Over the 20th century, as the World War II war effort demanded large quantities of affordable materials to make military equipment, the U.S. armed forces exceedingly used asbestos. The mineral was abundant in the markets, and manufacturers took advantage of its versatility and low price, ignoring the health risks associated with blending asbestos in products. The growing number of toxic exposure cases among veterans today shows the many health hazards they faced during service, among them asbestos exposure.
The Navy exploited asbestos the most, as ships needed insulation from bow to stern to face battles out on the oceans. The Two-Ocean Navy Act expanded the U.S. Naval forces by more than 70% in preparation for the country’s entry into the war, and shipbuilding kept pace by applying asbestos insulation wherever possible. It put naval personnel of ships built before the 1980s at an exceptionally high risk of asbestos exposure and developing severe asbestos diseases decades after service.
However, this doesn’t exclude bases of other military branches from being a potential source of asbestos contamination. It is why asbestos exposure is still an issue for all veterans who might have toxic fibers in their lungs.
Arizona is home to seven military bases. Maricopa County hosts Luke Air Force Base, the most important base in the U.S. to train and help graduate more than 12,000 pilots annually throughout World War II. Arizona is also home to Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Tucson, an area with many military and retired personnel residents, and the Arizona National Guard Recruiting forces, with roots dating back to 1636, training Guard Soldiers to defend their community and country.
Asbestos has devastating impact on vets’ health
When disturbed, airborne asbestos particles can remain suspended in the air for hours. Due to their microscopic size, they can be easily inhaled or ingested, making asbestos dust one of the most toxic substances humans have ever encountered. The tiny, sharp-edged threads permanently damage significant organs and lead to devastating diseases.
One of the most frightening aspects of asbestos diseases is the decades-long latency period between initial exposure and the first symptoms. Even if veterans had no health problems during their service, they could learn the effects of asbestos exposure only when they are diagnosed with illnesses stemming from it, like asbestosis, lung cancer, mesothelioma and other severe respiratory diseases.
With Arizona ranking seventh among all states for lung cancer and 17th in the country for asbestos-related deaths, veterans should seek medical attention as soon as possible. Knowing early detection improves treatment outcomes significantly and extends life expectancy, they can be proactive by:
Scheduling periodic health check-ups. Regular medical examinations and speaking openly about military service and possible asbestos exposure are essential. Inhaled asbestos particles damage the lungs first, so veterans should get chest X-rays, CT scans and breathing tests. These tests reveal injury caused by the asbestos fibers and are reliable in diagnosing benign and malignant asbestos-related diseases.
Learning about their legal rights. Veterans who know they worked in an asbestos-contaminated environment while serving or those who suspect they may have been exposed should know their rights and options. Legal avenues and compensation programs are available through asbestos trust funds and the VA to help vets harmed by asbestos exposure.
Promoting awareness. Veterans can play a central role in raising awareness and educating people by sharing their knowledge about asbestos exposure with their communities. By being open about their experiences, they can ensure that others who have protected our country are informed.
In addition to expressing our gratitude to veterans, we have a responsibility to help protect their wellbeing. By shedding light on this still lurking danger, we can ensure that those who served receive the care and support they rightly deserve.