Asbestos Exposure in the Military

Hundreds of thousands of servicemen were exposed to asbestos over decades, especially during the period from 1940 to 1980. Asbestos was used in construction of naval vessels as well as shore facilities. All branches of the military used asbestos, which was also widely used in civilian applications. Mesothelioma, a form of cancer caused by exposure to asbestos, has a particularly long latency period, and many servicemen who were exposed years ago are now developing this disease.

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has information on health care benefits for veterans. Mesothelioma Web has extensive information on treatment options, clinical trials and has staff on hand to answer questions.

Mesothelioma
Servicemen and women who were in the ranks during the period from World War II into the seventies might well have been exposed to asbestos and asbestos products. The most serious impact of asbestos exposure is mesothelioma, a lethal form of cancer that usually develops in the lungs.