Key Takeaways
- Asbestos was used throughout twentieth-century military equipment because it resisted heat, fire, and friction better than the alternatives available at the time.
- Ordnance and munitions incorporated asbestos insulation to manage heat, and it also appeared in protective clothing and gloves issued to soldiers working near extreme temperatures.
- Military vehicles, aircraft, and ships used asbestos around engines, exhaust systems, brakes, clutches, and gaskets, which meant mechanics and maintenance crews handled it constantly.
- Most service members were never told what the material was or warned about the risk, and worked with it without respirators or other protection.
- Veterans who served during World War II, Korea, and Vietnam face the highest risk, along with anyone who worked in Navy engine rooms, motor pools, aircraft maintenance, or construction.
- Mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis can take 20 to 50 years to appear, so many veterans are only now being diagnosed for exposures from decades of service.
- Veterans may pursue VA disability compensation and health care benefits, and separately file claims against the manufacturers who supplied asbestos products to the military.
- Filing a VA claim does not prevent a veteran from also pursuing manufacturer claims or asbestos trust fund claims, and these are typically not lawsuits against the military itself.
Soldiers face many dangers in battle, but asbestos in battlefields is one that often goes unnoticed. Asbestos was commonly used in military equipment, including bombs, missiles, and protective gear, due to its heat-resistant properties. In this blog we will explore the risks of asbestos exposure in the military and its long-term health impacts.
The Use of Asbestos in Battlefields
During the 20th century, asbestos was a popular material used in many industries, including the military.
Its heat-resistant qualities made it ideal for things like:
Bombs and Missiles: Asbestos was used in insulation to prevent overheating.
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Protective Gear: Soldiers wore asbestos-infused clothing to protect against extreme heat.
Military Vehicles: Asbestos was used in vehicles and aircraft, especially around the engines and braking systems.
The Hidden Danger: Asbestos Exposure in Combat Zones
While asbestos was useful, soldiers were often unaware of the risks they faced. Asbestos fibers could become airborne during combat, exposing soldiers to dangerous levels.
The primary risks of asbestos exposure include:
Inhalation: When asbestos-containing materials were disturbed, fibers were released into the air, posing serious risks to lung health.
Unprotected Exposure: Soldiers worked with asbestos-containing materials without proper protection, increasing their vulnerability.
Health Risks of Asbestos in Battlefields
The long-term effects of asbestos exposure include:
Mesothelioma: A rare cancer linked to asbestos.
Lung Cancer: Higher risk among veterans, especially those who smoked.
Asbestosis: A chronic lung disease caused by inhaling asbestos fibers.
Veterans and Asbestos-Related Diseases: The Silent Epidemic
Veterans, particularly those who served during World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War, are at high risk for asbestos-related diseases. Many veterans were exposed to asbestos through military equipment and work environments. However, these diseases often take decades to develop.
Delayed Diagnosis: Symptoms of mesothelioma can take 20-50 years to appear, making early detection difficult.
Legal Help for Veterans Suffering from Asbestos in the Battlefields
If you’re a veteran diagnosed with asbestos-related diseases, you may be eligible for compensation. Legal options, such as asbestos trust funds and the Veterans Administration, can help cover medical costs and other expenses.
How to Protect Yourself from Asbestos Exposure Today
While asbestos is no longer used in most military equipment, older equipment and buildings may still contain harmful materials. To protect yourself from asbestos exposure:
Use Protective Gear: Wear respirators and protective suits when working with old military equipment.
Follow Safety Guidelines: If working in asbestos-contaminated areas, follow safety protocols carefully.
Seek Medical Attention: If exposed to asbestos, get checked for lung health issues.
The Ongoing Battle: Asbestos Awareness and Legal Action for Veterans
The ongoing fight for justice for veterans exposed to asbestos is far from over. Despite increased awareness of the dangers, many veterans continue to face challenges in securing the compensation and healthcare they need. The long latency period of asbestos-related diseases means that many veterans are just now experiencing the health effects of their service, decades after exposure.
Thankfully, legal action, including asbestos trust funds and claims through the Department of Veterans Affairs, is helping more veterans receive the financial support necessary to cover medical treatments and lost wages. Raising awareness about the history of asbestos in military equipment is crucial for ensuring that these veterans receive the justice they deserve, and that future generations are protected from similar risks.
The Lasting Impact of Asbestos in Battlefields
Asbestos exposure in military equipment like bombs, missiles, and protective clothing has left a lasting impact on veterans. It continues to be a leading cause of mesothelioma and other respiratory diseases. It’s crucial to understand the risks and take action to protect those who served.
Get Legal Help for Asbestos Exposure
If you or a loved one has been exposed to asbestos during military service, you may be entitled to compensation. The Halpern Law Firm has over 35 years of experience helping veterans and victims of asbestos-related diseases like mesothelioma. For more information, call (800) 505-6000, fill out our contact form, or utilize our chat feature.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which branches and jobs carried the highest asbestos exposure risk?
Navy veterans face the greatest risk overall because ships were built with asbestos throughout engine rooms, boiler rooms, berthing areas, and piping. Beyond that, high-risk roles across all branches included boiler technicians, machinist’s mates, pipefitters, hull maintenance technicians, aircraft and vehicle mechanics, electricians, construction and Seabee units, firefighters, and ordnance handlers.
Can I sue the military for asbestos exposure?
Generally no. Service members are barred from suing the federal government for injuries connected to military service. However, most asbestos claims by veterans are not against the military at all. They are brought against the private companies that manufactured and sold asbestos-containing products to the armed forces, and those companies remain liable for the products they supplied.
Does filing a VA claim stop me from filing a legal claim?
No. VA disability compensation and health care benefits operate separately from civil claims against product manufacturers and from asbestos bankruptcy trust fund claims. Many veterans pursue more than one of these pathways at the same time. An attorney familiar with veteran asbestos cases can explain how the options fit together in your situation.
What VA benefits are available for asbestos-related illness?
Veterans with an asbestos-related diagnosis may be eligible for VA disability compensation and VA health care, provided they can show the exposure occurred during service and that it was not the result of willful misconduct. Surviving spouses and dependents may qualify for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation. Mesothelioma is generally rated at 100 percent disabling.
How do I prove my asbestos exposure happened during service?
Service records, your DD-214, military occupational specialty, ship or unit assignments, and dates of service all help establish where and when exposure likely occurred. Shipyard records, buddy statements from fellow service members, and documentation of the specific equipment you worked on can strengthen the claim. Attorneys who handle these cases regularly know which products were installed on which ships and aircraft.
How long after service can mesothelioma appear?
Typically 20 to 50 years or more after the exposure. A veteran who served in the 1960s or 1970s might not receive a diagnosis until well into retirement. This long latency is a major reason veterans make up a disproportionate share of mesothelioma diagnoses in the United States today.
Could my family have been exposed through my service?
Possibly. Asbestos fibers carried home on uniforms, work clothing, boots, and tools could expose spouses and children who handled the laundry or shared the home. This is known as take-home or secondary exposure, and family members who developed mesothelioma this way may have claims of their own.
Is asbestos still a risk on military installations today?
New equipment is built without asbestos, but older buildings, ships, aircraft, and stored equipment on installations may still contain asbestos-containing materials. Anyone working on legacy equipment or in older facilities should follow established safety protocols and use appropriate respiratory protection rather than assuming the material has been removed.
What does it cost to have a veteran’s case reviewed?
Nothing. The Halpern Law Firm offers free, no-obligation case reviews and handles asbestos cases on a contingency basis, meaning no fee unless we recover compensation. Call (800) 505-6000 or fill out our contact form and someone will be with you right away.
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