It is well known that asbestos was used in shipbuilding before and during World War II. It was very useful in many capacities, such as insulation, because it was durable and highly resistant to heat. As a result, many World War II veterans, even if they did not serve in combat but only worked in shipyards, were exposed to this very dangerous substance and could have developed mesothelioma decades later.
However, it is important to note that the risk of asbestos went on long after the war ended. Many people think of it as something that just happened in the 1940s, but the use of the material in the United States continued for decades after that.
Millions of pounds
One way to look at this is by considering how much asbestos the United States used, starting in 1932, when the country used 197 million pounds. It expanded rapidly in the run-up to World War II, hitting 783 million pounds during the war years.
However, during the Cold War era, asbestos use actually increased even more, peaking at 1,400 million pounds. This incredible total did not start going down until the 1970s, when concerns over mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases began to gain greater recognition.
Still, in the 1990s, the United States was using 90 million pounds of asbestos. Because there is a long latency period, someone who was exposed in the 1990s may only be developing symptoms of mesothelioma today. It often takes decades for the symptoms to start showing up and for the disease to progress.
Taking appropriate legal action
For shipbuilders, military veterans and others who may have experienced asbestos exposure over the years, mesothelioma is a critical concern. It is important for them to know what legal options they have.