High-Risk Naval Occupations
Certain jobs in the Navy had a higher chance of asbestos exposure. These jobs often involved working in areas where asbestos was used for its heat-resistant properties. Some of the high-risk military jobs included:
- Aviation Fire Control Technician
- Boilermaker
- Boiler Technician
- Fire Controlman
- Firefighter
- Hull Maintenance Technician
- Instrumentman
- Pipefitter
- Sonarman
- Utilitiesman
- Water Tender
Protective Equipment Containing Asbestos
Many types of protective gear used by Navy personnel contained asbestos. This included items like respirators and fire-resistant clothing. The asbestos in these products could become dangerous if the materials were damaged or worn out, releasing fibers into the air.
VA List of High-Risk Occupations
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) keeps a list of occupations that are considered high-risk for asbestos exposure. This list helps identify veterans who may be eligible for health screenings and benefits related to asbestos exposure.
Asbestos Use on Naval Ships
Common Asbestos-Containing Products
Navy ships used many products made with asbestos. These included:
- Insulation
- Gaskets
- Valves
- Floor tiles
- Electrical wiring
- Adhesives
These products were used to protect ships from fire and saltwater. However, they also posed a serious health risk to those on board.
Areas of Ships with High Asbestos Levels
Certain parts of the ship had more asbestos than others. These areas included:
- Boiler rooms
- Engine rooms
- Navigation rooms
In these places, poor ventilation allowed asbestos fibers to stay in the air for hours, increasing the risk of exposure.
Types of Ships with Extensive Asbestos Use
Many types of Navy ships had asbestos. Some of these ships were:
- Aircraft carriers
- Auxiliary ships
- Cruisers
- Destroyers
- Minesweepers
- Submarines
Asbestos in ships has caused many Navy veterans to become sick with mesothelioma and other illnesses. The Navy has since taken steps to make sure all personnel know the dangers of asbestos and how to handle it safely.
Health Risks of Asbestos Exposure
Mesothelioma and Other Cancers
Navy veterans face a higher risk of asbestos exposure due to the extensive use of asbestos in the military. This exposure can lead to mesothelioma, an aggressive cancer affecting the lining of the lungs, abdomen, or heart. Besides mesothelioma, asbestos exposure can also cause other cancers, including those of the esophagus, colon, pancreas, and stomach.
Long-Term Health Effects
Asbestos exposure can result in chronic lung diseases like asbestosis, which causes symptoms such as persistent cough, shortness of breath, and chest pain. These conditions can significantly impact a person’s quality of life and may lead to further complications over time.
Latency Period of Asbestos-Related Diseases
One of the most challenging aspects of asbestos-related diseases is their long latency period. It can take decades for symptoms to appear after initial exposure. This delay means that many Navy veterans are only now being diagnosed with conditions like mesothelioma and asbestosis, long after their service has ended.
Asbestos Exposure in Naval Shipyards
Naval shipyards have long been high-risk areas for asbestos exposure. For many years, ships and buildings were constructed using asbestos materials. This exposure risk was not limited to the shipbuilding process but also occurred during repairs and decommissioning of ships.
Shipyard Workers at Risk
Shipyard workers were at the forefront of asbestos exposure. They handled asbestos-containing materials during the construction, repair, and maintenance of ships. This included working with insulation, adhesives, and industrial compounds. Navy veterans risked exposure when asbestos products were disturbed, especially in confined and poorly ventilated spaces.
Secondary Exposure to Family Members
Secondary exposure was also a significant concern. Workers often carried asbestos fibers home on their clothing, putting their family members at risk. This secondhand exposure posed a particular danger to those living with or in close contact with shipyard personnel.
Known Asbestos-Contaminated Shipyards
Several naval shipyards are known to have had significant asbestos contamination. These include:
- Bremerton Puget Sound Naval Shipyard
- Charleston Naval Shipyard
- Long Beach Naval Shipyard
- San Diego Naval Shipyard
These shipyards were crucial hubs for ship construction and maintenance, but they also became hotspots for asbestos exposure due to the extensive use of asbestos products.
Legal and Compensation Options for Navy Veterans
Filing VA Claims for Asbestos Exposure
Veterans who believe they were exposed to asbestos during their service should be aware of their legal rights and options. Navy veterans with mesothelioma can file for monthly compensation, health care, specialized treatment, and asbestos trust funds. The VA offers benefits to veterans with a service-connected disability, medical condition, and financial needs. Available benefits include:
- Aid and Attendance: Monthly payments for those who are housebound or need help with daily activities.
- Caregiver Benefits: Monthly stipend, respite care, mental health counseling, and more for veteran caregivers.
- Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC): Monthly payments to surviving dependents of veterans who die of mesothelioma.
- Geriatric and Extended Care: Respite care, home health care, palliative care, and assisted living or nursing home care.
- VA Pension: Monthly payments to veterans and their surviving spouses based on income and net worth.
Legal Recourse Against Manufacturers
Veterans can also seek compensation from the companies that supplied asbestos to the Navy. Many of these companies have set up asbestos trust funds under Section 524(g) of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. Veterans can file trust fund claims against these companies, which include Armstrong World Industries, Flexitallic, Garlock Sealing Technologies, and Johns-Manville. The Feres Doctrine bars lawsuits against the military for injuries or illnesses sustained while serving on active duty, but veterans can still sue the asbestos companies under the doctrine of strict liability.
Compensation for Asbestos-Related Illnesses
Veterans with asbestos-related illnesses can receive compensation from multiple sources. The median payout from asbestos trust funds is between $300,000 and $400,000. Additionally, many legal claims end with a settlement, with the average mesothelioma settlement payout ranging from $1 million to $2 million. Veterans can also receive monthly VA benefits and healthcare, with over $3,700 a month available through a VA mesothelioma claim. Family members of veterans who have passed away due to asbestos exposure may also be eligible for compensation through trust fund claims and wrongful death lawsuits.
Preventive Measures and Safety Protocols
Navy’s Efforts to Reduce Asbestos Exposure
The Navy has taken significant steps to reduce asbestos exposure among its personnel. Over the years, they have implemented strict regulations and guidelines to ensure the safety of their workers. These measures include regular inspections of ships and facilities, as well as the removal and replacement of asbestos-containing materials. The Navy also conducts thorough risk assessments to identify areas where asbestos exposure is most likely to occur.
Current Safety Regulations
Current safety regulations require the use of protective gear and equipment when handling asbestos. This includes wearing respirators, gloves, and protective clothing to prevent breathing in airborne fibers. Additionally, there are strict protocols for the disposal of asbestos materials to minimize the risk of exposure. These regulations are designed to protect not only the workers but also their families and the environment.
Training and Protective Equipment for Personnel
Training is a crucial part of the Navy’s strategy to prevent asbestos exposure. Personnel are educated on the dangers of asbestos and the proper procedures for handling it. This training includes how to use protective equipment correctly and how to identify asbestos-containing materials. The Navy ensures that all personnel have access to the necessary protective gear to keep them safe while performing their duties.
Personal Stories of Asbestos Exposure
Veteran Survivor Stories
Many Navy veterans have shared their personal stories about dealing with asbestos exposure. One such story is about Bob Niemiec, a Navy veteran who was diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma. Bob joined the Navy in 1965 and was assigned to scrape paint off the U.S.S. Hermitage. Unfortunately, the paint contained asbestos, leading to his diagnosis decades later. Despite the odds, Bob has survived longer than doctors expected, showing incredible resilience.
Impact on Families
The impact of asbestos exposure extends beyond the veterans themselves. Families often face emotional and financial challenges. For instance, spouses and children may have to become caregivers, dealing with the stress and uncertainty of their loved one’s illness. The emotional and psychological toll can be overwhelming, affecting the entire family unit.
Emotional and Psychological Toll
The diagnosis of an asbestos-related disease like mesothelioma can be devastating. Veterans often experience a range of emotions, from anger to sadness. The emotional and psychological toll is significant, as they cope with the reality of their condition and the impact on their future. Support groups and counseling can provide much-needed assistance during these tough times.
