Asbestos exposure should concern CT veterans even today

Over the last century, the U.S. military primarily used asbestos because the World War II war effort needed cheap materials to mass-produce equipment quickly. Manufacturers wanted to profit from the fibrous material, hiding evidence of the health risk of asbestos being mixed in products for military properties such as aircraft, vehicles, ships, and barracks.

Out of all branches, the Navy exploited asbestos the most, putting naval personnel serving on vessels built before the 1980s at a high risk of asbestos exposure. However, this fact doesn’t exclude other military bases from being a potential source of asbestos contamination.

The growing number of toxic exposure cases among veterans today reflects the many health risks they faced during service, including asbestos exposure. The consequences of inhaling or ingesting asbestos fibers may threaten many veterans’ health now, especially those who served in the Second World War, Korean, and Vietnam wars. In addition to the risk of being around several toxic materials, working near asbestos products may have been an added risk to Connecticut veterans’ deteriorating health , as diseases caused by toxic exposure are on the rise today. The issue regards Connecticut’s veteran population and Hartford City’s veteran community .

Connecticut is home to three military bases , including Naval Submarine Base New London, which has ten permanent units, and the Coast Guard Academy in New London, the U.S. service academy specifically for the U.S. Coast Guard.

Asbestos exposure has a devastating effect on veterans’ health

Due to their microscopic size and fibrous structure, airborne asbestos particles can remain in the air for hours when disturbed. It’s the white dust many veterans remember. The sharp-edged mineral threads are easily inhaled or ingested, making asbestos dust one of the most toxic substances humans have encountered. Once inside the body, these tiny fibers permanently harm major organs, leading to severe diseases.

Asbestos-related conditions have decades-long latency periods until the first symptoms appear. Even if veterans may have had no health problems during their service, some of them experience the aftermath of asbestos exposure only over time when they are diagnosed with illnesses stemming from it, like mesothelioma , asbestosis , lung cancer , or other respiratory conditions.

Veterans’ struggle for health after asbestos exposure

Although decades have passed since asbestos was used in the military, veterans who were in contact with it during service now have to fight for their health . Many must accept that their asbestos diseases will shorten their lives, as no existing treatment can reverse the damage done by asbestos. Today’s medical procedures can only slow the progression, relieve symptoms, and prevent complications.

With Connecticut ranking 23rd in the U.S. for asbestos-related deaths, veterans should see their doctor as soon as possible. Timely detection is essential in asbestos-related diseases because it considerably improves treatment results and prolongs life expectancy. That is why vets should proactively protect their health through regular check-ups, learn their legal rights, and promote awareness.

Going to periodic check-ups and, while there, being upfront with the doctor about military service and potential asbestos exposure are crucial steps. Inhaled asbestos fibers damage the lungs first, so veterans should schedule chest X-rays or CT scans and pulmonary function (breathing) tests. These noninvasive investigations show any harm caused by the asbestos fibers and are reliable in diagnosing benign and malignant asbestos conditions.

Veterans who know they’ve worked in a contaminated environment or those who suspect they’ve been exposed to asbestos during service should know their rights and options. Compensation programs and legal avenues are available through asbestos trust funds and Veterans Affairs to help those harmed by asbestos exposure, and veterans need to be informed about these resources.

Former service members can be crucial in raising awareness by sharing their knowledge about asbestos exposure risks with their fellow servicemen and women. Opening up about their experiences can facilitate passing vital information to others who protected our country.

Additional help for Connecticut veterans and their families through the PACT Act

In 2022, the 17th U.S. Congress enacted the PACT Act, a new law to improve health care and compensation for veterans exposed to toxins. The Act extends eligibility for V.A. health care for retired military members exposed to harmful substances during active duty and provides veterans with the care and benefits they deserve.

Because of this new law, approximately 3.5 million veterans exposed to various toxins will be eligible for extended V.A. benefits, and Connecticut Sen. Richard Blumenthal supported it. Since the passage of the PACT Act , over four million veterans have been screened for toxic exposure, and nearly 350,000 U.S. citizens have been approved for expanded benefits. Approximately 5,000 veterans have filed PACT Act claims in Connecticut, and over 2,000 veterans received expanded benefits.

Connecticut veterans can consult information on the Connecticut Department of Veterans Affairs website .

Cristina Johnson is a Navy veteran advocate for Asbestos Ships Organization .