Veterans of the United States armed forces, especially those who served during World War II, faced unbelievable adversity and risked their lives on a daily basis to protect their country. Unfortunately, it would be many years after their service concluded before they would be forced to face their most lethal adversary yet: asbestos.
The dangers of asbestos exposure have been known about in the United States since the Industrial Revolution arrived on our shores from England in the 1800s. Unfortunately, it wasn’t until the 1970s that certain government organizations such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) began to implement regulations regarding asbestos use. Whether on military bases or military vessels (such as airplanes and ships) asbestos was ubiquitous and virtually inescapable.
What is perhaps most tragic of all is that many of the young servicemen (and some women) who were exposed to asbestos likely didn’t realize the health problems they would face many years later. When they inhaled asbestos, the fibers embedded themselves in their lung tissue and over a period of many years, caused the tissues to scar. Many veterans complained of difficulty breathing, which impeded their ability to partake in many activities.
Three common asbestos diseases are: mesothelioma, asbestos lung cancer and asbestosis. The first is almost always fatal and all three are incurable.
If you are a veteran and you were exposed to asbestos learn more about your legal rights.
No comments:
Post a Comment