Air Force Veterans & Asbestos Exposure

Asbestos was used in military equipment, tools, and vehicles, particularly before the 1970s. ⁽¹⁾ Not surprisingly, Air Force asbestos exposure is common. In fact, the Veterans Administration (VA) recognizes asbestos exposure as a serious health risk. The VA offers some compensation and benefits to veterans diagnosed with asbestos related diseases. ⁽²⁾

If you are an Air Force veteran or their family member and have been diagnosed with an asbestos related disease, this blog provides information, support, and a clear path toward obtaining legal assistance with getting compensation for all your pain and suffering.

Introduction

Air Force veterans and family members may have been exposed to asbestos on Air Force bases. Asbestos was used on bases in insulation, wall boarding, pipes, plumbing, sealants, and adhesives. Asbestos was also found to be in parts of planes, such as heat shields, brake pads, and engines. ⁽³⁾

Veterans were exposed repeatedly, often for long periods of time. This increased their risk of developing asbestos-related illnesses. ⁽⁴⁾

This is particularly concerning since, “Veterans make up 30% of those diagnosed with mesothelioma in the United States,” according to the Purple Heart Foundation. ⁽⁵⁾

One of the deadliest asbestos-related illnesses, mesothelioma, is a rare form of cancer affecting the linings around the chest organs (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum). ⁽⁶⁾ There is no cure for mesothelioma. Most people are often not diagnosed until they are in advanced stages of the disease. ⁽⁷⁾ Yet, medical sources insist early detection “greatly increases the prognosis.” ⁽⁸⁾

Asbestos is also associated with asbestosis, pleural plaques, and lung cancer. Worse yet, symptoms of asbestos related diseases may not appear for 20-50 years after exposure. ⁽⁹⁾

The Link Between Asbestos and the Air Force

Asbestos is a group of naturally occurring mineral fibers. Asbestos was widely used because of its strength, flexibility, thermal properties (heat, electric, and acoustic insulation), and absorption capacity. ⁽¹⁰⁾ These qualities were useful for military purposes, especially for the Air Force.

Yet, asbestos particles and fibers become dangerous to your health once they are airborne. Because they are so tiny, they can be inhaled. This is the primary route of exposure. ⁽¹¹⁾

Air Force mechanics, technicians, builders, electricians, and even firefighting personnel used products, tools, equipment, and aircraft every day that contained asbestos. Personnel and their families lived in barracks and on bases constructed with and filled with products containing asbestos. Asbestos laced dust could even find its way into your homes, landing on items such as clothes and furniture.

The VA acknowledges types of work where asbestos exposure is likely to have occurred. This includes construction, carpentry, demolitions, and mechanics. ⁽¹²⁾

A more specific list of Air Force positions is used by the VA for making eligibility determinations for benefits and compensation in asbestos-related claims. Here are just some of the specific positions listed: ⁽¹³⁾

• Aviation electronic technician.
• Aviation radioman.
• Aviation structural mechanic (safety equipment, hydraulics, structural).
• Aviation support equipment technician.
• Boilermaker.
• Builder.
• Construction (driver, electrician).
• Constructionman.
• Electronics technician.
• Engineman.
• Fireman.
• Fire controlman.
• Jet engine mechanic.
• Painter.
• Pipefitter.

As the truth about asbestos exposure continued to emerge, asbestos was partially banned in the U.S. by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in 1989. Then, in March 2024, it was virtually completely banned. ⁽¹⁴⁾

Meanwhile, Air Force veterans and their families experienced firsthand the devastatingly painful health effects of asbestos exposure.

Health Risks Associated With Air Force Asbestos Exposure

Simply stated, there are three major health risks associated with Air Force asbestos exposure. These are asbestosis (progressive noncancerous disease of the lungs), lung cancer, and mesothelioma, according to the EPA. ⁽¹⁵⁾

Of these possible diseases, mesothelioma is perhaps the most serious concern for veterans. “The most significant risk factor for developing mesothelioma is asbestos exposure,” states the Mayo Clinic. ⁽¹⁶⁾

There are several types of mesothelioma. Each type of mesothelioma is named for the part of the body where the cancer starts, such as the abdomen, heart, lungs, or testicles. ⁽¹⁷⁾ Getting the proper diagnosis and treatment is critical.

While in the service, you may have been exposed to one or more types of asbestos, at different times, in different locations, and in differing amounts or for different durations. You should know there are six types of asbestos, and all types of asbestos are harmful. In fact, any exposure to asbestos is unsafe. ⁽¹⁸⁾

Since asbestos diseases take a long time for symptoms to appear, it is important to be aware of possible symptoms. Here are some of the most common symptoms: ⁽¹⁹⁾

• Abdominal pain.
• Abnormal heart rhythm.
• Chest pain.
• Diarrhea.
• Difficulty swallowing.
• Fever.
• Loss of appetite.
• Low blood pressure.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Night sweats.
• Malaise.
• Shortness of breath.
• Weakness.
• Weight loss without trying.

Seek medical attention as soon as you experience them. Early detection of mesothelioma can be beneficial and improve your prognosis. ⁽²⁰⁾

Just as important as seeking treatment is understanding your legal rights and options once you have been diagnosed with an asbestos related disease.

Legal Rights and Options for Air Force Vets and Their Families

If you have been diagnosed with asbestos-related health complications after serving in the Air Force, you may be eligible for medical benefits or compensation through the VA. You want to file your VA claims as soon as possible.

However, the VA does not give you financial compensation for pain and suffering. Asbestos victims have a right to file legal claims against manufacturers, distributers, and companies who sold asbestos-containing products to the U.S. military. In doing so, these businesses favored profits over human lives.

Some of these asbestos companies may have gone out of business, so you will need to file your claim with bankruptcy trust funds which have been established in order to pay asbestos claims. An asbestos attorney can file your claims with the appropriate trust funds.

Asbestos cases are extremely complex and the length of time it takes for symptoms to appear can make proving claims even more challenging. It is important to have an experienced attorney guide you through the claims process, as well as help you explore all of your legal options. Look for an attorney at a law firm that has extensive experience in asbestos and mesothelioma personal injury litigations.

Weitz & Luxenberg

Weitz & Luxenberg has almost 40 years of experience in personal injury and asbestos litigations. We know the law. We are a nationally recognized firm with a reputation of leadership in asbestos litigations. Since our founding, we have gone after asbestos offenders on behalf of victims who could not defend themselves. Our winning record speaks for itself:

• $104 million award to Navy Yard workers for asbestos exposure.
• $40 million for a Navy radio man who later became an electronic motor repairman.
• Millions of dollars in settlement money for a former Army mechanic, turned Navy shipyard boiler tender.

Air Force asbestos exposure can be deadly. Victims and their families suffer terribly. Weitz & Luxenberg attorneys want to take on the legal fight on your behalf and stop big businesses from putting profits over human lives.

Speak to one of our attorneys as soon as you receive a diagnosis of an asbestos health condition. For a free consultation, reach out to W&L today.

Call (917) LAWYERS or fill out the form on this page. Our attorneys respond quickly. Don’t wait! Reach out to us.

We are ready and able to be your legal champion, so you can focus on your health. Together we can fight to obtain the best possible outcome in your case.