NOVEMBER 13, 2024 – Asbestos was widely used in the military between the 1920s and 1980s for its heat-resistant and fireproof properties; the material was ubiquitous in shipyards, barracks, aircraft hangars, and military vehicles. The Navy, in particular, used asbestos in shipbuilding and maintenance, especially in the engine rooms and below-deck areas.
Unfortunately, this means that plenty of service members got exposed to asbestos, whose fibers become airborne and easily inhaled. Once inhaled, they lodge into the lining of the lungs and, over time, begin to cause inflammation and genetic cell changes that lead to cancer, and numerous other diseases.
Understanding asbestos exposure in military settings is crucial for safeguarding the health of service members, as said environments are particularly at risk due to the historical use of asbestos in the army’s infrastructure and equipment.
Common Health Symptoms of Asbestos Exposure
Unfortunately, the health symptoms of asbestos exposure often take years, even decades, to manifest as the damage to the lungs and other organs progresses over time. To make matters worse, there’s currently no treatment that can reverse the damage done by asbestos once someone is exposed to a large concentration of airborne particles.
Typical symptoms often include shortness of breath, which is often caused by lung scarring or reduced lung function, persistent, dry cough that doesn’t improve over time, chest pain, wheezing, fatigue, and unintended weight loss.
It’s also worth mentioning that there are other specific conditions caused by asbestos exposure that may have symptoms of their own. This includes asbestosis, mesothelioma, and lung cancer; the symptoms of these conditions often overlap with asbestos exposure symptoms, which is why it’s important to consult a healthcare professional or resources such as Mesothelioma Veterans Center.
Specific Military Roles at Higher Risk
Considering the widespread use of asbestos in the US military history, it’s safe to assume that anyone who served in the period between 1920 and 1980 has been exposed to relatively large amounts of asbestos.
Even today, many locations on ships, vehicles, and living quarters still contain this material, which means that younger generations of service members have also been exposed to asbestos, though to a relatively lesser extent, as some of the vehicles and living quarters that have used the material have been decommissioned since.
Navy personnel are still particularly vulnerable to various forms of asbestos exposure, including mesothelioma, due to the heavy use of asbestos in ships and shipyards. The confined spaces, like the ship’s engine rooms and crew quarters, imply prolonged exposure. This puts everyone at risk from asbestos exposure, from the commanding officer to the lowest-ranking seaman.
Preventive Measures and Safety Protocols
To minimize harmful exposure to asbestos, it’s important to follow the safety guidelines and protocols. This includes wearing protective equipment, ensuring proper ventilation, and avoiding disturbing asbestos-containing materials. This also includes training and educating military personnel on the matter of asbestos exposure as one of the means of preventing said exposure and promoting safety.
Endnote
If you’re worried about asbestos exposure or notice any of the aforementioned symptoms, don’t hesitate to consult with a healthcare professional. Early intervention and monitoring are important when it comes to asbestos exposure.