WEAPONS STATIONS

Asbestos materials inside military weapons stations was a form of “friendly fire”

Naval weapons stations wreaked asbestos exposure and disease on unsuspecting military veterans.

June 18, 2010 – Of all U.S. military branches, the Navy made the most use of asbestos. Asbestos, a fire-proof material, was lined throughout all warships, submarines, sailors barracks, and weapons stations as protection against the outbreak of fire. Its ability to resist flames was its most revered property, though it is also a good insulation material against electricity and temperature changes.

During the wars of the 20th century, Naval shipyards became hotbeds for asbestos exposure among shipyard workers, a situation publicly unrecognized until the 1970s. The United States built entire Naval fleets of warships at these shipyards, and all were generously fortified with asbestos.

Nearly every inch of pipeline aboard ship, for example, was insulated with asbestos wraps, as was heavy machinery in the boiler rooms, cannon lodged in weapons stations, kitchen galleys, and even sailors’ living quarters. When the big guns went off, they rattled the asbestos fibers right out of the rafters and onto the bunks of sleeping sailors, unaware of its serious health dangers.

You won’t find this in many history books but, according to a study by the Mt. Sinai School of Medicine in New York, 86 percent of Navy shipyard workers with 20 or more years of work experience had developed some kind of asbestos-related lung cancer or disease. Furthermore, nearly one-third of all cases of mesothelioma diagnosed today occurs in retired Navy veterans.

Asbestos risks at weapons stations

In comparison to shipyards, Naval weapons stations have had less asbestos exposure incidents and less people afflicted with mesothelioma because the weapons were often built at other locations.

However, as with the shipyards, asbestos exposure has claimed the lives of weapons stations personnel for many years before government regulations on the proper handling of asbestos were enacted.

If you have ever worked in a shipyard or a weapons station, and you have recently been diagnosed with mesothelioma, it is important that you explore all your medical options with a physician.

If your condition is serious and your family’s future financial well-being is a concern, you may also want to talk with an asbestos cancer attorney at Weitz & Luxenberg.

Weitz & Luxenberg for compensation

The national trial law firm of Weitz & Luxenberg is a legal force in the asbestos litigation field, having obtained record-setting verdicts and settlements for shipyard workers and Navy veterans harmed by asbestos exposure.

Courts recognize the liability of asbestos product manufacturers, and have awarded multimillion-dollar awards to injured plaintiffs and their surviving families with help from our firm.

If you decide to proceed with an asbestos claim to help cover medical bills and lost wages, please know that we will pursue your lawsuit with vigilance and help you obtain the maximum amount of compensation you are entitled to.

Protect the future financial security of your family by obtaining a free consultation with us today.