Da Hawg Frog Blog

Mesothelioma is a serious threat. Many of our Navy Veterans were exposed to Asbestos during their tours of duty. Samantha Catalano of the Mesothelioma & Asbestos Awareness Center submitted the following information to draw this threat to our attention.

There are a variety of health issues unique to veterans – the issue of post-traumatic stress and concerns related to veteran healthcare costs, for instance, are just two of many. However, there is another issue of increasing concern for military veterans, and that is the issue of asbestos exposure and subsequent health implications, including the development of asbestos cancer, also known as mesothelioma.

Veterans may have been exposed to asbestos in various locations while serving the U.S. military. Asbestos was primarily found within insulation, and was used on naval ships, military aircraft, inside military housing, in armories, on military transportation vehicles and even in certain models of artillery. If asbestos was disturbed or damaged, tiny asbestos fibers could be released into the air, putting military personnel at risk of inhalation. If inhaled, the fibers could cling to the pleural lining of the lungs for decades before an individual may begin to suffer from common mesothelioma cancer symptoms.

Because mesothelioma has a latent period of between 20 and 50 years, many veterans, especially WWII vets, found themselves diagnosed with this fatal type of cancer years after they had retired. Upon diagnosis, the great majority of mesothelioma patients will lose their battle with this aggressive disease in less than 2 years. There are various mesothelioma treatment options, but there is no cure.

Any veteran who suspects that they may have been exposed to asbestos while serving our country should speak with a doctor to assess their risk of one day developing mesothelioma cancer.

The Mesothelioma & Asbestos Awareness Center is the web’s leading resource for information related to veterans & asbestos exposure and mesothelioma. Please visit www.maacenter.org for further information.

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