Guest post provided by Blumenthal & Gruber, LLP, knowledgeable asbestos mesothelioma lawyers. Mesothelioma in Navy veterans is on the rise; visit their website for more information.
Summary: Asbestos is a crystal fiber commonly used in construction that has been linked to a cancer called Mesothelioma. Navy veterans are especially susceptible and can receive help from asbestos lawyers.
Did You Serve in the Navy?
If you served in the military up until 1990, you may be at risk for Mesothelioma caused by asbestos exposure. Asbestos lawyers can help you fight for the treatment you need if you suffer from Mesothelioma. Asbestos was heavily used in the military up through the 1980s.. It could be found in military bases, military housing, Navy ships, aircraft engines, or aircraft brakes. Anything that required any work with asbestos gaskets, rope and packing insulation put military men at risk. All asbestos products are considered human carcinogens and are dangerous when workers inhale the fibers. Asbestos fibers are most toxic when the buildings containing them are disturbed. Among those most at risk are custodians, construction workers and Navy veterans. Because of the prevalent use of asbestos in materials, Mesothelioma in Navy veterans has become a dangerously rising trend.
What is Asbestos?
Asbestos use started in the United States as early as the 1850s for construction and fire retardation, and reached its height in popularity during the 1970s. The widespread use of asbestos was due to how incredibly inexpensive and useful it was. It can be identified as a tiny fiber, smaller than half the diameter of a strand of human hair. Asbestos is taken from naturally occurring silicate minerals with long thin crystals. Chrysotile asbestos, white with curly fibers, is a member of the serpentine family of minerals. The other type of mineral, amphibole asbestos, has a characteristic rod shaped fiber. Amosite and crocidolite asbestos are considered the most hazardous asbestos fibers, but chrysotile asbestos can also cause malignant Mesothelioma cancer in humans. The federal government has ordered manufacturers to remove asbestos from many products, but many companies not subject to government audit still used the material. Asbestos is still not completely banned in the United States today, despite the alarming health hazards associated with it.
What is Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is a rare cancer of the protective sac that protects the body’s internal organs called the mesothelium. The problem with Mesothelioma is those who have regularly inhaled asbestos won’t feel the symptoms of Mesothelioma right away. Most people will go through a “latency” period where they will likely feel no symptoms at all. Nearly a thousand U.S. Veterans are diagnosed with Mesothelioma every year. Most Mesothelioma patients are men and a third of them are U.S . Veterans. Cells in the mesothelium begin to divide rapidly and the cancer will start to spread to other vital organs. The problem with Mesothelioma is that the latency period lasts so long. It’s hard to identify before it’s too late. Asbestos Mesothelioma lawyers can assist you through the legal process to help you get the compensation you deserve.