Memorial Day is a time to reflect upon the courageous sacrifices made by the men and women who lost their lives protecting the freedoms we hold dear. This year, we should not forget the thousands of veterans who face a different kind of battle — against exposure to toxic chemicals that have created lasting and sometimes fatal health consequences.
Throughout history, service members have been exposed to a myriad of hazardous substances while serving their country, including jet fuel, solvents and asbestos, Agent Orange during the Vietnam War, and burn pits in the more recent wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
These exposures, often occurring in war zones, in military installations and on ships, have had detrimental effects on veterans’ health, leading to severe illnesses, disabilities and premature death.
We can help.
Toxic Exposure’s Hidden Toll
An estimated 3.5 million veterans have been exposed to contaminants such as burn pits, toxic fragments, radiation, jet fuel, asbestos and other hazardous materials during deployment. They are now suffering severe, rare and early-onset health conditions. Often, illnesses manifest years after discharge, resulting in veterans struggling to obtain health care and benefits.
Sadly, veterans comprise nearly 30% of the 3,000 mesothelioma cases diagnosed each year in the United States. Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that affects the lining of the lungs, heart or abdomen. Exposure to asbestos is the primary cause, and symptoms may not appear for decades.
Asbestos refers to six minerals that occur naturally in the environment as bundles of fibers that can be separated into thin threads for commercial and industrial uses. The fibers are resistant to heat, fire and chemicals and do not conduct electricity.
Asbestos has been used widely in many industries, such as building and construction for strengthening cement and plastics as well as for insulation, roofing, fireproofing and sound absorption. The naval industry has used asbestos for those reasons, and to insulate boilers, steam pipes and hot water pipes.
Service Members, Veterans at Risk
Veterans, in particular, have a higher likelihood of encountering asbestos during their service due to the prevalence of this hazardous material in military equipment, buildings and vehicles.
For example, military and civilian workers at Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard were exposed to excessive amounts of asbestos dust during ship overhauls and repairs there after World War II through the 1980s.
Many military bases and facilities, especially those built before the 1980s, contained asbestos in various forms. As these structures aged and deteriorated, the release of asbestos fibers became a significant concern, putting veterans and personnel at risk of exposure from inhalation or ingestion.
Where Exposure Occurs
Veterans working in certain military occupational specialties, such as construction, plumbing, mechanics, and demolition, have been more likely to come into contact with asbestos fibers during their service. Their repeated exposure over time increases the likelihood of developing mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma has a long latency period, often taking 13 to 70 years or more to manifest symptoms. This means that veterans exposed to asbestos during their service may only receive a diagnosis later in life, long after their active duty has ended.
How We Help Victims of Asbestos Exposure in Hawaii
Seek justice with the help of our experienced Hawaii asbestos attorneys. Our mesothelioma law firm has represented Hawaii residents like you affected by asbestos exposure for over 40 years, aggressively fighting the corporate giants responsible for their dangerous products. If you or a loved one were exposed to asbestos or suffered from a disease caused by asbestos, like mesothelioma, we can help.
