During World War II the military began using products with asbestos in them. However, starting in the 1930s and continuing through the 1970s, the military used asbestos in almost all of their construction projects, maintenance and renovations. All transportation vehicles used by the military also contained asbestos.
Asbestos-containing Products Were Used In The Following:
- Brake and clutch pads on military Jeeps
- Tanks
- Electrical wiring insulation
- Aircrafts
- Housing, barracks
- Flooring
- Drywalls
- Insulation
- Plumbing
- Boiler rooms on naval fleets
Those that built and maintained warships were primarily at risk due to the asbestos exposure. The pipe-fitting and boilers on these ships contained asbestos. Veterans who were not performing their duties in the ships' boiler rooms still dealt with the moving of the cargo. With the constant vibrations and simple corrosion over time, these invisible airborne asbestos fibers were easily inhaled by anyone who was aboard these ships during cargo movement. Even groups of veterans who worked on or near renovations and demolitions had a high risk of asbestos exposure since most of the building materials the military used contained asbestos in one way or another, and were being demolished, removed or renovated.
The Government Was Not Active In Preventing Exposure Due To:
- Lack of knowledge of the dangers caused by asbestos
- Lack of safety and protective gear for veterans due to lack of knowledge
Perhaps the most devastating fact is that those who served their country were being exposed unknowingly to asbestos. The manufacturers knew the dangers of asbestos and yet continued to sell asbestos-containing products to the military.
If you or someone you know served within the military and has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, it is extremely important that you know that this was no accident. The companies who sold these products to the military did it knowingly and made huge profits at great risks to veterans of the military.
Abraham Lebenthal M.D.
Abraham Lebenthal M.D. is a thoracic surgeon trained by Dr Sugarbaker, with expertise in mesothelioma surgery. Learn more about Dr. Abraham Lebenthal, MD, MHA.