Most people think of asbestos exposure as a thing of the past, however, many would be shocked to learn that asbestos exposure is still a very prominent issue within our country’s military. If you or someone you love is an army veteran, make sure you know about the dangers of asbestos exposure within the army.
About Asbestos Exposure
Asbestos is a fiber once used in several different types of building materials, including insulation. It was popular because of its fire-retardant qualities, which was why it was so widely utilized within the armed forces. In the 1970’s it became apparent that asbestos was a dangerous material as several studies linked asbestos exposure to the development of certain deadly diseases, including cancer. Mesothelioma, a rare and aggressive cancer, is the most common illness caused by asbestos exposure.
Due to the widespread use of asbestos products, asbestos exposure can happen nearly anywhere. However, occupational exposure is more common because workers are in contact with the material for hours every day. Also, asbestos is more likely to cause cancer or some other type of illness when the fibers are stirred up and inhaled. Job exposure happens more often when asbestos materials are used on job sites for things like construction, shipyard work, electrical work, plumbing, and so on.
The Army & Asbestos Exposure
Although the United States army discontinued the use of asbestos products in 1980, men and women who served after that date could still have encountered asbestos at work. Many buildings were constructed with asbestos materials, which means anyone who worked in or near those buildings could be at risk.
Any army veteran who worked reconstructing older buildings, even doing minor work replacing shingles or scraping tiles, could be at risk of exposure if the materials they worked with contained asbestos. There have been several different accounts of asbestos exposure since 1980, including one particular case in 2008 where the Army reported that paratroopers in the 1st Brigade Combat Team were exposed to asbestos materials.
What To Do Next
If you are an army veteran and you have developed mesothelioma or any other type of cancer related to asbestos exposure, you may have a legal case. Our experienced mesothelioma attorneys can work with you to determine the cause of your cancer and find the best way to make a legal case for your rights.
Contact Shrader & Associates L.L.P. today to discuss your asbestos case with our seasoned mesothelioma lawyers.