The Hidden Threat: Military Asbestos Exposure and Mesothelioma

The perils of military service often conjure images of combat zones and hostile encounters, yet a silent and insidious danger lurks closer to home: asbestos exposure. Used extensively in military installations, ships, and equipment for its fire-resistant and insulating properties, asbestos has later been found to be a carcinogen responsible for a rare form of cancer known as mesothelioma. Alarmingly, about 30% of all mesothelioma cases in the United States involve veterans, who were exposed to asbestos during their service years.

Asbestos Use in the Military

During World War II, the Vietnam War, and even the years of peace in between, asbestos was considered a "miracle mineral" due to its heat-resistant, electrical-resistant, and insulating capabilities. Its utility made it a staple in shipbuilding, aircraft, tanks, barracks, and even mess halls. Navy ships were especially fraught with asbestos exposure, as it was used to insulate boilers, pipes, and other machinery. Veterans who worked as pipefitters, shipyard workers, or even mechanics faced a particularly high risk of asbestos exposure (National Cancer Institute).

Health Risks

The primary health risk associated with asbestos exposure is mesothelioma—a rare form of cancer that typically affects the lining of the lungs, abdomen, or heart. It is a highly aggressive and typically terminal form of cancer with a long latency period, often taking decades to manifest (American Cancer Society). Once symptoms do appear, they can often be mistaken for less severe conditions, which complicates diagnosis and treatment (Mayo Clinic).

Legal Challenges and Compensation

Starting from 1971, when the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) listed asbestos as a hazardous air pollutant, awareness about its risks began to surface. Despite this, the legal landscape for affected veterans remains challenging. While veterans can file claims for compensation through the Department of Veterans Affairs, these processes can be complex and time-consuming (U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs). Furthermore, due to the Feres Doctrine, service members are precluded from suing the U.S. government for injuries that occurred as a result of their military service.

The Way Forward

There is an urgent need for systemic action to address the health risks associated with military asbestos exposure. While significant progress has been made in reducing the use of asbestos in the military, older structures and equipment that contain this hazardous material continue to pose a risk. It is imperative to accelerate efforts in asbestos management plans, identification and safe removal protocols, and to explore advanced medical treatments for mesothelioma (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention).

Conclusion

Asbestos exposure poses a severe, yet often overlooked, health risk within the military community. While the material's use has declined, its long-lasting impact endures, placing past and current service members at risk. For these brave men and women who serve their country, awareness and prevention of asbestos-related health risks should be just as paramount as preparing for the adversities of the battlefield.

Reference Sources:

- National Cancer Institute: Information on asbestos exposure and cancer risk.

- American Cancer Society: Information on mesothelioma, its symptoms, and treatment.

- Mayo Clinic: Additional information on the diagnosis and symptoms of mesothelioma.

- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs: Information on asbestos exposure in the military and compensation details.

- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Guidelines and information on asbestos management and removal.