What Is the Mesothelioma Risk Among Navy Veterans?

There are a number of different occupations that put the workers at serious risk of harm. In the Navy, there are plenty of threats to individuals and their health from the potential of combat. However, there is another threat that not many in the Navy were aware of: asbestos.

Of all military branches, veterans of the Navy run the highest risk of developing mesothelioma due to exposure to asbestos. The fiber was used on a majority of the ships due to the fire-resistant properties it had. Every part of the ship would have asbestos.

At the time, not many Navy servicemembers were aware that the cancer-causing fiber was in the sleeping quarters, the boiler rooms, and other areas of the ship they often frequented. The Veteran’s Affairs reports that millions of those serving in World War II alone were exposed to these products.

For Navy veterans, it’s important to recognize whether or not they were at risk of asbestos exposure and get checked as soon as possible. Remember that mesothelioma has a latency period of 10 to 30 years after the exposure.

Navy Veterans Who May Be At Risk

When it comes to asbestos exposure, some servicemembers are more at risk than others based on their duties on the ship, when they were on the ship, whether they worked in the ship yard, or whether or not they were provided proper gear.

If you were in one of the following situations, you should seek medical evaluation:

• You performed your duties on a ship that was produced prior to 1983.
• You worked in the Navy shipyards anywhere between the years of 1930 and 1999.
• You worked below the deck on a ship where there was poor ventilation prior to the 1990s.
• You worked in the engine rooms without having respiratory protection provided to you.

While anyone in these areas would have been increasingly susceptible, shipfitters, gunner’s mates, steelworkers, welders, engine mechanics, boiler workers, and hull technicians may have been at the most risk of asbestos exposure during their time on these boats.

If you are a Navy veteran who was exposed to asbestos during your time serving, know that you have rights. Our mesothelioma lawyers at Shrader & Associates, L.L.P. are here to help you understand your rights and pursue the justice you deserve.

Contact us at (713) 787-3733 today to speak with a lawyer about your potential case.