Over the last century, the U.S. armed forces resorted to asbestos-containing products as WWII demanded accessible materials to make military equipment. Asbestos was abundant in the markets, and its low price made it the material of choice for the military industry.

All five military branches used these durable products and, as a result, many service members were exposed to this toxic mineral, 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 reflects the health risks they assumed, in addition to the challenges of service. Many of them now have fragile health and may have to deal with severe asbestos diseases stemming from their military years.

Asbestos in bases throughout the state

Asbestos was overly used in most industries, including the military, and nobody considered asbestos dust a health threat. It is why the risk of developing asbestos illnesses remains an issue for all veterans who might have the toxic fibers in their lungs, including those among the large veteran community in Maricopa County, including Fountain Hills veterans.

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 on military bases throughout the country. Toxic contaminants represent health and environmental risks on military sites, and exposure to these hazardous substances is a severe issue requiring more attention, investigation and, in most cases, immediate action after discovery.

Arizona is home to seven military bases; Maricopa County hosts Luke Air Force Base, called "Home of the Fighter Pilot," and the most essential base in the U.S. to train and help graduate more than 12,000 pilots annually throughout World War II. Arizona also hosts Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Tucson, an area with many military and retired personnel residents, and the Arizona National Guard Recruiting forces, with roots dating back to 1636, training Guard Soldiers to defend their community and country.

A devastating impact on veterans’ health

While in the military, veterans worked and lived near asbestos materials, unaware of the danger they represented. If disturbed, asbestos breaks into microscopic particles, forming dust that may remain in the air for hours. It’s the white dust many veterans remember. The sharp-edged microscopic asbestos threads are easy to inhale or ingest; once inside the body, they cause permanent damage to the tissue of major organs and generate life-altering diseases.

One of the most terrible aspects of asbestos conditions is the decades-long latency period from the initial exposure. While veterans may not have experienced health issues during their service, some of them have to deal with the effects of asbestos exposure when they are diagnosed with diseases linked to it, like mesothelioma, asbestosis, lung cancer, or other severe respiratory conditions.

With Arizona ranking seventh among all states for lung cancer and 17th in the country for asbestos-related deaths, veterans should schedule periodic check-ups to monitor their health. Timely detection is crucial in asbestos-related illnesses 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 and learn their legal rights.

Attending regular health check-ups and, while there, being forthcoming with doctors about military service and potential asbestos exposure are vital steps. Inhaled asbestos fibers affect the lungs first, so veterans should undergo 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 served in an asbestos-contaminated environment or those who suspect they’ve been exposed during the military years 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 help raise awareness by sharing their knowledge about asbestos exposure risks. Openly speaking about their experiences can pass vital information to others who fought for our country.

PACT Act helps Arizona veterans and their families

In 2022, the 117th U.S. Congress enacted the Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act of 2022, known as the PACT Act. The new law aimed to improve health care and compensations for veterans exposed to toxic substances. 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.

Thanks to this new law, approximately 3.5 million toxic-exposed veterans will be eligible for extended V.A. 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 Arizona, approximately 20,000 veterans have filed PACT Act claims, and over 8,000 veterans received expanded benefits. Arizona veterans can consult more information by accessing https://dvs.az.gov/.

Cristina Johnson is a Navy veteran advocate for Asbestos Ships Organization, a nonprofit whose primary mission is to raise awareness and educate veterans about the dangers of asbestos exposure on Navy ships and assist them in navigating the VA claims process.