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Like the Navy, the U.S. Army began using asbestos-containing products and building materials in the 1930s. The toxic material was used throughout barracks, mess halls, hospitals and other buildings where soldiers slept, worked and ate. Asbestos could be found in the joint compound, insulation, flooring, roofing and throughout HVAC, electrical and plumbing systems.
Although the use of asbestos in new construction ceased in the late ’70s and early ’80s, the toxic fibers remained present at installations decades later, threatening a new batch of soldiers for many years. Symptoms of asbestos-related disease often do not appear until 10 to 50 years after exposure, and many veterans are concerned about the potential for developing a serious condition like mesothelioma later in life.
During their service time, Army veterans often worked around various tradesmen, including boilermakers, pipe fitters, and insulators who used asbestos materials while making repairs to various heat-related machinery and heavy duty equipment on military bases. Similarly, members of the Army’s Construction Battalion were often required to help construct and tear down various buildings and structures at the bases.
To protect themselves from burns while handling hot shells and machine gun barrels, Army infantrymen and artillerymen often wore asbestos gloves.
Asbestos was among the contaminants at 32 U.S. Army installations before they were closed or realigned during the late 1990s. The U.S. Army received congressional approval in the ’90s for the environmental cleanup, producing a 157-page checklist titled “The Installation Asbestos Management Program Assessment” as part of the process.
Army mechanics who worked on jeeps, trucks, motorcycles and troop transports have an increased risk for asbestos exposure. The same is the case for Army aviation mechanics who worked on helicopters and other aircraft. These mechanics may have been exposed to asbestos-containing brakes, clutches, gaskets, adhesives and other asbestos-containing products while performing maintenance and repairs on these types of equipment.
Simmons Hanly Conroy is dedicated to working with veterans who have become sick as a result of asbestos exposure. If you are an army veteran battling mesothelioma, please fill out the form below to schedule a free consultation with one of our experienced mesothelioma lawyers.
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Maintenance Worker Texas
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Boilermaker Florida
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Painter Maryland