Asbestos was widely used in the Army starting in the 1930s. It was found in bases, vehicles, weapons, and other gear. This put many soldiers at risk of occupational contamination. Here are some Army jobs with high rates of asbestos exposure.
Air Force Jobs with Significant Asbestos Exposure
Asbestos was widely used in the Air Force until the 1980s. Many Air Force jobs involved working with or around asbestos-containing materials (ACMs), putting personnel at risk of exposure. Here are some of the high-risk occupations:
Aircraft Mechanics and Engine Work
Aircraft mechanics and electricians were often exposed to asbestos while maintaining and repairing military aircraft. Asbestos was used in various parts, including engines, wiring, brakes, and clutches. These military occupations required handling components that could release asbestos fibers into the air.
Environmental Support Specialists and Inspections
Environmental support specialists ensured that Air Force activities complied with environmental regulations. They might have encountered asbestos while inspecting boiler systems, piping, and cooling systems. These inspections often involved working in areas where asbestos fibers could become airborne.
Fire Protection Specialists and Safety Gear
Fire protection specialists were responsible for putting out fires and ensuring safety. They faced high asbestos exposure risks because older protective gear, such as hoods, gloves, and face masks, contained asbestos. This gear was essential for their safety but also posed a significant health risk.
Marine Corps Roles Susceptible to Asbestos Exposure
Marines have faced significant risks of asbestos exposure due to their diverse roles and environments. Here are some of the key roles where exposure was most likely:
Marines on Naval Ships
Marines often served on Navy ships, which were notorious for their poor ventilation and heavy use of asbestos. The re-circulated air on these ships could contain asbestos fibers, putting everyone on board at risk. This was especially true in areas like boiler rooms and munitions bays, where asbestos was used extensively for insulation and fireproofing.
Vehicle and Aircraft Mechanics
Mechanics working on vehicles and aircraft were frequently exposed to asbestos. They encountered it in brake pads, clutches, and engine gaskets. Routine tasks like removing and installing these parts could release asbestos fibers into the air, making it a hazardous job.
Combat Engineers and Demolition Tasks
Combat engineers and demolition specialists also faced high risks. When they demolished old buildings or infrastructure, they could disturb legacy asbestos materials, releasing fibers into the air. This was particularly dangerous in older structures that were built before the dangers of asbestos were well-known.
Common Asbestos-Containing Parts in Army Vehicles
Army vehicles often contained asbestos to prevent fires in high-heat areas. This put soldiers and mechanics at risk of exposure, especially during maintenance and repairs. Here are some common parts in Army vehicles that contained asbestos:
Brake Pads and Clutch Plates
Brake pads and clutch plates in Army vehicles were often made with asbestos. These parts needed to withstand high temperatures and friction, making asbestos a suitable material. However, when these parts wore down or were replaced, asbestos fibers could become airborne, posing a risk to those nearby.
Gaskets and Insulation
Gaskets in fuel and water pumps, as well as insulation around engines and other high-heat areas, frequently contained asbestos. This was to ensure that the parts could handle extreme conditions without catching fire. Unfortunately, this also meant that mechanics working on these vehicles were at risk of inhaling asbestos fibers.
Maintenance and Repair Risks
During maintenance and repair tasks, soldiers and mechanics could disturb asbestos-containing materials, causing fibers to become airborne. This was especially dangerous because asbestos exposure can lead to serious health issues like mesothelioma. Regular tasks such as replacing brake pads, clutch plates, or gaskets could release these harmful fibers into the air.
Secondary Asbestos Exposure Risks for Army Families
Living on Military Bases
Army families living on military bases faced significant risks of secondary asbestos exposure. Asbestos was commonly used in the construction of buildings on these bases, including barracks, mess halls, and storage areas. When these materials were disturbed, tiny asbestos fibers could become airborne, posing a danger to anyone nearby.
Contaminated Clothing and Household Items
Soldiers who worked with or around asbestos could unknowingly bring asbestos fibers home on their clothing, shoes, and personal items. This secondary exposure could affect family members who handled or washed these contaminated items. Even a small amount of asbestos can be harmful, as no amount of asbestos exposure is safe.
Government-Owned Military Family Housing
Many Army families lived in government-owned military housing, which often contained asbestos materials. According to a 2020 Department of Defense report, there are over 10,000 such housing units. In some cases, residents were not informed about the presence of asbestos, increasing the risk of secondary exposure. This lack of awareness could lead to unintentional disturbances of asbestos-containing materials, putting families at risk.
Mesothelioma Risks Among Army Veterans
Lack of Awareness and Notification
Many Army veterans are unaware of the dangers of asbestos exposure during their service. The military used asbestos extensively, and veterans often did not receive proper notification about the risks. This lack of awareness has led to many veterans being diagnosed with mesothelioma years after their service.
Impact on Service Members and Families
The impact of mesothelioma on Army veterans and their families is profound. Veterans who develop this disease face significant health challenges, and their families often struggle with emotional and financial burdens. The rates of asbestos-related diseases are notably high among veterans due to the military’s extensive use of asbestos.
Long-Term Health Consequences
Mesothelioma has a long latency period, meaning symptoms may not appear until decades after exposure. This makes it difficult for veterans to connect their illness to their military service. Once diagnosed, the disease is often advanced, leading to severe health consequences and limited treatment options.
Asbestos Exposure During Wartime Deployments
World War II and Asbestos Use
During World War II, asbestos was widely used in military equipment and buildings. Soldiers were often exposed to asbestos when they handled materials like insulation and fireproofing. The widespread use of asbestos in military property meant that veterans risked asbestos exposure whenever they carried out their duties. This exposure was particularly high in ships, aircraft, and vehicles, where asbestos was used to protect against fire and heat.
Vietnam War and Environmental Risks
In the Vietnam War, soldiers faced asbestos exposure from damaged buildings and equipment. The destruction of structures containing asbestos released fibers into the air, which soldiers then inhaled. This was a common issue in many combat zones, where the lack of industrial advancements or hazardous substance regulations meant that asbestos was still present in many buildings.
Modern Conflicts and Legacy Asbestos
In more recent conflicts, such as those in Iraq and Afghanistan, soldiers continued to face asbestos exposure. Many buildings in these regions still contain asbestos, and bombings or other damage can release asbestos fibers into the air. Veterans who served in these areas may have been exposed to asbestos without being aware of the hazard. This issue doesn’t just affect service members; it also has an impact on their loved ones, who may be exposed to asbestos fibers brought home on clothing and equipment.
