Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Information On Asbestos Illnesses For Veterans

By Ray Cleeves


Experts advise that asbestos illnesses are predicted to climb during the next twenty to thirty years. Asbestosis and lung cancer are forms of Mesothelioma, all of which are contracted through asbestos exposure. Put simply, Mesothelioma is cancer which affects the layers of lubricating tissue, (mesothelium), lining the lungs, the heart, the chest and abdominal cavities.

It has been proven that Mesothelioma claims many lives annually. This trend will continue as the number of people affected by asbestos exposure is diagnosed. The disease will affect those exposed to asbestos through inhalation or ingestion, especially at work, from approximately 1940 until the late 1970's.

It is interesting to note that many Veterans present with Asbestosis and Mesothelioma due to their exposure to asbestos while serving in the forces. Those stationed aboard ships and those working in shipyards seem to be the most severely affected. It is surprising to discover that those serving on ships were exposed to asbestos even during sleep because their cots lay under asbestos-coated pipes.

Since symptoms do not seem to present until several years and even decades after exposure, a public charity has been established to help veterans and their families cope with this devastating disease. The charity is called AVAIL (Asbestos Veterans Assistance Information League). The AVAIL website provides an abundance of accurate information and links for those with questions about the history, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment centers and options for Asbestosis and Mesothelioma.

AVAIL's website educates suffers about Mesothelioma claims due to the fact that this disease is contracted mainly in the workplace.In addition, it provides information about early detection.

Since it was discovered that asbestos, (a naturally occurring element), caused severe health issues, laws have been created curbing, and in most cases preventing, the use of asbestos in buildings and construction materials. Previously asbestos was unsurpassed as the most commonly used material due to its strength and its ability to retain heat yet resist fire. For example, fire resistant clothing and even oven gloves were made from asbestos.

Health problems began to surface, as a direct result of asbestos inhalation. Asbestos fibres cannot be expelled from the lungs once inhaled through breathing. The onset of several diseases occurs once the asbestos fibres, a form of silicate, begin building up in the lungs or the mesothelium tissue surrounding the lungs and heart, etc.

The cancer symptoms might not surface for years after exposure; however, the disease may have progressed to a terminal stage even before a patient presents for diagnosis. Education and early detection is so vitally important for this reason. The three most common asbestos related diseases are: Mesthelioma, asbestosis and lung cancer. Symptoms will include wheezing, coughing, lung-tissue scarring, chest pain, shortness of breath and anemia.

For Veterans, information about Mesothelioma claims and benefits can be found by seeking out information on Veterans Affairs (VA) Claims websites. Medical and financial assistance information can be found there for veterans suffering from asbestos illnesses. In addition, there will be information on benefits allowed for survivors of deceased veterans.

There is also a government board of appeal for any veteran suffering from asbestos exposure which can provide legal counsel or, at least, information pertaining to illnesses acquired as a result of asbestos exposure during term of service.




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