Military Asbestos Exposure in Women

Women were exposed to asbestos both as servicewomen and spouses of others serving in the military.

While the military has traditionally been male-dominated, women have served and continue to serve in various roles, both on and off the frontlines. And being in the military comes with a heightened chance of being exposed to asbestos, regardless of branch. 

Asbestos has no taste or smell.

You may not know you’re breathing it.

Not just the Navy

Some sectors, such as the Navy, have historically had a higher incidence of exposure, given the prevalence of asbestos in shipbuilding and in other artillery – but no branch is immune. In fact, asbestos has even been found in military housing, meaning service men and women can even be exposed when not on duty. 

Because females frequently serve alongside their male counterparts, they are just as likely to be exposed to this silent killer. Here are a few quick bullet points about asbestos exposure among servicewomen and female spouses in the U.S. military.

The Army is Failing to Keep House ‘Safe’ from Lead Paint, Asbestos

The U.S. Army is facing criticism and concerns over its failure to ensure that family housing is safe from hazardous materials like lead paint and asbestos. These dangerous substances pose significant health risks, especially to children, and the Army’s inability to address this issue is a cause for alarm. 

Nearly every building constructed before the mid-1980s contained asbestos products and building materials.

Practically every building constructed before the mid-1980s contained asbestos materials, sometimes from the roof shingles down to the basement insulation.

The construction industry, in general, commonly used lead paint and asbestos before recognizing health hazards of these toxins. Exposure to lead paint can lead to developmental issues in children and severe health problems in adults. Asbestos exposure is linked to deadly diseases like mesothelioma. 

The failure to address these issues not only jeopardizes the health and safety of military families but also undermines the trust and confidence they have in the Army’s commitment to their well-being. The Army must take immediate and comprehensive action to identify, mitigate, and remove these hazardous materials from military housing.

Understanding Secondary Asbestos Exposure 

Secondary asbestos exposure, also known as second-hand asbestos exposure or indirect asbestos exposure, occurs when individuals are exposed to asbestos fibers without working directly with asbestos-containing materials. 

Second-hand asbestos exposure typically occurs in non-occupational settings and can affect individuals who have close contact with someone who works with or around asbestos. Here’s a more in-depth understanding of second-hand asbestos exposure.

Second-hand Asbestos Exposure and Children

Second-hand asbestos exposure in children is a particularly concerning issue because children are more vulnerable to the health risks associated with asbestos exposure. 

This type of exposure typically occurs when children come into contact with asbestos fibers brought home by family members who work with or around asbestos-containing materials. Here are some key considerations regarding second-hand asbestos exposure and children:

1. Increased Vulnerability: 

Children are more susceptible to the harmful effects of asbestos due to their developing bodies and immune systems. Asbestos exposure at a young age can have long-lasting and severe health consequences.

2. Common Scenarios: 

Children can be exposed to asbestos when family members, such as parents or caregivers, return home from work at jobs that involve asbestos. The asbestos fibers can be present on clothing, shoes, and even in the hair and skin of the worker, potentially putting children at risk.

3. Residential Exposure: 

Living in homes with asbestos-containing materials can also expose children. As materials containing asbestos deteriorate, fibers can become airborne during home renovations or repairs.

4. Schools and Public Buildings: 

Children and school staff can face exposure in older schools and public buildings where asbestos-containing materials may still be present. Disturbances during maintenance or renovations can release asbestos fibers into the environment.

5. Health Risks: 

Children exposed to secondhand asbestos can develop severe health conditions such as mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis. The latency period for these diseases is often quite long, so symptoms may not manifest until later in life.

People who worked in these industries prior the mid-1980s have a higher risk of developing asbestos-related diseases:

Construction	Factories	Foundries	Refineries	Shipyards	Mining / Milling
Demolition	Insulation	Steelworkers	Pipe Fitting	Shipbuilding	Mechanics
Roofing	Textiles	Iron workers	Boilers	Firefighting	Brake Repair
Flooring	Cement	Electricians	Gasket Repair	Railroad	HVAC

Unfortunately so do their families.

AsbestosClaims.Law

Asbestos claims aren’t just a day in the office for Justinian C. Lane. 

Our founder, Justinian C. Lane, understands the devastating impacts of asbestos firsthand.

Both his grandparents and father, all asbestos workers, passed away from asbestos-induced cancers without realizing their eligibility for asbestos lawsuits or other forms of compensation.

We aim to prevent such tragic oversights by informing and guiding victims and their families through their legal options. 

If you or your loved ones have suffered as a result of asbestos exposure, you could be eligible for considerable compensation. These funds could provide for medical treatments, asbestos removal services, and safeguard your health. 

In addition, asbestos trusts offer compensation without the need for a lawsuit, providing a quicker, simpler path to justice.

Reach out to us at [email protected] or (206) 455-9190 for assistance with your claim. We offer compassionate listening, clear explanations, and we don’t charge a dime unless we win your case.

Beyond legal claims, we also advise on veterans’ disability, social security, and employment protection like workers’ compensation, FELA, and The Jones Act for maritime workers. 

There’s no risk or cost to connect with our experienced team about your rights. Our commitment to your well-being means no fees unless you receive compensation.

We’ve also introduced W.A.R.D., the Worldwide Asbestos Research Database. It’s the most comprehensive resource for asbestos-related information.

W.A.R.D. assists in pinpointing potential exposure scenarios, asbestos-containing products, and can indicate the types and potential amounts of compensation you may be entitled to receive.
Don’t delay — get in touch with us today!