung cancer.

The United States didn’t start removing asbestos products until the mid to late 1970s when lawmakers began to restrict the carcinogen. As a result, the removal of the mineral came long after it was discovered to be harmful to humans.

Around 3,300 people are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year. Nearly a third of those patients are veterans exposed to asbestos during their service. The latency period, or time it takes to develop symptoms after asbestos exposure, is typically between 10 and 50 years. For this reason, veterans are likely to be diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease.

Veterans’ Benefits

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers benefits to individual military members who have developed mesothelioma. Veterans will have to prove their eligibility to receive compensation for medical bills or loss of income. The VA requires a record of the following:

  • Time and location of service
  • Job or occupation in the military
  • A medical note confirming your service to your diagnosis

In some cases, the VA may deny benefits, or the benefits may not cover all of the patient’s expenses.

Legal Action

If VA benefits aren’t available, patients may be eligible to seek legal action against companies that manufactured or used asbestos. Asbestos trust funds from bankrupt companies are available for patients seeking compensation. Patients can also file a personal injury claim against the manufacturers that used the carcinogen knowingly.

Legal actions are not against the U.S. military or government and will not affect VA benefits. To learn more about taking legal action, fill out our free case evaluation form, and speak with a legal specialist.

Mesothelioma Support Team

Mesothelioma Hub is dedicated to helping you find information, support, and advice. Reach out any time!