Why Asbestos Was Used in the Military
Asbestos was considered an ideal material for military applications because it was:
- Highly heat-resistant
- Fireproof
- Durable
- Widely available
- Affordable
From the 1930s through the late 1980s, asbestos was incorporated into thousands of military products and facilities, including:
- Ship insulation
- Boilers and engine rooms
- Brake linings and clutches
- Pipe insulation
- Cement and building materials
- Aircraft components
- Barracks and administrative buildings
As a result, millions of service members faced exposure during training, daily duties, or regular maintenance tasks.
U.S. Navy — The Highest Risk of All
The Navy used more asbestos than any other branch, primarily due to its extensive shipbuilding and repair operations. Sailors and shipyard workers encountered asbestos in:
- Engine rooms and boiler rooms
- Turbines, pipes, pumps, and valves
- Insulation around steam lines
- Fireproofing materials
- Navigation and communication rooms
- Sleeping quarters adjacent to heat-intensive machinery
Confined spaces made exposure especially dangerous. Many Navy veterans later diagnosed with mesothelioma lung cancer worked as:
- Machinist's mates
- Boiler technicians
- Electrician's mates
- Hull technicians
- Pipefitters
- Welders
- Shipyard workers
Navy-related exposure remains a major driver of asbestos-related disease in the U.S.
U.S. Marine Corps, Army, Air Force & Coast Guard
U.S. Marine Corps
Marine veterans were often exposed indirectly while stationed on Navy ships or directly in base infrastructure built with asbestos materials. Common exposure points include:
- Barracks and training facilities
- Vehicle maintenance bays
- Insulated boilers and power systems
- Ship transport during deployments
Marines who worked alongside Navy personnel during amphibious operations faced similar risks.
U.S. Army
Asbestos use was widespread across Army facilities, particularly in:
- Barracks and administrative buildings
- Pipe insulation
- Heating systems
- Motor pools and vehicle repair areas
- Fireproofing materials
Soldiers who performed mechanical, construction, or engineering duties were especially vulnerable.
U.S. Air Force
Air Force exposure could occur through:
- Aircraft brakes and engine components
- Hangars insulated with asbestos materials
- Fireproofing around jet and turbine systems
- Electrical systems and wiring insulation
Aircraft mechanics, electricians, and firefighters were among the highest-risk occupations within the branch.
U.S. Coast Guard
Coast Guard vessels used many of the same asbestos-containing parts and insulation materials as Navy ships. Personnel working in engine rooms, damage control, and ship repair facilities were potentially exposed to significant asbestos levels.
Common Military Roles With High Exposure Risk
Regardless of branch, certain occupations carried especially heavy asbestos exposure:
Service members who transitioned to civilian industrial jobs after enlistment often experienced double exposure, increasing their long-term risk.
- Shipbuilders and ship repair workers
- Mechanics and automotive technicians
- Boiler technicians and machinist mates
- Electricians
- Welders and metalworkers
- Construction and engineering battalions
- Firefighters
- Pipefitters and HVAC personnel
Benefits and Compensation Available to Veterans
1. Asbestos Bankruptcy Trust Fund Claims
Separate from VA benefits, veterans can file trust fund claims if they were exposed to asbestos-containing products made by companies responsible for manufacturing them.
2. VA Disability Benefits
Veterans with service-connected asbestos exposure may receive:
- Monthly disability payments
- Dependency and indemnity compensation for surviving spouses
- Access to VA healthcare specialists
3. Legal Claims Against Asbestos Manufacturers
These claims are not filed against the military or the government. They target the manufacturers that supplied asbestos products to the military.
What Veterans Should Do If They Believe They Were Exposed
If you served in the military and later developed mesothelioma lung cancer or asbestos-related cancer:
- Document your service history (bases, ships, roles).
- Identify potential exposure sources.
- Consult medical professionals familiar with asbestos-related disease.
- Contact an experienced asbestos lawyer to discuss your options.
The right legal path depends on your service history, exposure details, and current health status. An experienced asbestos lawyer can help you explore all your options and file the strongest claim possible.
The sooner you begin the process, the better your chances of receiving compensation. Contact an attorney at Danziger & De LLano today to discuss your case and learn how we can help you pursue justice and financial support.