Opinion: Asbestos exposure may still affect Wisconsin veterans’ health

The Asbestos Ships Organization is working to raise awareness and educate veterans about the dangers of asbestos exposure and how to navigate the VA claims process.

Over the last century, all branches of the US military resorted to asbestos-containing products in the bases, ships, vehicles, and machinery in general. The Navy, Air Force, Marines, Army, and Coast Guard used these versatile and durable products due to their low price and accessibility. As a result, many service members were exposed to this harmful material while in the military, especially veterans of the Second World War, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. The growing number of toxic exposure cases among our veterans today underlines the health risks they have faced in addition to the challenges of service. Many of these brave men and women now have deteriorating health and may develop life-altering asbestos diseases deriving from their military years.

Large amounts of asbestos in military installations throughout the state

Not so long ago, the fibrous mineral was used in most industries, including the military, due to its fire-resistant and insulating properties, and nobody considered asbestos to be a threat when its fibers were airborne and inhaled. It is why the risk of developing asbestos diseases is a concern for all veterans who might have the toxic asbestos particles in their lungs, including those in Wisconsin’s veteran community. Although all the military applied asbestos, the Navy exploited it the most. Thus, personnel onboard naval vessels built before the 1980s were at an exceptionally high risk of asbestos exposure. Even so, this fact doesn’t diminish the asbestos exposure risks of those serving in military camps throughout the States. Wisconsin is home to Fort McCoy, which has a history dating back to 1909, and it’s the only base in the US. that provides Total Force Training. During World War II, the fort was one of the country’s top training camps and hosted a vast prison for the prisoners of war. 

Asbestos exposure significantly contributed to veterans’ deteriorating health

While in the military, veterans worked and lived near materials containing asbestos, unaware of the danger they represented. Asbestos breaks into microscopic particles when disturbed, forming fine dust that may float in the air for hours. These tiny threads are easy to inhale or ingest, and once inside the body, they cause permanent damage to the tissue of major organs and are the culprits of devastating diseases. 

Asbestos-related illnesses manifest symptoms only after decades beyond the initial exposure. Even if veterans may not have experienced health problems during their service, some of them have to deal with the consequences of asbestos exposure when they are diagnosed with illnesses stemming from it, like mesothelioma, asbestosis, lung cancer, or other severe respiratory conditions. According to the CDC, the mesothelioma death rate in Wisconsin is 11.4 per 1 million people, which is significantly higher than the national average.

The ongoing struggle for health after asbestos exposure

Although many years have passed since the US Armed Forces used asbestos, veterans who were in contact with this toxic material during their service now have to fight for their health. Many must face the fact that their asbestos disease 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 Wisconsin ranking 28th for the rate of new lung cancer cases and 16th in the country for deaths linked to asbestos exposure, veterans should act immediately and call their doctor for an appointment. Timely detection is crucial when faced with asbestos-related diseases because it considerably improves treatment results and prolongs life expectancy. That is why former service members should proactively protect their health through periodic health check-ups, learn their legal rights, and promote awareness.

Scheduling regular health check-ups and, while there, being upfront with doctors about military service and potential asbestos exposure are all essential steps. Inhaled asbestos fibers damage the lungs first, so veterans should request chest X-rays or CT scans and pulmonary function (breathing) tests. These noninvasive tests reveal any injury caused by the asbestos fibers and are reliable in diagnosing benign and malignant asbestos conditions.

Veterans who know they’ve worked in an asbestos-contaminated environment or those who suspect they’ve been exposed 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.

Vets can play an essential role in raising awareness by sharing their knowledge about asbestos exposure risks with their communities and fellow servicemen and women. Being open about their experiences can facilitate passing vital information to others who fought for our country

Help for Wisconsin veterans and their families through the PACT Act

In 2022, the 117th Congress enacted the PACT Act. (Its formal name is The Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act of 2022.) The new law aimed to improve health care and compensations for veterans exposed to toxic substances and was supported by Wisconsin Sen. Tammy Baldwin. The Act extends eligibility for VA 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 toxic-exposed veterans will be eligible for extended VA benefits. Since the passage of the PACT Act, over 4 million veterans have been screened for toxic exposure, and nearly 350,000 US citizens have been approved for expanded benefits. In Wisconsin, approximately 15,000 veterans have filed PACT Act claims, and over 6,600 veterans received expanded benefits.

There is a link to more information about the PACT Act at the website for the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs: https://dva.wi.gov.

Related: New VA program to help more than 40,000 veterans stay in their homes