Asbestos Cancer and Disability

Millions of American men and women have served in the United States Armed Forces. Many of these veterans were exposed to asbestos during their years of service. Some have developed physical disabilities as a result of health problems caused by asbestos exposure. The United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) recognizes asbestos-related health problems as service-connected disabilities.

The Problem with Asbestos
Asbestos is a mineral substance valued for its ?miracle? properties. The natural material is strong, durable and extremely resistant to fire, heat and corrosion. Many American industries used asbestos additives in their manufacturing processes. The substance was used extensively in construction materials, insulation, automotive parts and other products.

High environmental levels of asbestos are toxic. The American public learned of the health dangers when the government starting banning asbestos in the mid-1970s. Today, the handling of asbestos materials is strictly regulated. Asbestos abatement contractors and others who work with the substance must take special safety precautions.

While asbestos-containing material is generally safe while it is intact, any disturbance will send toxic particles into the air. People who breathe asbestos fibers into their lungs are likely to develop breathing difficulties and respiratory problems.

Asbestosis is a common asbestos-related condition; it refers to breathing problems caused by scarred lung tissue. Pleural plaques are also caused by scarred lung tissue, although they are not as serious as asbestosis. Asbestos exposure can also cause two types of cancer: lung and mesothelioma cancer, a cancer that affects the lining of the lungs and abdominal cavity.

Veterans and Asbestos Exposure
Military veterans account for nearly one-third of all mesothelioma patients. Their condition was caused by asbestos exposure during their years of military service. Veterans who served during World War II, the Korean war and the Vietnam war have a greater mesothelioma risk than those who served in later years. However, the damage to buildings in Iraq increased the likelihood of asbestos exposure for Iraq War veterans.

Navy personnel are most at risk for developing mesothelioma due to the extensive use of asbestos in Navy shipyards and facilities. Any veterans who worked in construction, demolition, insulation work, vehicle repair and shipyard work may have been exposed to toxic asbestos materials.

Asbestos Cancer and Disability
Asbestosis, pleural plaques, lung cancer and mesothelioma cancer cause many physical disabilities. Since asbestos-related problems affect the lungs, veterans usually experience breathing difficulties. They may also struggle with chronic coughing, chest pain, abdominal pain, shortness of breath and other symptoms of lung conditions.

Veterans who live with asbestos-related lung cancer and mesothelioma must cope with various cancer treatments such as surgery, radiation and chemotherapy. Since mesothelioma is usually diagnosed in an advanced stage, the treatment usually focuses on comfort and palliative care.

Veterans may qualify for VA healthcare benefits and disability compensation if their health problems result from asbestos exposure during their military service. The government encourages veterans to contact their local VA environmental health coordinator for questions regarding asbestos-related disabilities.

In some cases, the dependents and survivors of military veterans are eligible for government benefits. ?Federal Benefits for Veterans, Dependents and Survivors,? a VA publication, provides more information.

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Source: http://www.abilityjobsplus.com/blog/?p=238

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