It may come as a surprise, but nearly 33% of all new mesothelioma diagnoses belong to U.S. veterans. While mesothelioma cases are spread across all 5 branches of the U.S. military, Navy and Air Force veterans have historically had the most cases due to the tight quarters and prevalence of asbestos on Navy vessels.
Throughout much of the 20th century, members of the U.S. military, just like the general public and countless American laborers, were misled by the manufacturers of asbestos-containing products. These manufacturers knew the health risks associated with asbestos. They knew that when inhaled or ingested, asbestos fibers could cause cancer and other asbestos-related diseases.
They knew all of the risks and dangers but chose not to warn their workers, the public, or the federal government, including the armed forces.
This despicable cover-up has led to thousands of military members being exposed to deadly asbestos. It’s also the reason why veterans are at a particularly high risk of developing asbestos-related diseases such as mesothelioma, asbestosis, and asbestos-related lung cancer.
Lacking the knowledge of the health risks posed by asbestos, the U.S. military constructed ships, vehicles, engines, barracks, and bases with literal tons of asbestos-containing materials. Afterall, duped by manufacturers, asbestos was promoted to Americans as a “miracle mineral” for its natural strength, durability, and fire- and heat-resistance.
Learn more about U.S. veterans and asbestos by watching our brief video below.
Global Asbestos Awareness Week (GAAW), which runs between April 1-April 7, is an annual campaign that aims to bring public awareness to the true toll of asbestos on lives both at home and abroad.
Asbestos is not simply a problem of our past — it is still waging war against American veterans to this day.
Today, and for every day of GAAW, Sokolove Law is releasing educational videos highlighting the crucial facts about asbestos.
Our GAAW videos are available for free online through our social media channels and our blog, so be sure to follow our Facebook and Twitter pages, and please like, share, and retweet to help spread awareness.
Watch our videos and learn more about:
Stay up to date, follow developments, and share your story, using the hashtag #2020GAAW.
