Comment: Veterans of all eras should know about asbestos threat

[Yo_Mama_Been_Loggin]

By Cristina Johnson / For The Herald

Asbestos use was widespread in the U.S. armed forces during the last century, reaching its peak as the Wrold War II effort demanded large amounts of accessible materials for the production of military equipment.

Every military branch resorted to asbestos, but the Navy applied most of this toxic mineral in its pursuit to ensure a safe, fireproof environment on its ships. Naval vessels built before the 1980s were insulated from bow to stern with the hazardous material, putting naval personnel at an exceptionally high risk of asbestos exposure. However, other military bases aren’t an exception from being potential sources of asbestos contamination.

Due to the presence of asbestos in military property — including aircraft, vehicles, ships, shipyards and barracks — veterans, especially those of the Second World War, Korean and Vietnam War, risked asbestos exposure whenever they fulfilled duty on land, sea or air. In addition to being exposed to other toxic materials, working near asbestos-containing items may have been a supplemental risk to Washington veterans’ deteriorating health, as diseases due to toxic exposure are on the rise today. This issue affects Washington’s veteran population and Everett’s veteran community.

Washington hosts seven military bases, not included those of the Coast Guard and Marines. The State’s WWII military history includes Fairchild Air Force Base, the largest wartime air refueling base in the U.S. Air Force. NAS Whidbey Island Navy Base is another historical installment, being the single largest naval installation in the Pacific Northwest. It was officially commissioned as an operational United States Naval Air Station in 1942 and has 7,500 active duty and reserve military personnel serving on its premises.

https://www.heraldnet.com/opinion/comment-veterans-of-all-eras-should-know-about-asbestos-threat/

[Shellback Squid]

1. Huge amounts on my old ship, it was built in 1961, razor blade prep in 2009

[SWBTATTReg]

2. Good article on the dangers of asbestos. I didn't realize that military personnel faced so much risk in just

asbestos, I always considered the other exotic substances that the military deals w/ (artillery shells, binary weapons, tons of other stuff not listed) would be the issues but didn't realize how prevalent asbestos is in the military. I guess it makes sense.

My other half works in flooring (used to, now in another dept) at Home Depot, and he said that when they do a measure for a floor (for new installs), if they determine that the old flooring is one that old flooring made of asbestos-related byproducts, they will walk away for the job immediately.

Removal of products that has asbestos in them is a big NO NO in the Hardware business. They want no part in it, as removing the asbestos could stir up particles in the air and behold, you have a breathable environment laced w/ asbestos particles. Removal of asbestos requires extreme measures and forces the workers to wear protective gear and masks, to prevent contamination.

You would be amazed at how many people, in the city environments where tons of old houses are at, where asbestos was used in flooring components. A lot. AND, the nasty thing about this (beware to DU people here, for your benefit if you're looking to buy a rehab etc.), is that they wouldn't take out the asbestos-laden floor, but simply cover it up and HIDE it).

So, if you're buying an older property, be sure to see if you can gain more information on the original flooring used in the structure. In one house we had, there were 10, I repeat, 10 different layers of flooring installed over the years. Wow. Thank goodness none of them were contaminated. Be sure to try and hire a specialist to come and look closely at the house prior to buying it too. You may save yourself a ton of money later (and yes, it's very sad and pathetic that these 'flippers' took the short and easy way out, and dumped the asbestos issues onto you).

[MartyTheGreek]

3. My ship was built in the 50's. We would rip it off by hand no PPE to weld steam leaks...

...granted it was wet most of the times, still there were bare asbestos areas all over the ship. We had flakey asbestos gloves for handling OBA canisters as well. Even before my Navy time after Job Corps on the assembly line we would weld overhead with an asbestos blanket on our laps the smell was horrendous when the molten metal drops cooled atop the blankets on your lap.

My aunt, RIP died from asbestos related cancer likely from exposure to her husbands dirty work clothes. He was an insulator.

If I recall, I think asbestos exposure related health conditions is one hazardous substances listed on the PACT Act for veterans. Thank you president Biden! May want to check the list.