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Pleural Mesothelioma and Army Veterans

Former Army veterans face an increased risk of developing pleural mesothelioma because of the large amount of asbestos that was used within the military. Between the 1940s and the 1970s, the use of asbestos was at its peak. What made the toxic mineral even more dangerous was the fact that many who worked around the substance were unaware of the hazards associated with exposure. In many cases, military personnel did not wear protective gear to protect them from inhaling airborne asbestos fibers.

Asbestos Exposure within the Army

Exposure to asbestos typically occurred through disturbing asbestos-containing materials. Thousands of items were made with asbestos because it was cheap, fireproof and readily available. Its heat-resistant quality made it an ideal material to use as insulation and many buildings on Army bases were constructed using asbestos. Barracks, which was where soldiers lived and slept, contained numerous materials made with asbestos. Any disturbance or repairs to these materials may have exposed those nearby to asbestos.

Army vehicles made between the 1940s and 1970s were also likely to contain asbestos-containing parts. Items such as brakes, gaskets and valves may have contained asbestos. If these parts were ever replaced or repaired during maintenance periods, soldiers performing the work may have been exposed to varying levels of asbestos fibers.

Pleural Mesothelioma and Asbestos

Asbestos exposure is the primary cause of pleural mesothelioma. Exposure can occur by either inhaling or ingesting asbestos fibers. Once these fibers enter the body, they typically become lodged in the lining of the lungs, remaining there for several decades. Overtime, usually between 20 and 50 years, symptoms of pleural mesothelioma arise and the inflammation caused by the fibers develops into tumors.

Army veterans who believe they may have been exposed to asbestos should receive routine medical checkups for signs of asbestos exposure. There is no cure for pleural mesothelioma and most patients are diagnosed after the cancer has already reached the advanced stages of development. Average prognosis for mesothelioma patients varies between four and 18 months, leaving little room for effective treatment. However, an early diagnosis will give a patient the best chance to combat the cancer.

PleuralMesothelioma.com provides free assistance to veterans who are or would like to file a VA claim. Our Veterans Assistance Department has experience in filing VA claims and we can help any veteran with pleural mesothelioma with the VA system. To talk with a patient advocate in our Veterans Assistance Department please call 1-800-615-2270 or fill out the form on this page to be contacted.