Asbestos Exposure: A Lingering Threat for Florida Veterans
Asbestos, a once-ubiquitous material prized for its fire resistance, has cast a long shadow over the health of veterans in Florida. Despite being banned in the 1970s, exposure to this toxic substance continues to inflict harm on those who served our country.
Military Uses of Asbestos
During World War II and the Korean War, asbestos was extensively used in military vessels, barracks, and equipment. Pipes, boilers, insulation, and brake pads all contained significant amounts of asbestos. Veterans working in these environments were at high risk of inhaling the microscopic fibers.
Health Consequences of Asbestos Exposure
Asbestos exposure has been linked to a range of health conditions, including: * Asbestosis: A scarring of the lungs that impairs breathing * Mesothelioma: A rare and aggressive cancer that affects the lining of the lungs and other organs * Lung cancer * Other respiratory diseases
Impact on Florida Veterans
Florida is home to a large population of veterans, many of whom were exposed to asbestos during their service. According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Florida has the highest number of mesothelioma cases in the country. Veterans in the state are also at an increased risk for other asbestos-related diseases.
Advocacy and Support
Recognizing the urgent need to address this public health crisis, the Florida Legislature passed the Asbestos Claims Reduction Act in 2022. This law aims to expedite the resolution of asbestos claims and ensure that veterans receive compensation for their suffering. Numerous organizations also provide support to veterans affected by asbestos exposure. The Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO) offers resources and advocates for policies that protect victims. The Veterans Administration (VA) provides medical care and disability benefits to eligible veterans with asbestos-related diseases.
Early Detection and Prevention
Regular medical checkups and screening for asbestos-related diseases are crucial for early detection and treatment. If you are a veteran who was potentially exposed to asbestos, talk to your doctor about your concerns.
Conclusion
Asbestos exposure continues to impact the health of veterans in Florida. The passage of the Asbestos Claims Reduction Act and the efforts of advocacy organizations are commendable steps towards providing support and compensation to those who served. Early detection and prevention measures are essential to mitigate the long-term effects of this toxic legacy.
++|++Guest columnist
Over the past century, the U.S. military has used excessive amounts of asbestos, as large quantities of material were needed to produce military equipment during World War II. Asbestos was plentiful in the markets, and manufacturers took advantage of its accessibility, ignoring the health risks of mixing asbestos into products. Although the Navy exploited asbestos the most and Navy personnel were at a remarkably high risk of asbestos exposure, other military bases cannot be ruled out as a potential source of asbestos contamination.
Given the widespread use of asbestos in military properties such as vehicles, barracks, aircraft, shipyards and ships, service members risked exposure to asbestos while performing their duties on land, sea or in the air. In addition to exposure to various hazardous materials, working around asbestos products may have posed an additional risk to the deteriorating health of Florida veterans, as diseases resulting from their exposure to toxic substances are on the rise today. The case involves Florida’s veteran population and the veteran community of Escambia County and Pensacola.
With more than 200 military installations built or expanded between 1941 and 1945, Florida’s World War II military past conveys an important message about that era, and the National Naval Aviation Museum in Pensacola speaks volumes about wartime.
Florida is home to 21 military bases from all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces, including Naval Air Station Pensacola, the primary training facility for Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard pilots. The history of war would not be complete without NAS Pensacola, the cradle of American naval aviation, where thousands of airmen and pilots trained to fight for the country. As World War II approached, the naval base became the center of air training activities, training more than a thousand cadets per month. The growth of NAS Pensacola into the world’s preeminent naval aviation center was highlighted by former Senator Owen Brewster in his statement on the development of naval aviation during World War II: “It is one of the wonders of the modern world.”
Asbestos exposure is a key factor in the deteriorating health of veterans
Between 1999 and 2013, more than 14,000 Florida residents, including retired military personnel, died from asbestos-related disease. Asbestos releases toxic particles that can remain suspended in the air for hours if disturbed. These mineral fibers can easily be inhaled or swallowed due to their microscopic size, making asbestos dust one of the most toxic substances humans have encountered. These small, sharp-edged wires permanently damage major organs and cause devastating diseases.
One of the most devastating aspects of asbestos disease is the decades-long latency period between exposure and the first symptoms. Even if veterans had no health problems during their service, they would not learn the effects of asbestos exposure until they were diagnosed with diseases resulting from it. Additionally, the mineral fibers can stick to skin, nails, hair, or clothing, and people who worked in Florida Navy shipyards may have carried the fibers home, exposing their family members to the toxic material. Secondary or indirect exposure to asbestos posed a risk to family members of personnel serving on military bases, which can be just as harmful as firsthand exposure to the toxic fibers.
Veterans’ ongoing battle for their health after asbestos exposure
Even though decades have passed since the military used asbestos, some veterans who came into contact with it during their service now have to fight for their health, and many have to deal with the fact that their asbestos diseases will shorten their lives.
Because Florida ranks second in the U.S. for deaths from asbestos exposure, including mesothelioma, lung cancer and asbestosis, veterans should urgently visit the doctor. Knowing that early detection can improve treatment outcomes and extend life expectancy, they must be proactive about their health by:
Scheduling regular medical examinations: Periodic checks and an open discussion about military service and possible exposure to asbestos are essential. Inhaled asbestos fibers initially damage the lungs, so veterans should undergo chest X-rays or CT scans and pulmonary function (breathing) tests. These non-invasive tests help detect injuries caused by asbestos fibers and provide a reliable diagnosis for benign and malignant asbestos-related conditions.
Learn about their legal rights: Veterinarians who know that they have worked in an asbestos-contaminated environment during their shift or who suspect that they have been exposed should know their rights and options. Legal options and compensation programs are available to help those affected by asbestos exposure through asbestos trust funds and VA disability benefits.
Promoting awareness: Former military personnel can play a central role in educating and raising awareness by sharing their knowledge and experiences about asbestos exposure. This way they can ensure that others who protected our country are informed.
In addition to expressing our gratitude to veterans, we also have a responsibility to help protect their well-being. By drawing attention to this still lurking danger, we can ensure that our veterans receive the care and support they rightly deserve.
Cristina Johnson is a Navy veteran and advocate for Organization of Asbestos Ships, a nonprofit organization whose primary mission is to raise awareness and educate veterans about the dangers of asbestos exposure on Navy ships and help them navigate the VA claims process. Visit our page for more information.
Asbestos Exposure Continues to Affect Florida Veterans’ Health
Asbestos exposure remains a significant health concern for veterans living in Florida, despite the mineral’s widespread use being banned decades ago. According to the Florida Department of Health, over 1,000 veterans in the state have been diagnosed with asbestos-related diseases, including lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis. These diseases can take years to develop, and exposure often occurred during military service. Asbestos was once commonly used in construction materials, insulation, and textiles, including those found on ships and military bases. Veterans who served during World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War were particularly at risk for exposure. Symptoms of asbestos-related diseases can include difficulty breathing, chest pain, coughing, and shortness of breath. Mesothelioma, a rare and aggressive form of cancer, is often associated with long-term asbestos exposure. The Florida Department of Veterans Affairs offers free screenings and treatment for veterans who have been exposed to asbestos. Veterans who suspect they may have been exposed should contact their local VA medical center to schedule an evaluation. Early detection and treatment is crucial for managing asbestos-related diseases. Veterans who have been diagnosed with an asbestos-related illness are encouraged to seek support from organizations such as the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO) and the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation (MARF). By raising awareness and providing access to resources, Florida aims to improve the health outcomes of veterans who have been affected by asbestos exposure.
