Louisiana Navy Veterans & Asbestos

Louisiana Navy Veterans are among those who faced a significant risk for asbestos exposure. The use of asbestos containing products in the US Navy has a long and significant history, spanning several decades. During the peak of its usage, which lasted from the early 20th century through the mid-1970s, many Navy ships were constructed with asbestos-containing materials integrated into their infrastructure. This included battleships to aircraft carriers and submarines to support vessels. The Navy's extensive reliance on asbestos was particularly prevalent during World War II and the subsequent years of heightened military activity. Countless Navy personnel in Louisiana were exposed to asbestos daily, often in confined spaces with little ventilation, with no warning about the significant health risks associated with asbestos exposure.

Asbestos, valued for its heat resistance and insulating properties, was commonly used in various components of naval ships, including insulation, piping, gaskets, and fireproofing materials. Its widespread use was largely due to its affordability and effectiveness in safeguarding ships and personnel from fire-related hazards. Asbestos was used in Louisiana Navy ships for decades before the dangers of mesothelioma, cancer and asbestosis were known.

The Risks of Asbestos Exposure for Louisiana Navy Veterans

While asbestos may have seemed like an ideal solution at the time, it unfortunately posed significant risks to the health and well-being of Louisiana Navy members. Upon disturbance or damage, materials containing asbestos can release microscopic fibers into the air. Louisiana Navy Veterans who worked in these conditions likely inhaled or ingested airborne asbestos fibers. The fibers travel to the lungs and abdomen, become lodged there, and remain intact for decades. Over time, asbestos fibers cause inflammation and scarring, and can result in lung cancer, stomach cancer, mesothelioma, and various other forms of cancer, as well as asbestosis.

Due to the long latency period of asbestos-related diseases, many Louisiana Navy Veterans who were exposed decades ago may only now be experiencing symptoms and receiving diagnoses. This delayed onset can be attributed to the fact that it can take several decades for these diseases to manifest after asbestos exposure. As a result, many Louisiana Veterans who served in the Navy during the peak years of asbestos usage are now facing serious health challenges.

Asbestos Exposure on Louisiana Navy Ships

The risk of asbestos exposure varied significantly across different areas of old Navy ships in Louisiana, corresponding to the intensity of asbestos usage and the nature of activities carried out. These areas can be categorized into high, medium, and low-risk, based on the potential for exposure and the consequent health risks.

High-risk asbestos exposure areas for Louisiana Navy Veterans included engine rooms, boiler rooms, propulsion rooms, pulp rooms, and machinery spaces. Asbestos was extensively used in these sections for insulation to protect against high temperatures and fires. Personnel working in these areas, often in close proximity to asbestos-containing materials, were at substantial risk of inhaling or ingesting asbestos fibers, especially during repairs, maintenance, or damage control activities that disturbed the asbestos.

Medium-risk but still dangerous areas for Louisiana Navy Veterans and asbestos exposure included turrets, ward rooms, powder and shot magazines, and other armament areas. These areas were typically lined with asbestos containing materials to reduce fire hazards and improve structural integrity. Although these areas utilized asbestos less intensively than engine or boiler rooms, asbestos-containing materials were still present in components like piping, gaskets, and insulation within walls or ceilings.

Low-risk areas on Louisiana Navy ships included mess decks, the captain's sea cabin, the admiral's cabin, junior officers' quarters, the sick bay, bathing space, galley, reefer, and other non-mechanical sections. Exposure to asbestos in these areas was minimal for those serving in the Navy in Louisiana, as asbestos was predominantly used inside the ship for its insulation and fire-resistant properties. Nonetheless, no area on board a ship could be considered risk-free, especially if asbestos-containing materials were disturbed.

Louisiana Navy Personnel at Greatest Risk of Asbestos Exposure

Those at greatest risk of asbestos exposure aboard old Navy ships in Louisiana were those whose roles required frequent, direct interaction with the ship's infrastructure, particularly in high and medium-risk areas. This includes but is not limited to:

• Engine Room Workers: Personnel tasked with operating and maintaining the engines were in constant contact with asbestos insulation around pipes, boilers, and turbines.
• Boiler Technicians: Those responsible for maintaining and repairing the ship's boilers were especially at risk, as these areas were heavily insulated with asbestos to withstand high temperatures.
• Damage Controlmen: These individuals were often exposed to disturbed asbestos when repairing damage to the ship, especially if the ship's insulation was impacted.
• Shipyard Workers: Personnel involved in the construction, overhaul, or decommissioning of ships were likely to encounter asbestos, particularly during cutting, fitting, or removal of asbestos-containing materials.

Compensation for Louisiana Navy Veterans Affected by Asbestos Exposure

In recognition of the sacrifices made by Navy veterans in Louisiana and their asbestos exposure, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers compensation for those who have been diagnosed with asbestos-related diseases. Veterans can file VA claims for disability benefits, which can provide financial assistance for medical treatment and other related expenses, in addition to other possible forms of compensation. Contact an attorney to learn more about Veterans Benefits and other legal options.