Over the next several weeks, we’ll explore some of the key topics of interest for veterans of the military regarding exposure to asbestos and the possible consequences to their health and finances that can result from the exposure.
Veterans at risk for potentially fatal levels of asbestos exposure typically are those who served between the years of the First World War and Vietnam. Those individuals were not made aware of the risks to their well being at their time of service, and some may not even be aware of them now. The purpose of these next several articles is to educate and inform those who may have been affected by toxic levels of asbestos about their medical, legal and financial options in the years following exposure.
More information about the risks and consequences of asbestos exposure for veterans of the U.S. Military, including a free consultation of your possible case against those responsible for exposing you to a known dangerous carcinogen, you can contact Shrader Law and Associates, LLP directly anytime of the day TOLL-FREE at 1-877-637-6347.
PART II: THE LAND-LYING DANGERS OF SHIPYARD ASBESTOS
For both veterans and non-military civilian workers, shipyard asbestos presented an added, land-based danger that has been a contributing factor in the unusually high mesothelioma rates in those who worked on and around navy vessels during the years between the 1930s and 1970s.
Who Was at Risk for Shipyard Asbestos Exposure?
Of course, the largest group to be affected by mesothelioma-navy veterans-were likely exposed to high levels of asbestos both while at sea and back onshore. Other, civilian workers who were employed in navy shipyards during the early- to mid-century years of the 1900s make up additional group of high-risk exposure victims.
Shipyard employees were blue-collar workers built and performed maintenance work on navy vessels in between their use in combat. While performing the duties of their jobs, shipyard workers likely handled thousands of asbestos-containing materials every few months. This direct contact placed workers at the same or nearly the same degree and rate of exposure as navy vets experienced.
Where Was Shipyard Asbestos Found?
Today, the safe handling of existing asbestos on navy ships and in shipyards is strictly regulated. The Occupational Health and Safety Administration has specific rules regarding the demolition of asbestos-containing ships as well as for the removal of asbestos materials from ships still in use.
There is a good chance that, prior to the beginning of large-scale government regulation in the 1970s, in virtually every U.S. shipyard, asbestos could be found by the tons. As such, any military or civilian workers employed at any shipyard across the country during the years between the World Wars and Vietnam are advised to have regular health screening for asbestos-related diseases.