All branches of the U.S. military used asbestos during World War II and the wars in Korea and Vietnam. At that time, it was considered a practical material used everywhere: in ships, planes, and buildings for insulation or fireproofing. No one took into account the damage it might cause to veterans’ health.
Now, years later, many veterans are finding out that breathing it in has led to severe health issues. Among these, mesothelioma is a serious illness that veterans might develop due to asbestos exposure. This article looks into serious hazards tied to the exposure of this substance.
Asbestos Exposure in the Military
Asbestos is a durable and fire-resistant material. It became important for all kinds of construction, from insulation and flooring to roofing and brake pads. People working in shipyards, boiler rooms, or maintenance areas were exposed to it the most, as these places often had a lot of asbestos dust in the air. Many veterans with mesothelioma were exposed decades earlier during their service, often without having any idea about the risks.
Types of Diseases Caused by Asbestos
It’s observed that around one-third of mesothelioma patients in the US were veterans. This high number shows how asbestos was widely used in military equipment and buildings. Even a small amount of asbestos exposure can damage your health severely. The most common health hazards it causes are asbestosis, a long-term lung disease, and mesothelioma, a rare and aggressive cancer that damages the lining of the lungs, abdomen, or heart.
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Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a disease that doesn’t show itself until decades after the exposure because of its long latency period of up to 40 years. Many think of mesothelioma as just another kind of lung cancer, but it goes beyond that and can develop in other body parts as well. Each type comes with its own symptoms:
- Pleural Mesothelioma: This one affects the lining around your lungs and is the most common type, making up about 80% to 90% of cases. Signs can include chest pain, a cough that won’t go away, coughing blood, trouble breathing, fever, and even night sweats.
- Peritoneal Mesothelioma: This damages the lining around your stomach area, causing belly pain or swelling, weight loss, and sometimes issues with blood clotting.
- Pericardial Mesothelioma: This is quite rare. It affects the lining around your heart and manifests as chest pain and an irregular heartbeat.
- Testicular Mesothelioma: It is another rare type, and it affects the lining around the testicles and causes pain, swelling, or a lump in the area.
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Asbestosis
This happens when you inhale asbestos fibers, which then scar your lung tissues, so they become stiff and thick, losing their ability to function. It tends to get worse over time, making it hard for you to breathe and causing a stubborn cough that won’t go away. It also raises your chances of getting lung infections or pneumonia. Additionally, asbestos exposure is also related to several other cancers, including those in the lymph nodes, pharynx, stomach, ovaries, and even the colon and rectum.
Endnote
Veterans have to deal with the effects even after they’re done serving in the military. Their health is impacted the most because they’re exposed to harmful substances and materials during wars. So, understanding these risks is essential for them as it will help them get their issues diagnosed on time, keep their health in check, and get the compensation they deserve.
