According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, there are currently 25 million individuals who served in the United States' armed forces at one point in their lives. All of them were exposed to toxic asbestos-containing materials during military service as these were widely used by every military branch. Asbestos was called the miracle material for its heat resistance and fireproofing capabilities. Other than for insulation purposes, more than 300 products containing asbestos were used by the military, primarily by the Navy from the 1930s through the 1970s. Every ship and shipyard built by the Navy before the mid-70s was fitted with numerous asbestos-containing materials.
Asbestos exposure during navy service
In the Navy, asbestos was extensively used in engine and boiler rooms and other areas below deck for fire safety purposes. Navigation rooms, sleeping quarters, and mess halls were made with or painted with asbestos containing material and thus navy personnel who worked below deck as well as all sailors were heavily exposed to asbestos. Products such as brakes, gaskets, valves, cements, adhesives, and floor and pipe coverings also contained asbestos. Lastly, a high risk of asbestos exposure was also identified for those who helped build or repair ships in a Navy shipyard since asbestos was considered the perfect substance for a sea vessel for being lightweight, fire-resistant, cheap, durable and flexible.
Exposure while in the military
Not only military personnel but also their families were exposed to asbestos in homes built on military bases that were made with asbestos products. Any structure built before the 1980s was built with asbestos, so anyone (civilian or military personnel) working or living in them has been put at risk for asbestos-related disease. Presently, anyone involved in renovation or demolition of structures for the military is at risk.
Navy veterans and mesothelioma
Use of asbestos was phased out in the 1970s but the years of exposure had done massive harm. It is reported that almost 30% of all asbestos cases pertain to navy and military personnel. The fact that a 1984 study at Norfolk Naval Shipyard in Virginia revealed 79% workers with lung problems caused by asbestos exposure underscores this fact. Another study showed that between 8 and 9% of navy workers' wives also had lung abnormalities. For anyone who worked in the military or had a military-related career, getting tested for health problems relating to asbestos exposure is very important.