Every year, the nation comes together on Independence Day to mark the incredible history of the United States, the fight for liberty, and the principals that keep the U.S. free. Often, at the center of these celebrations are opportunities to honor the individuals who worked hardest to maintain the integrity of the U.S. and its principals of democracy - the men and women who have fought in the United States Armed Forces. Veterans, both young and old, become part of parades or other celebrations, including ceremonies at burial sites and other hallowed grounds.
Each year, however, hundreds of veterans who were exposed to hazardous materials while serving their country become sick and many, unfortunately, die. Exposure to dangerous minerals, like asbestos, has been an issue in the U.S. military for more than 60 years. For many World War II and Korean War veterans, especially Navy Vets, everyday duties involved the handling of toxic asbestos. In later wars, issues with Agent Orange and other chemicals and biological warfare substances arose. All have been shown to cause various forms of cancer as well as other illnesses and disorders. As a matter of fact, studies have shown that U.S. veterans are anywhere from 25 percent to 75 percent more likely to develop a variety of cancers than the general public.
The issue of asbestos exposure in Iraq is also a concern for those in the military community, as a lack of environmental regulations in Iraq leave Iraqi citizens and US military personnel unprotected.
Many of these cancers, like mesothelioma – an asbestos-caused cancer - do not surface until up to four or five decades after exposure. That means older veterans are only just discovering that their later years will be spent fighting such dreaded diseases. Because of this, a diagnosis of cancer can come as a surprise and greatly infringe on the joy of what was supposed to be the carefree years of retirement. Although many veterans - especially those who served during World War II on naval vessels and in Korea – believe that the issue of veteran asbestos disease is not something they must worry about, it is an unfortunate senior and veteran health issue.
Veterans have a right to receive quality treatment for their disease and, in many cases, to garner compensation for their suffering. Many of those who are affected by service-related illnesses are opting to contact experienced lawyers who deal regularly with occupational diseases to determine whether or not they are eligible for such monetary assistance, which can help not only with medical expenses but also insure a stable life for those left behind in the wake of a devastating death.
For more information about how mesothelioma affects veterans, and to learn about mesothelioma causes and treatment options, please visit the Mesothelioma and Asbestos Awareness Center.
