The only known cause of mesothelioma is asbestos. Mesothelioma affects the protective lining around the lungs known as mesothelium. Since symptoms of asbestos-related lung disease normally do not show until many decades later, mesothelioma cannot be diagnosed quickly. Mesothelioma is also often misdiagnosed if the history of asbestos exposure is not disclosed to your physician.
There are many United States veterans that served in the military during World War II who were exposed to these invisible airborne fibers from asbestos daily. Asbestosis and mesothelioma continue to affect a disproportionate number of veterans, especially those within the navy. Various naval boats and ships used asbestos as insulation including, but not limited to:
- Aircraft Carriers
- Airships
- Auxiliary Ships
- Battleships
- United States Coast Guard Auxiliary
- Cruisers
- Destroyers
- Destroyer Escorts
- Escort Aircraft Carriers
- Frigates
- Minesweepers
- Patrol Boats
- Submarines
Many materials like floor coverings, gaskets and cements contained significant amounts of asbestos. With grinding, punching, machining, sanding, and other jarring activities, these deadly airborne particles were released inhaled by unknowing personnel.
Using military specifications, many asbestos-containing products that are names in veterans' asbestos claims can be identified using records.
Some of these products include:
- Instruments
- Meters
- Panels
- Gaskets
- Insulating Materials
- Packing Material
- Prefabricated-forms
- Tubes
- Cables
- Capacitors
- Paper-dielectric capacitors
- Mixes
- Block
- Insulation
- Pipe covering
- Adhesives
- Insulation felts
- Thermal materials
- Deck covering materials
- Refractory
- Mortar
- Aggregate mixtures
- Rods
- Valves
- Boilers
- Grinders
- Bonds
- Compounds
- Bedding compounds
- Coatings
- Packing assemblies
- Hydraulic assemblies
Veterans who were exposed to asbestos include, but are not limited to:
- Fire Control Technicians
- Boiler Technicians
- Construction Mechanics
- Electronics Technicians
- Damage Controlmen
- Enginemen
Read about: Asbestos & the Navy | Shipyard Exposure