Military Veterans Suffer High Rate of Mesothelioma from Asbestos

By Jim Greene

Published on February 07, 2010

Men and women who served in the U.S. military are much more likely than the general population to suffer from mesothelioma due on asbestos exposure. For years, asbestos was an important material in military building and ships.

Mesothelioma is an incurable cancer of the linings of internal organs, nearly always caused by inhaling asbestos into the lungs, through which it spreads through the bloodstream. The disease is especially dangerous to the area around the lungs, but can also damage the heart and affect the abdominal lining.

Older Navy Ships Were Full of Asbestos

Before it was known to pose serious health risks, asbestos was used in construction for its insulating quality and because it is fireproof. This was especially the case on U.S. Navy ships, where it was used heavily from the 1930s to the early 1970s to insulate steam pipes throughout the ship and to turn bulkheads (walls) into fire barriers.

Most ships built with asbestos have been retired, but, for the veterans who served on them, the damage is done. Mesothelioma can take years to manifest itself. Medical science is working on a cure and on means of detecting it earlier. For now, doctors can only try to extend the lives of victims and make them more comfortable.

Many Military Buildings May Still Pose Threat

Navy veterans are not alone in developing mesothelioma. Buildings used by all branches of the military constructed with asbestos as an insulating and fireproofing material. Many of these are still standing, posing a continued threat to today's military personnel.

If you are a military veteran with mesothelioma, your life has been, and will continue to be, severely impacted. Medical bills can strain your finances. You may have to provide for your family's future without you. An experienced mesothelioma attorney can help you fight for the financial compensation you deserve to get treatment and take care of your family. Contact an attorney today.

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