Old Risks and Lingering Ailments

Some intelligence is secret, while others is available to the general public. Generally, when information is kept secret it is to protect citizens. But in the case of asbestos, the true dangers have been knowns since the early 1900's. The reason they were kept secret had to do with money.

Asbestos exposure can cause scarring of the lungs, which can lead to a deadly cancer called mesothelioma.It is an excellent insulator and fire-retardant because of its strong durability and inexpensive cost. It was not only used in public homes and buildings, but by the American military as well. In fact, over 30 percent of reported mesothelioma victims are veterans. There are a number of mesothelioma facts like this that most people don't know about but are worth noting.

Navy veterans in particular have been hit the hardest from exposure. The large ships and submarines were hotbeds for asbestos, acting as a vital fire retardent. The boiler rooms, confined space and ventilation systems all contributed to exposure whenever the asbestos fibers were disrupted. The of course you have the workers who worked directly with it without proper protection and it's easy to see why so many veterans were exposed.

Those in the military after 1940 and before 1980 are at the greatest risk of the deadly lung cancer. Once 1980 hit the government finally clamped down on asbestos laws as deaths and litigation was popping up all over the place. Mesothelioma is not actually recognized by the military in terms of VA Benefits but steps can be made for medical costs. The problem is that it can takes sometimes 30-50 years to get the cancer after exposure. Proving that you got the cancer from exposure 50 years prior can be a nearly impossible task in some situations.

It is not uncommon for a public educator to remember seeing asbestos in their school building, or for a military person to realize that they too had been exposed. This type of awareness, while frightening, is a good thing. The quicker you can get diagnosed and start the proper medications and diet, the longer and more fulfilled life you will be able to live.

If you've ever worked with brakes, gaskets, valves cements, adhesives and floor and pipe coverings, it may be best to research possible exposure for yourself.