1. Introduction
Asbestos exposure among U.S. military personnel has emerged as one of the most devastating legacies of 20th-century defense policy. Once lauded for its fireproof qualities and durability, asbestos was used extensively across military installations, ships, aircraft, and vehicles from the 1930s through the late 1970s. However, as the years passed, a grim reality emerged—exposure to this mineral led to thousands of veterans suffering from mesothelioma, asbestosis, and other life-threatening conditions.
Despite increasing evidence of its health risks, many veterans were left unprotected due to slow regulatory action, lack of warnings, and widespread use in essential military equipment. Today, veterans account for nearly 30% of all mesothelioma deaths in the U.S., a disproportionately high number compared to their civilian counterparts (VA.gov).
This article explores why the military continued using asbestos long after its dangers were known, highlights key findings on military asbestos exposure, and offers strategic insights for stakeholders, policymakers, and affected veterans.
2. Background & Context
The U.S. military’s heavy reliance on asbestos began in the 1930s, driven by its low cost, resistance to heat and corrosion, and wide availability. It was especially valued by the U.S. Navy, where the risk of fire aboard ships made fire-retardant materials critical. Everything from boiler rooms to gaskets, insulation, flooring, and fireproof blankets contained asbestos (NIH).
While civilian awareness of asbestos-related diseases began to rise in the 1950s and 60s, the military continued its use due to logistical constraints and inertia. Internal documents suggest that some defense contractors and policymakers were aware of the risks, but these warnings were downplayed or ignored (Asbestos.com).
Even after the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) began regulating asbestos in the 1970s, the military lagged behind in replacing old materials. Moreover, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) did not begin formally recognizing asbestos-related conditions for disability benefits until decades later, leaving many veterans without compensation or medical support.
3. Key Highlights from the Report
Widespread Asbestos Use in All Military Branches
Asbestos use was pervasive across all branches of the U.S. military, but especially in the Navy. According to a detailed analysis by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), Navy veterans who served between 1930 and 1980 faced the highest exposure risk (NIOSH Study). Ships contained hundreds of asbestos-containing components, many of which were handled daily by sailors and shipyard workers.
The Army, Air Force, and Marines also utilized asbestos in vehicles, barracks, aircraft, and power plants. Mechanics, electricians, and construction engineers were particularly vulnerable.
Lack of Protective Measures and Training
Veterans report receiving little to no protective equipment or safety training when working with asbestos-containing materials. In many cases, they inhaled fibers unknowingly during ship maintenance, vehicle repairs, or construction duties. Even those who were not directly handling asbestos were exposed to secondary contamination through clothing or shared living quarters.
Disproportionate Impact on Blue-Collar Enlisted Personnel
Enlisted personnel and non-commissioned officers (NCOs) bore the brunt of asbestos exposure. These individuals often performed manual maintenance and repair duties that involved direct asbestos contact, whereas higher-ranking officers were relatively shielded. This disparity highlights systemic inequalities in workplace safety protections across military ranks (Military.com).
Long-Term Health Consequences
The latency period for asbestos-related diseases can be as long as 20 to 50 years, meaning many veterans did not begin to exhibit symptoms until after retirement. Common conditions include:
- Mesothelioma: An aggressive cancer affecting the lining of the lungs or abdomen.
- Asbestosis: Chronic scarring of lung tissue.
- Pleural plaques and effusions: Non-cancerous but painful lung issues.
The Veterans Affairs (VA) currently recognizes mesothelioma and asbestosis as service-connected conditions eligible for compensation, but proving exposure remains a challenge for many due to incomplete service records (VA Disability Compensation).
Legal and Financial Hurdles
Although veterans can pursue VA benefits and asbestos trust fund claims, many face legal barriers. Trust funds established by bankrupt asbestos manufacturers often require extensive documentation, which can be difficult for older veterans to produce. Additionally, VA disability claims are often delayed or denied, creating emotional and financial burdens for affected families.
4. Deep Dive on Top Vendors
Several corporations played a major role in supplying asbestos-containing materials to the U.S. military. These vendors not only manufactured products for military use but also lobbied against regulations and in many cases failed to disclose known health risks.
Johns-Manville Corporation
One of the largest asbestos manufacturers in the U.S., Johns-Manville provided insulation, roofing, and pipe materials to military installations and naval yards. Internal memos from the 1970s show that company executives were aware of asbestos hazards but chose to continue sales without warning labels (Johns-Manville Documents).
Owens-Corning Fiberglas
This company supplied asbestos insulation and fireproofing materials used aboard Navy ships and in Air Force hangars. Owens-Corning was a defendant in thousands of asbestos lawsuits and contributed over $5 billion to the asbestos bankruptcy trust fund (Owens Corning Trust).
Raybestos-Manhattan Inc.
Raybestos manufactured brake pads, gaskets, and clutches used in military vehicles and aircraft. Despite knowing the risks, the company did not inform military buyers of potential health impacts. Their components were frequently used in Army jeeps, tanks, and helicopters, contributing to widespread exposure among mechanics and pilots (Asbestos Trusts).
U.S. Government Contractors
Beyond major corporations, hundreds of smaller Department of Defense contractors were involved in the production and installation of asbestos-containing products. These contractors were often shielded from lawsuits under the government contractor defense, a legal doctrine that limits liability when performing government-ordered work (Cornell Law).
5. Strategic Takeaways for Buyers
For Veterans and Families
Veterans affected by asbestos exposure should pursue both VA benefits and asbestos trust fund claims. It’s critical to gather detailed service records, especially any documentation linking their duties to shipyard work, construction, or maintenance roles. Several nonprofit organizations assist with this documentation, including the Mesothelioma Veterans Center (mesotheliomaveterans.org).
For Legal Professionals
Attorneys representing veterans should be aware of the complex intersection between military service records, trust fund eligibility, and VA regulations. Building strong cases often involves collaborating with medical experts and historians to establish causation and occupational context.
For Policymakers
There is an urgent need for more proactive legislative protections and compensation pathways for veterans. Policies should:
- Expand automatic eligibility for certain military roles and years of service.
- Mandate expedited VA claims processing for asbestos-related conditions.
- Increase funding for mesothelioma research and early detection.
6. Future Outlook or Market Trends
Shifting Toward Preventative Policies
The Department of Defense has largely phased out asbestos use in new construction and retrofits, but legacy asbestos materials remain in older ships and buildings. A growing push for comprehensive asbestos abatement is emerging, although budget constraints continue to slow progress.
Advancements in Medical Treatment
Breakthroughs in immunotherapy and targeted radiation therapy are offering new hope for veterans diagnosed with mesothelioma. Leading cancer centers like MD Anderson and Brigham and Women’s Hospital are actively researching new treatments specifically for military patients (National Cancer Institute).
Increase in Claims and Litigation
With the aging Vietnam-era and Cold War veteran populations now entering their 70s and 80s, the number of asbestos-related claims is expected to surge in the next decade. Legal experts anticipate new class actions and pressure on Congress to streamline the VA compensation system.
7. Conclusion + Call to Action (CTA)
Asbestos exposure in the U.S. military represents a profound betrayal of the servicemembers who dedicated their lives to protecting the nation. Decades of institutional inertia, corporate negligence, and policy failures left veterans vulnerable to one of the most lethal occupational hazards of the 20th century.
Today, the challenge is twofold: to hold responsible parties accountable and to ensure that affected veterans receive the care and compensation they deserve. If you or a loved one served in the military and have been diagnosed with an asbestos-related illness, don’t wait. Seek help through the VA, contact an experienced attorney, and explore asbestos trust fund resources.
