Asbestos Exposure Risks and Mesothelioma Concerns for Veterans

Ian C. Langtree - Writer/Editor for Disabled World (DW)
Published: 2009/03/25 - Updated: 2025/03/22
Publication Type: Informative
Category Topic: Mesothelioma - Academic Publications

Page Content: Synopsis - Introduction - Main - Insights, Updates

Synopsis: This information highlights the significant risk of asbestos exposure among veterans, particularly those who served between the 1930s and 1970s, due to the widespread use of asbestos-containing materials in military applications. Asbestos, known for its heat resistance and durability, was extensively used in various military components, including insulation, cement, flooring products, steam pipes, gaskets, brakes, clutches, and boilers. This pervasive use has led to numerous cases of mesothelioma, a severe form of cancer affecting the mesothelium - the protective lining covering the heart, stomach, lungs, and other organs. The article underscores that veterans in roles such as Navy personnel (especially those working below deck), machinist mates, machine repairmen, construction workers, shipyard workers, boiler room workers, and machinery repairmen were particularly susceptible to asbestos exposure. Additionally, it notes that family members of these veterans could also be at risk due to secondary exposure from asbestos fibers carried home on clothing and equipment. The information further addresses the challenges veterans face in obtaining disability benefits for mesothelioma, given the disease's long latency period and the difficulty in proving direct service-related exposure. However, it mentions that many veterans have successfully pursued legal claims against asbestos manufacturers - Disabled World (DW).

Introduction

The brave men and women who have served our country are modern day heroes. Fighting for freedom has never come easy, nor does it now.

Main Content

According to the United States Department of Veteran Affairs, there are currently 25 million individuals who have served in the United States Armed Forces - thank you. Hundreds of thousands, if not millions of these living veterans have been exposed to asbestos-containing materials during their services.

What is asbestos?

Currently, asbestos is a well known hazardous carcinogen. This fiber consists of long, thin fibrous crystals and may be mixed with other substances in order to resistant heat, electricity and chemical damage.

Why are veterans at risk?

Due to these characteristics, asbestos was widely used by every branch. It was so powerful that it was mandated for wide spread usage prior to being phased out in the 1970s. It was used mainly for insulation purposes but was also used in over 300 products. The Navy primarily used asbestos between the 1930s and 1970s as every ship and shipyard built by the Navy was fitted with numerous asbestos containing materials. Asbestos exposure may lead to many diseases such as mesothelioma.

What is mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma (mez-uh-thee-lee-O-muh) is a type of cancer that can be either malignant or benign. The malignant type of Mesothelioma is the most hazardous form of cancer and may be deadly in most cases. This cancer affects the tissue Mesothelium, which protects the heart, stomach, lungs, and other organs by making a special fluid that allows the organs to move.

What was asbestos used in?

Asbestos was used in various aspects of the military which includes:

• Cement
• Flooring products
• Insulation
• Steam pipes
• Gaskets
• Brakes and Clutches
• Boilers

Who could be affected by asbestos?

Many veterans could be affected by asbestos as its wide spread usage was mandated between the 1930s and 1970s. These occupations in the service includes:

• Navigation rooms
• Sleeping Quarters
• Mess Halls
• Machinist mates
• Machine repairmen
• Construction workers
• Shipyard workers
• Boiler room workers
• Machinery repairmen
• Machinist mates

Also the spouses and children at home could be inadvertently affected due to the asbestos fibers being carried home in the clothing and other accessories. Those fibers could then be breathed in by whoever came in contact, also affecting the individual.

Is there any compensation involved?

Unfortunately, there is no disability eligibility unless you can prove that the mesothelioma was due to asbestos exposure during active duty. Due to the longevity it takes for the disease to manifest, it is heavily impossible. However, you can file claims against the asbestos companies themselves. Hundreds of thousands of veterans have successfully done so.

Insights, Analysis, and Developments

Author Credentials: Ian is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Disabled World, a leading resource for news and information on disability issues. With a global perspective shaped by years of travel and lived experience, Ian is a committed proponent of the Social Model of Disability-a transformative framework developed by disabled activists in the 1970s that emphasizes dismantling societal barriers rather than focusing solely on individual impairments. His work reflects a deep commitment to disability rights, accessibility, and social inclusion. To learn more about Ian's background, expertise, and accomplishments, visit his full biography.