Aviation Electronics Technicians and Asbestos Exposure

Asbestos use became crucial in the military during World War II, especially shipbuilding. The material's unique properties, like fire and chemical resistance, made it invaluable for protecting personnel and equipment. Consequently, asbestos production in the U.S. skyrocketed, and manufacturers took full advantage of the surging demands and ignored the health concerns in favor of their financial gains.

It led to asbestos being liberally applied in every military branch and to severe health consequences for service members and civilian workers in the decades following the war. The Navy relied heavily on asbestos, incorporating the material in most of its vessels, from battleships to submarines, to ensure an environment free from fire hazards. Thus, naval personnel, including aviation electronics technicians (AT), were at an exceedingly high risk of asbestos exposure.

Asbestos breaks with wear and tear over time, releasing microscopic fibers into the air. It's the white dust many veterans remember covering various surfaces on the ships they served on. Asbestos dust can float in the air for hours and pose the risk of inhaling or ingesting the tiny fibers. Once in the body, the sharp-edged asbestos particles attach to the lining of major organs and embed in it, causing severe diseases decades after service. In many cases, asbestos fibers are the root of malignant illnesses such as:

• pharyngeal cancer
• colorectal cancer
• mesothelioma
• laryngeal cancer
• esophageal cancer
• urogenital cancer
• bronchial cancer
• lung cancer
• gastrointestinal cancer

Navy veterans diagnosed with these cancers may be eligible to file claims and be compensated if their medical papers state such a diagnosis and they have proof of asbestos exposure.

Service Onboard Aircraft Carriers Carried the Risk of Asbestos Exposure

Duty onboard Navy carriers built before the 1980s meant working and living around asbestos daily, potentially surrounded by its toxic dust. Without their awareness, it endangered the health of personnel because airborne asbestos particles could float in the air for an extended period, and most ships had poor air circulation.

Moreover, naval vessels were built with more than 300 asbestos products, so avoiding exposure was impossible. Among those routinely exposed were aviation electronics technicians (AT). The rating traces its origin to World War II, with the establishment of the aviation radio technician rating in 1942 and absorbing the aviation electronicsman rating in 1955. At one time, ATs were further subdivided into the following groups:

• radio and navigation
• radar and navigation
• ordnance and airborne CIC

ATs performed duties at sea and ashore, maintaining all aviation electronic systems, sometimes working indoors, under the deck, or outdoors on the flight deck of aircraft carriers. Their responsibilities included troubleshooting, repairing every component, and preparing each aircraft for successful launching and mission success. ATs worked closely with others in performing:

• electrical diagnostics
• electrical system diagram readings
• power generator and electric motor repair and maintenance
• scheduled maintenance and corrosion control

Regular Check-Ups Can Facilitate a Timely Diagnosis

Discovering and diagnosing asbestos diseases is difficult due to their latency period of up to 50 years. Because of this long developing period, veterans are often diagnosed when their illness has reached advanced stages. It considerably reduces veterans' chances of receiving timely care and adequate help. It is why former naval personnel should have regular check-ups. Veterans should request chest X-rays or CT scans along with pulmonary function tests immediately when experiencing the following symptoms:

• shortness of breath
• chest pain
• chest tightness
• wheezing
• dizziness
• fatigue
• unintentional weight loss
• persistent dry cough
• pain with inspiration
• respiratory system complications

Asbestos-related diseases are complex, and misdiagnosis cases are frequent, as most doctors will likely misinterpret the signs. To ensure an accurate health evaluation and a correct diagnosis, you should consult a pulmonary specialist qualified to treat lung diseases caused by longtime asbestos exposure. Additionally, a second or a third doctor's opinion outside the VA is of great help, as asbestos illnesses often have symptoms resembling common health conditions. You can significantly help the diagnostic process by informing your doctor about the military service and possible asbestos exposure on the ships. A thorough evaluation may uncover non-cancerous diseases due to asbestos exposure, such as:

• pulmonary fibrosis
• asbestosis
• recurrent pneumonia
• emphysema
• rounded atelectasis
• chronic bronchitis
• pleural effusion
• pleural plaques
• pleural thickening
• COPD
• lung nodules and spots
• asthma

Even if these illnesses don't qualify a veteran for compensation, they should be kept under observation because they tend to develop into cancer. Regular medical examinations can discover cancerous conditions in incipient phases, and a cancer diagnosis will make a veteran eligible for claims.

Assisting Veterans in Receiving the Compensation They Deserve

Navy veterans who fulfilled duty on ships built before the 1980s are at a high risk of developing incapacitating diseases due to asbestos exposure during service. Many may have yet to be informed about the dangers of asbestos products on naval vessels and that they were routinely exposed.

Veterans diagnosed with cancer stemming from toxic exposure may qualify to file claims and receive financial compensation if they can provide proof of service connection. We can assist by connecting you with attorneys who can help you successfully claim the indemnification you deserve.