Mesothelioma Navy Veterans

Because of asbestos’ innate resistance to heat and fire, the U.S. Navy began utilizing asbestos materials in many of its ships shortly before World War II. Many navy veterans were exposed when serving aboard ships or during the construction and repair of vessels at shipyards.

Unfortunately, all parts of a navy ship built before asbestos regulations of the 1980s were likely to contain asbestos products. Common products that were used in the repair or construction of a ship included cables, gaskets, valves, insulation and adhesives. Asbestos-containing materials were widely used in engine and boiler rooms, as well as mess halls, sleeping quarters and navigation rooms.

Asbestos Exposure and Mesothelioma

Because of the structure, asbestos fibers are very brittle and can easily break into microscopic particles. Asbestos-containing materials were often used in the insulation of boiler rooms and pipes, enabling them to be easily dislodged during normal operations at sea. Due to the compact nature of warships, sleeping quarters were filled with pipes that were covered in asbestos.

Shipyard workers between the 1930s and 1970s were at a very high risk of asbestos exposure. The construction, repair or remodel of ships during this time was likely to disturb asbestos-containing materials and cause asbestos fibers to become airborne. Anyone in the area was at risk of inhaling the microscopic fibers, which is known to cause mesothelioma cancer.

Navy veterans have been one of the highest at-risk categories for developing mesothelioma. In addition, crew members and shipyard workers may have carried home asbestos fibers on their skin and clothes, exposing loved ones to the toxic substance. This form of exposure is known as secondary exposure and is responsible for many mesothelioma cases, especially for women. Symptoms of mesothelioma can take as long as 50 years to arise after being exposed to asbestos and anyone who may have experienced exposure should receive annual checkups for signs of an asbestos-related disease.