By Cristina Johnson / For The Herald
Asbestos use was widespread in the U.S. armed forces during the last century, reaching its peak as the Wrold War II effort demanded large amounts of accessible materials for the production of military equipment.
Every military branch resorted to asbestos, but the Navy applied most of this toxic mineral in its pursuit to ensure a safe, fireproof environment on its ships. Naval vessels built before the 1980s were insulated from bow to stern with the hazardous material, putting naval personnel at an exceptionally high risk of asbestos exposure. However, other military bases aren’t an exception from being potential sources of asbestos contamination.
Due to the presence of asbestos in military property — including aircraft, vehicles, ships, shipyards and barracks — veterans, especially those of the Second World War, Korean and Vietnam War, risked asbestos exposure whenever they fulfilled duty on land, sea or air. In addition to being exposed to other toxic materials, working near asbestos-containing items may have been a supplemental risk to Washington veterans’ deteriorating health, as diseases due to toxic exposure are on the rise today. This issue affects Washington’s veteran population and Everett’s veteran community.
Washington hosts seven military bases, not included those of the Coast Guard and Marines. The State’s WWII military history includes Fairchild Air Force Base, the largest wartime air refueling base in the U.S. Air Force. NAS Whidbey Island Navy Base is another historical installment, being the single largest naval installation in the Pacific Northwest. It was officially commissioned as an operational United States Naval Air Station in 1942 and has 7,500 active duty and reserve military personnel serving on its premises.
Asbestos exposure permanently impacts veterans’ health: When disturbed, asbestos releases microscopic fibers that can float in the air for hours due to their structure and size. These tiny, sharp-edged threads are easily inhaled or ingested, making asbestos dust one of the most toxic substances humans have encountered. Once breathed into the lungs, asbestos particles cause permanent damage to major organs and lead to life-altering diseases over time.
One of the most terrible aspects of asbestos-related illnesses is the decades-long latency period between initial exposure and the first symptoms. Even if veterans had no health problems during their service, some of them learn the effects of asbestos exposure when they are diagnosed with illnesses like mesothelioma, asbestosis, lung cancer, or other severe respiratory conditions that stem from exposure.
The continuous fight for health and well-being after asbestos exposure: Although decades have passed since the military overly used asbestos, thousands of veterans who were in contact with it during service now have to fight for their health. Many veterans must come to terms with the fact that their asbestos disease will shorten their lives, as no treatment can reverse the damage done by asbestos. Existing medical procedures can only slow the progression, relieving symptoms and preventing complications.
With Washington ranking eighth in the U.S. for asbestos-related deaths, veterans should make an appointment with the doctor as soon as possible. Timely detection is critical with asbestos-related illnesses because it considerably improves treatment results and can add years to life. This is why veterans should proactively protect their health through regular health check-ups, learning about their legal rights, and promoting awareness.
Regular check-ups and being open about military service and possible asbestos exposure are essential steps. Inhaled asbestos fibers injure primarily the lungs, so veterans should undergo chest X-rays or CT scans and pulmonary function (breathing) tests. These non-invasive tests reveal damages caused by the asbestos particles and are reliable in diagnosing benign and malignant asbestos illnesses.
Veterans who know they’ve worked in an environment contaminated by asbestos or those who suspect they’ve been exposed to it while serving should know their rights and options. Legal avenues and compensation programs are available to help former service members harmed by asbestos exposure through asbestos trust funds and Veterans Affairs.
Veterans can play a crucial role in raising awareness of asbestos exposure by sharing their knowledge about this threat. By sharing their experiences, they can make sure that others who protected our nation are informed.
Aside from expressing our gratitude to veterans for their service, we also have a responsibility to help protect their well-being. Raising awareness of asbestos exposure is an integral part of this responsibility. By informing about this still-existing danger, we can make sure that those who have served receive the care and support they rightly deserve.
Cristina Johnson is a Navy veteran advocate for Asbestos Ships Organization, a nonprofit whose primary mission is to raise awareness and educate veterans about the dangers of asbestos exposure on Navy ships and assist them in navigating the Veterans Administration claims process. For more information, please go to www.asbestos-ships.com.
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