The Department of Veteran Affairs here in the United States has released information regarding the above average diagnosis rates of mesothelioma in military personnel which may have been caused by their service for the country. For years now we have known that mesothelioma is a cancer caused by exposure to asbestos decades prior to a diagnosis. Only recently though has the military been seen as a possible culprit.
Usually mesothelioma takes decades to appear in the human body after the exposure to asbestos, which has been used within the military for some time up until only 15-20 years ago or so. Having said this, the Navy has a particularly high risk of the cancer, as many of the components of naval ships used asbestos in the past. Insulation around pipes, sleeping quarters, and ventilation units all used to have asbestos in them. The material is known for it's insulation properties as well as the fact that it is inflammable.
In light of the recent data provided within the military, they are allowing any veterans who have developed mesothelioma from there service in the military to apply for Veteran Affairs benefits. It is important that all service men and women who think that they may have been in contact with asbestos, seek yearly checkups for signs of mesothelioma.
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