Today?s post is actually brought to you by Navy veteran, Doug Karr who writes about veteran health for the Mesothelioma Alliance Center.? Doug is passionate about letting veterans know about some of the things they may have been exposed to during their service with the Armed Forces.? Please take the time to read this informational article and check to see if you or someone you might know may have been exposed to asbestos during their time in the service.? As with all types of cancer, early detection is key and knowledge makes early detection possible.
We thank Doug for bringing this to our attention and for his passion for helping veterans.
Asbestos: Mesothelioma and Veterans
For decades, men and women in the Armed Forces have been exposed to the serious health risks of asbestos-containing material. First mined by the US in the 1800?s, asbestos was comprised of silicon fibers that were converted into strong individual threads that were heat resistant, durable and fireproof. Used extensively on military bases up until the 1970?s, it is estimated by the US Department of Veterans Affairs that millions of military personnel have been exposed to asbestos; the only known cause of a rare lung cancer?mesothelioma.
High Risk of Asbestos Exposure
Mesothelioma is a cancer that results from inhaled or swallowed asbestos fibers that become trapped in the protective lining of the lungs. Once a veteran is exposed, signs and symptoms may not develop for over 20 years, and thousands of veterans have since been diagnosed with mesothelioma.
Asbestos was used in every branch of the US Armed Forces to construct military bases, vehicles, aircraft and ships. Every branch of military service exposed veterans to the deadly dangers of asbestos through hundreds of applications. As a result, veterans make up about 30 percent of all diagnosed cases of mesothelioma.
The sleeping quarters and training facilities of the Air Force bases were built with asbestos containing materials. Flooring, ceiling tiles, wall insulation and the external parts of buildings also were constructed from asbestos fibers. Aircraft used the fibers on brake insulation and other components that came into contact with Airmen on a frequent basis.
Marines and sailors lived and served on naval ships that exposed them to asbestos as well. Navy warships and vessels were constructed with many asbestos products that lined the living quarters, fire walls, boiler rooms and mess halls. Due to long periods of time spent on ships, Marines are a high risk for exposure.
Army bases used asbestos extensively to construct buildings and fireproof certain installations. Besides living quarters, asbestos was used to provide flooring and ceiling tiles, contained it in cements and sidings, and was used extensively in manufacturing vehicles. Army housing was built with asbestos and exposed Army veterans and their families to asbestos related disease.
Asbestos Risks
All those who served their country in the US Military have a high risk of asbestos exposure.? Mesothelioma and other asbestos-related disease may not appear for a few decades after exposure. Family members can be affected as well.? Please take the time to consider whether you or someone you know may have been exposed to asbestos.? If so, please seek medical attention and help.? You can also learn more about asbestos and the military by clicking here.
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Military Outreach Greater Chicago (MOGC) exists to encourage, engage, educate and equip individuals and churches to provide a support role to veterans and their families impacted by the invisible wounds of military service.nfl games jesus montero hiroki kuroda kuroda nfl scores nfl scores gene hackman
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