Mesothelioma cancer results from a victim’s exposure to asbestos fibers, commonly used as insulation during the product’s heyday. A disproportionate amount of sufferers have been found to be veterans of the U.S. Navy; about one-third of mesothelioma diagnoses come from this demographic, according to the Mesothelioma Victims Center, an advocacy group for sufferers of symptoms of mesothelioma lung cancer.
Asbestos exposure, no matter how brief, can lead to the incidence of mesothelioma even decades in the future. Many victims recently diagnosed can trace their exposure back three or more decades.
Navy veterans with a history of working in shipyards are at a high risk of developing the condition. The reason asbestos was a popular material to use in shipyards is because of its corrosion-resistant alloys and high temperature tolerance. Boilers were insulated with asbestos, as were incinerators, hot water pipes and steam pipes. Inadequate ventilation led to many exposures.
By the 1970s, the United States government fully recognized the threat asbestos posed and started the process of replacing the insulation on ships, but even to this day, the job has not been fully completed.
Where Can I Learn More About Asbestos Exposure and Mesothelioma in the Navy?
There are many online resources for mesothelioma information. The New Orleans mesothelioma lawyers at Harrell & Nowak have a long history of exploring mesothelioma cases from both a legal and a medical perspective. For more information and news about mesothelioma in Louisiana, connect with us on Facebook.
Harrell & Nowak, L.L.C. – Louisiana Mesothelioma Attorneys
Source: http://www.sys-con.com/node/3280455
Did You Know? 1 in 500 shipyard workers was an asbestos insulator. The following jobs also put shipyard workers in direct contact with asbestos: shipfitters, machinists, pipefitters, electricians, boilermakers and painters. (asbestos.com/shipyards)