Asbestos Exposure in the U.S. Military
Military personnel face many risks in service to our country—but one of the most dangerous was often invisible. For decades, asbestos was widely used across all branches of the U.S. military in ships, vehicles, aircraft, and buildings.
From the 1930s through the 1980s, asbestos was considered a “miracle material” because it was heat-resistant, durable, and inexpensive. During World War II and the Cold War era, its use expanded significantly—especially in naval vessels and military infrastructure.
As a result, military personnel were exposed not only during combat operations, but also in their daily duties on base, aboard ships, and in maintenance roles.
Why Asbestos Exposure Still Affects Veterans Today
Asbestos exposure is particularly dangerous because of its long latency period. Diseases such as mesothelioma, lung cancer, and other respiratory conditions can take 20 to 50 years to develop.
Many veterans who were exposed decades ago are only now receiving diagnoses—often long after their military service has ended. This delay can make it difficult to identify when and where the exposure occurred.
Military Roles at Highest Risk of Asbestos Exposure
According to research from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, certain military roles carried a significantly higher risk of asbestos exposure.
High-risk groups include:
- Service members involved in construction or demolition of older structures
- Those handling damaged asbestos-containing materials (ACMs)
- Navy personnel serving on ships built before the early 1980s
- Shipyard workers and maintenance crews from the 1930s through the 1990s
- Pipefitters, welders, and boiler operators
- Building renovation and demolition specialists
- Personnel working in engine rooms or below deck areas
- Service members tasked with removing or repairing insulation materials
Even indirect exposure was common, especially in enclosed or poorly ventilated environments.
Branches of the Military Most Affected
Navy and Coast Guard Veterans
Members of the United States Navy and United States Coast Guard faced the highest levels of asbestos exposure.
Nearly every naval vessel built before the 1980s contained asbestos in:
- Boiler rooms
- Engine compartments
- Pipe insulation
- Electrical systems
Below-deck environments often had limited ventilation, which increased the concentration of airborne asbestos fibers. Crew members working in these areas could inhale fibers daily over extended periods.
Army, Air Force, and Marine Corps Veterans
While the risk was especially high in naval service, asbestos exposure affected all branches, including the United States Army, United States Air Force, and United States Marine Corps.
Common exposure sources included:
- Vehicle brake pads and gaskets
- Aircraft components and insulation
- Base housing and barracks
- Older buildings undergoing maintenance or renovation
Mechanics, maintenance crews, and construction personnel were particularly at risk, but exposure could occur simply by living or working in older facilities.
Military Bases and Locations with Higher Exposure Risk
Asbestos was used extensively at military installations across the United States. While exposure could occur anywhere, certain bases and shipyard-connected locations are more commonly associated with higher risk:
- San Diego, CA
- Long Beach, CA
- Bremerton, WA
- Norfolk, VA
- Jacksonville, FL
- Great Lakes Naval Training Center – IL
- Fort Jackson – SC
Additionally, veterans who served overseas—particularly in areas with damaged or aging infrastructure, such as parts of Iraq—may have encountered asbestos in crumbling buildings and debris.
Secondary and Environmental Exposure
Not all exposure occurred directly on the job. Some veterans experienced secondary exposure, including:
- Bringing asbestos fibers home on clothing
- Living in military housing with asbestos materials
- Working in shared environments where asbestos was disturbed
Family members of service members may also have been exposed through contaminated clothing and materials.
Connecting Military Service to Asbestos-Related Illness
Establishing a connection between military service and an asbestos-related illness is an important step in pursuing benefits and compensation.
Veterans may qualify for benefits through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs if they can show:
- A diagnosed asbestos-related condition, and
- Documented exposure during military service
Even if exposure occurred outside of service, veterans may still be eligible for certain medical benefits.
Because these cases often involve exposure from decades earlier, documentation such as service records, job duties, and medical history plays a critical role.
How Madeksho Law Can Help
For more than 50 years, Madeksho Law has represented individuals and families affected by asbestos exposure. The firm has helped clients nationwide pursue accountability and recover compensation from responsible companies.
If you or a loved one served in the military and have been diagnosed with mesothelioma or another asbestos-related illness, you may have legal options.
Call 888-910-MESO (6376) for a free case evaluation or contact us online. There is never a fee unless we recover compensation on your behalf.
