Mesothelioma is an aggressive form of cancer. It starts in the lining of the organs and spreads to other areas. Mesothelioma may start in the lungs or around the heart. In some cases, it may even begin in the lining of the testicles.
By the time people see a doctor for their symptoms, the mesothelioma may have spread. Anyone in Georgia who worked with asbestos could be at risk of developing mesothelioma later. Military service members are among those at the highest risk.
How military service exposes people to asbestos
People frequently associate asbestos with production jobs. People also recognize that construction professionals and mechanics may have exposure to asbestos when handling old materials.
Military service members may have exposure to asbestos because of military vehicles or tasks performed on them. Navy vessels have long included asbestos in various components. Asbestos helps stop the spread of fire. It also acts as an insulator. Asbestos was common in many ship components before regulatory agencies banned it.
The military also used asbestos in components for vehicles and airplanes. Therefore, service members did not need to serve in the Navy specifically to have asbestos exposure in the military. Service in any branch could have exposed a service member to asbestos.
Service members living in Georgia may need to advise their doctors of their potential prior exposure. They may also need support if they intend to seek compensation for mesothelioma or other illnesses caused by asbestos. The companies that manufactured components with asbestos are sometimes liable for illnesses that people develop after handling their products.
Seeking compensation for mesothelioma can help people pay for treatments and support their families when they can no longer work. Service members sickened by asbestos may have the right to pursue compensation because of their prior exposure.