From email:
“Countless veterans are currently suffering from life-threatening illnesses that are a result of exposure to asbestos, a material that was commonly used in hundreds of military applications, products, and ships primarily because of its resistance to fire. Unfortunately, asbestos-related diseases are not always recognized by the VA, which is why we’ve hired a knowledgeable 20-year navy veteran that can assist those affected by asbestos-related diseases with filing for VA benefits. In addition, we have thousands of articles regarding asbestos and mesothelioma and we’ve even created a veterans-specific section on our website in order to help inform them about the dangers of asbestos exposure
Out of the hundreds of occupations exposed to asbestos, veterans account for 30% of all mesothelioma cancer patients. Due to common military practices, veterans who served between 1940 and 1970 have a great risk of developing asbestos-related illnesses. Additionally, Navy personnel and workers employed in shipyards from the 1930s through the 1970s hold a greater risk of developing asbestos cancer caused by asbestos exposure.
Veterans with asbestos-related illnesses find themselves in a unique and troubling situation, as they virtually have no avenue to seek compensation through the current government system. Ailing veterans are prohibited by law to seek compensation from the U.S. government through the court system. For more information on a mesothelioma treatment , or how you can get free assistance with filing for asbestos-related VA Benefits please see the resources at the Mesothelioma Cancer Center.”
His Excellency Rear Admiral David Martin, A.O.,R.A.N. Rear Admiral Sir David Martin, Governor of New South Wales, died (from mesothelioma contracted during is distinguished Navy career) just three days after delivering his early retirement speech on the 7th August 1990. In the 18 months he had been Governor, Sir David became known as the “People’s Governor” of New South Wales, Australia.
My father battled mesothelioma in the early 90s. Sacrificed a lung to it and we nearly lost him. Thankfully it was caught early. That’s the only thing that saved him.
My Dad was in the Med in the early 70′s, the Saratoga. He has told me stories for years about work being done in port while they were in Greece and all the Greek workmen up to their eyeballs in asbestos. How scary…
I’m waiting for mine. I spent over a month living onboard ship in the shipyard while they tore out and replaced all the insulation back in 1963. It cost too much to let the crew stay ashore, don’tcha know.
Toxic timebomb: UK shipyard takes in French carrier laden with 700 tons of asbestos and rejected by Egypt and India:
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1139106/Toxic-timebomb-UK-shipyard-takes-French-carrier-laden-700-tons-asbestos-rejected-Egypt-India.html
AUSTRALIAN sailors are being exposed to deadly asbestos fibres because the navy continues to use illegal asbestos-contaminated parts, years after they were outlawed.
http://www.smh.com.au/news/national/navy-asbestos-puts-thousands-at-risk/2009/01/06/1231004022798.html