Following studies showing that it would cause serious health concerns, the production of asbestos stopped more than two decades ago here in the US. However, the impact of the widespread use of toxic material continues to linger today. It affects particularly millions of veterans who were kept in the dark about its potentially life-threatening consequences. 

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral known for its insulating and fireproofing abilities. Because of these unique properties, it became a valuable resource for all military branches, especially for the Navy. Since the 19th century, the Navy has relied on asbestos in shipyards nationwide to expand its fleet. The material was an abundant and cheap fireproofing and insulating substance, and shipbuilding used tons of it on battleships, submarines, frigates, and other naval assets. It wasn’t until the 1980s when the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) declared asbestos as carcinogenic, accepting the facts that medical studies stated long ago: the previously hailed ‘miracle mineral‘ could lead to severe health risks. 

The microscopic fibers from asbestos can be easily inhaled or ingested, and they get lodged in linings protecting internal organs. Over time, they cause irritation and potentially damage DNA, causing cell mutations and ultimately leading to cancers. As health concerns on the use of asbestos started to mount, the government decided to prohibit the use of asbestos; however, for dozens of exposed veterans and Navy workers, the damage has been done. 

Even if America has ceased production and banned the use of all types of asbestos, thousands still die every year due to asbestos exposure. An estimated 40,000 people succumb to complications brought by asbestos-linked diseases annually. According to Asbestos Nation in Orange County, California (1999-2017), an estimated 2,374 people died from asbestos-related diseases. This translates to an average of 124 asbestos-related deaths per year in the county during that period. Between 1999 and 2017, the cancer-causing mineral has already claimed a total of 2,374 deaths. These figures may still rise as millions of exposed veterans remain unaware of the dangers posed by asbestos. Diseases tied to exposure to the mineral’s toxic fibers, like mesothelioma, a rare type of cancer, often have long latency periods. In other words, symptoms generally take decades from the initial exposure to show up in an exposed individual. The U.S. Navy has multiple active bases in California, including Naval Base San Diego, Naval Air Station Lemoore, and Naval Air Station North Island. Naval Base San Diego is the largest surface ship naval base in the world, homeporting 54 ships. Military.com lists other Navy installations in California, including China Lake Naval Air Weapons Station and Naval Base Coronado. 

Compensation benefits for exposed veterans

In response to the ongoing crisis involving asbestos exposure, policymakers and regulators implemented several measures to help exposed veterans get the proper treatment they deserved. Service members diagnosed with asbestos-linked malignant conditions can file for claims with the asbestos trust funds. They may also apply for benefits, including possibly free healthcare services and disability compensation, from the Veterans Affairs (VA).  Additional help is available through the Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act. Also known as the PACT Act, it has included asbestos-related illnesses in its list of more than 20 presumptive conditions. The PACT Act has already assisted more than 1.4 million veterans nationwide. 

With this support, service members can avail of health check-ups, screenings like chest X-rays, CT scans, and breathing tests, which are needed to enable early detection of any asbestos-exposure illnesses. Timely discovery can significantly prolong their life expectancy, especially in the absence of treatments for these conditions. Today’s medical procedures can only relieve symptoms, slow the progression, and prevent complications.

Veterans have dedicated much of their lives to serving the country, and they deserve to live the remaining years free from any uncertainties and threats of a sinister disease lurking in their systems. This is why it’s essential to raise awareness and assist veterans with the various compensation they can receive in helping them deal with conditions stemming from asbestos exposure.  Since the passage of the PACT Act, over 6 million veterans have been screened for toxic exposure, and more than 1.4 million veterans have been approved for benefits. We urge veterans in Utah and nationwide to apply for the well-deserved compensation the VA offers. More information is available at https://www.va.gov/resources/the-pact-act-and-your-va-benefits/.

About the author:

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 VA claims process. For more information, please visit our page: https://www.asbestos-ships.com/