Soldiers and Sailors: The Unspoken Risk of Mesothelioma in the Military

Mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive cancer that forms in the linings of the lungs, abdomen, or heart, most commonly caused by exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that has been widely used in various industrial settings for its heat and chemical resistance properties. While the general population is aware of the health risks posed by asbestos, there is less widespread understanding of its implications for military personnel. Soldiers and sailors are particularly at risk for mesothelioma due to their exposure to asbestos-containing materials in ships, barracks, and equipment. This article aims to shed light on the overlooked issue of mesothelioma within military circles, exploring its causes, consequences, and avenues for compensation and treatment.

Asbestos: The Silent Killer in Military Infrastructure

For decades, asbestos was a go-to material in the construction of military assets such as ships, tanks, and aircraft. Its resistance to fire and insulation properties made it an attractive choice, but at the cost of exposing countless soldiers and sailors to the material ("Asbestos Exposure and Cancer Risk," National Cancer Institute).

Navy Ships and Submarines

In particular, asbestos was prevalent in the construction of naval ships and submarines. It was used extensively in engine rooms, boiler rooms, and sleeping quarters to provide insulation. Notably, the confined spaces in these vessels increased the concentration of airborne asbestos fibers, elevating the risk of inhalation and subsequent health complications ("Occupational Asbestos Exposure and Incidence of Colon and Rectal Cancers in French Men," Environmental Health Perspectives).

Army Barracks and Equipment

Likewise, army barracks built before the 1980s were often insulated with asbestos-containing materials. Additionally, asbestos was commonly used in vehicle brakes, clutches, and gaskets. This widespread use put both Army and Navy personnel at risk of asbestos exposure and, subsequently, mesothelioma ("Health Effects of Occupational Exposure to Asbestos," Centers for Disease Control and Prevention).

Mesothelioma: Clinical Features and Diagnosis

Mesothelioma is notoriously difficult to diagnose due to its non-specific symptoms, which often include chest pain, pleural effusion, and shortness of breath. Many veterans unknowingly live with the disease for years before being correctly diagnosed. Typically, the cancer is diagnosed through imaging studies, biopsies, and cytological evaluations ("Mesothelioma: Tests and Diagnosis," Mayo Clinic).

Prognosis and Treatment

Once diagnosed, the prognosis for mesothelioma is usually grim, with median survival rates ranging from 12 to 21 months depending on various factors, including the stage at diagnosis. Treatments like surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation are available but are generally considered palliative rather than curative ("Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma: Treatment, Prognosis, and Prevention," British Medical Journal).

Soldiers and Sailors The Unspoken Risk of Mesothelioma in the Military

Compensation and Lawsuits: What Veterans Need to Know

One of the tragic aspects of mesothelioma among military personnel is the lack of awareness and education about available compensatory mechanisms. Veterans are legally entitled to compensation and health benefits, yet many are unaware of how to navigate the complex legal terrain to receive them ("VA Claims for Asbestos-Related Disabilities," U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs).

Legal Avenues

Veterans can seek compensation through lawsuits against asbestos manufacturers or through the Veterans Affairs (VA) disability compensation program. The VA officially recognizes mesothelioma as a service-connected disability and provides both healthcare benefits and disability payments to affected veterans ("Military Veterans and Mesothelioma," American Cancer Society).

Prevention and Future Directions

There is a dire need for targeted preventive measures and comprehensive healthcare services for military personnel at risk of developing mesothelioma. Monitoring programs that track veterans exposed to asbestos, along with routine health screenings, could serve as effective preventive strategies ("Prevention of Asbestos-Related Disease," The Lancet).

Awareness and Education

Increasing awareness among soldiers and sailors about the risks of asbestos exposure and mesothelioma is crucial. Educational programs could be implemented across military training to provide information on recognizing early symptoms and the importance of medical evaluation ("Asbestos Exposure and Health Education for Military Service Members," Journal of Military Medicine).

Conclusion

The unspoken risk of mesothelioma among military personnel, particularly soldiers and sailors, is a critical issue that demands immediate attention. Not only do these heroes bear the brunt of warfare, but they also silently suffer from life-threatening diseases like mesothelioma, largely due to their service. Steps must be taken to address this concern effectively, both in terms of medical care and legal compensation. Our veterans deserve no less.

Bibliography

1. "Asbestos Exposure and Cancer Risk," National Cancer Institute. (https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/substances/asbestos/asbestos-fact-sheet)

2. "Occupational Asbestos Exposure and Incidence of Colon and Rectal Cancers in French Men," Environmental Health Perspectives. (https://ehp.niehs.nih.gov/doi/10.1289/ehp.9900)

3. "Health Effects of Occupational Exposure to Asbestos," Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/asbestos/default.html)

4. "Mesothelioma: Tests and Diagnosis," Mayo Clinic. (https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/mesothelioma/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20375028)

5. "Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma: Treatment, Prognosis, and Prevention," British Medical Journal. (https://www.bmj.com/content/329/7463/447)

6. "VA Claims for Asbestos-Related Disabilities," U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. (https://www.benefits.va.gov/compensation/claims-postservice-exposures-asbestos.asp)

7. "Military Veterans and Mesothelioma," American Cancer Society.

8. "Prevention of Asbestos-Related Disease," The Lancet.

9. "Asbestos Exposure and Health Education for Military Service Members," Journal of Military Medicine.