The Air Force, Asbestos, and Mesothelioma

The U.S. Air Force used asbestos throughout bases, aircraft, and vehicles. Many Air Force veterans were exposed to asbestos and developed an asbestos-related disease, while more are still at risk of developing lung cancer, asbestosis, and mesothelioma. VA benefits are available to those who qualify.

If you or a loved one were diagnosed with mesothelioma, asbestos-related lung cancer, or asbestosis, you might be entitled to substantial compensation. We invite you to fill out our form today for a free Financial Compensation Packet, filled with information about experienced mesothelioma lawyers in your area, how to get paid in 90 days, how to file an asbestos trust fund claim and much more. 

Are Air Force Veterans at Risk for Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is a rare cancer caused by asbestos exposure. Approximately 3,000 Americans are diagnosed with mesothelioma every year. Thirty percent of people diagnosed with mesothelioma are veterans, including U.S. Air Force veterans.

This high proportion of veterans with mesothelioma is a result of the heavy use of asbestos in all military branches for several decades.

The military used asbestos for its insulating properties. It was cheap and abundant and could be used in ships, aircraft, buildings, vehicles, and equipment to insulate and protect against fire.

The military no longer uses asbestos and has abated much of it from existing equipment and structures. But, the latency period of mesothelioma is long, and veterans are still at risk of diagnosis.

Veterans may experience a long latency period before mesothelioma symptoms become apparent. This period can span anywhere from 10 to 50 years. As a result, many veterans only discover their condition decades after their military service, given the disease’s protracted development timeline.

Are Air Force Veterans at Risk for Other Asbestos Illnesses?

Yes, asbestos exposure during service can cause mesothelioma but also several other illnesses:

• Lung cancer
• Other cancers
• Asbestosis

How Did the U.S. Air Force Use Asbestos?

Established in 1947 by the National Security Act, the U.S. Air Force is the aerial warfare branch of the military and the youngest of the nation’s armed forces. Originally part of the U.S. Army and operating under various names from 1907 to 1947, the Air Force has participated in many military and humanitarian operations.

Asbestos use throughout the U.S. and the military peaked during the early years of the Air Force and continued for decades.

The U.S. government became one of the asbestos industry’s largest customers. Every branch of the military wanted to protect personnel, facilities, and equipment from fire, extreme heat, and electric shocks. At the time, asbestos was touted as a safe and efficient fire and heat-resistance mineral.

Every air base built between 1907 and 1980 was constructed with ACMs. This includes facilities set up when the Air Force was a semi-independent organization within the Army.

The most extensive use of asbestos occurred between 1939 and the early 1970s, which coincided with the Army Air Force’s expansion during World War II, the establishment of the independent service, and the Cold War.

Peak Use of Asbestos By the Air Force During World War II

To understand the magnitude of the Air Force’s asbestos problem, it is important to remember that by July of 1944, the then-Army Air Forces operated 79,908 aircraft and had 2.4 million members.

During World War II, the Air Force built hundreds of bases in the U.S. and overseas, using asbestos in many areas while expanding those already in existence.

While not all Air Force veterans who served in the 1940s suffered from the effects of asbestos-related diseases, many were put at risk.

Post-World War II Asbestos Use in the Air Force

During post-World War II, the independent Air Force still had many bases and installations that contained asbestos. Further, many aircraft built between 1947 and 1980 included parts made with ACMs.

Starting in 1973, studies by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) officially linked asbestos exposure to lung cancer, asbestosis, and malignant mesothelioma.

The Defense Department stopped using asbestos and ACMs for new construction and in Air Force equipment in 1980, but many older installations still contain large amounts of the cancer-causing material.

Where Did the Air Force Use Asbestos?

The Air Force used asbestos for decades for its ability to insulate and protect against fire. The most important uses were in buildings and aircraft.

Asbestos in Air Force Bases and Housing

Construction is one of the industries that used the most asbestos materials for both civilian and military buildings. Many Air Force buildings were constructed with asbestos in:

• Insulation
• Siding
• Roofing materials
• Drywall
• Caulking
• Adhesives
• Soundproofing
• Cement
• Vinyl flooring

Asbestos that is well contained and maintained poses no risks. However, the men and women who installed these items were at risk of exposure. Anyone working near these materials as they deteriorate can also be exposed.

Some Air Force bases contained so much asbestos that they became ongoing health hazards that required cleanup. One example is Lowry Air Force Base in Denver, Colorado, which has risked contaminating nearby residents with toxic chemicals and asbestos.

How Secondhand Asbestos Exposure Affects Air Force Families and Civilians

When Air Force veterans came into contact with asbestos-contaminated products, they often unknowingly carried asbestos dust on their clothing or belongings. This dust could easily be transferred to family members at home. As a result, loved ones faced significant health risks, including asbestosis, mesothelioma, and other asbestos-related diseases.

The danger wasn’t limited to military families. Civilians living and working near contaminated Air Force bases, like Lowry, also faced potential exposure. These communities were at risk because of their proximity to areas with high levels of asbestos contamination.

The presence of asbestos at these bases not only posed a direct threat to the personnel stationed there but also extended to the broader communities, making it a public health concern. The impact of secondhand exposure highlights the need for comprehensive cleanup efforts to protect both military and civilian populations.

To effectively manage asbestos risks, Air Force bases must follow strict protocols. These guidelines, first developed in 1986 by the USAF Occupational and Environmental Health Laboratory, align with Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standards for minimizing asbestos exposure.

Key actions required include:

• Regular Monitoring: Bases must conduct air sampling every six months to detect any airborne asbestos particles.
• Asbestos Abatement Plans: It is essential for each base to implement and maintain a robust asbestos abatement plan to address any identified issues promptly.

In 2014, further directives enhanced these requirements. The Air Force Policy Directives (AFPD) 32-10 and 32-70 established comprehensive asbestos management principles. These directives ensure that all Air Force facilities and programs maintain consistent asbestos management practices.

However, adhering to these protocols remains crucial, as some bases have fallen behind in compliance, according to a 2020 Department of Defense report. Neglect in these areas can continue to pose significant health risks to Air Force personnel.

Aircraft and Asbestos

The Air Force is known for its aircraft. Aircraft used in the military contained asbestos in:

• Brakes
• Fireproofing materials
• Gaskets
• Heat shields
• Valves

Mechanics who worked on these aircraft were at the greatest risk of asbestos exposure. When they repaired or replaced parts, they disturbed the materials, setting asbestos fibers loose that they could have inhaled. Anyone who worked near mechanics was also at risk.

Are Current Members of the Air Force at Risk of Asbestos Exposure?

Although the military no longer actively uses asbestos, it continues to be an ongoing risk for men and women serving in the Air Force. Asbestos lingers, especially in buildings where it can expose service members and their families.

• Natural disasters can create issues anywhere asbestos exists in buildings. In 2019, flooding at Offutt Air Force Base in Nebraska caused structural damage to buildings. This disturbed asbestos and put airmen at risk of exposure.

• Sometimes, the danger comes from people violating safety or environmental laws. In 2021, employees of Balfour Beatty Communities, a private company that provides housing in the military, covered up information about poor housing conditions on Air Force bases. Their actions were fraudulent and put airmen and their families at risk of exposure to asbestos and other harmful substances.

Regulations and Guidelines Safeguarding Air Force Veterans from Asbestos

Over the years, a variety of national regulations and guidelines have been designed to shield Air Force veterans from the dangers of asbestos exposure. These measures primarily aim to detect asbestos risks and ensure its safe removal.

Key Historical Regulations and Guidelines

• 1986 Guidelines by the USAF Occupational and Environmental Health Laboratory: This initiative established safety protocols for identifying asbestos-related hazards on Air Force bases. These guidelines were crafted following the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standards, emphasizing the restriction of asbestos exposure.
• Air Sampling and Abatement Plans: Air Force bases were instructed to conduct air samples biannually to monitor airborne asbestos levels. Additionally, each base needed to implement an asbestos abatement strategy to manage potential threats.

Policy Directives for Enhanced Safety

In 2014, the Air Force rolled out two crucial policy directives aimed at bolstering asbestos management:

1. AFPD 32-10: Focused on Installations and Facilities, ensuring that structures were maintained free from asbestos risks.
2. AFPD 32-70: Pertained to Environmental Quality, highlighting comprehensive asbestos management across all Air Force operations.

While these directives set a robust framework for safe asbestos handling, as per a 2020 report, not all bases fully adhere to these standards. Continued vigilance is necessary to prevent any risk of exposure to Air Force personnel.

What Mesothelioma Benefits Do Air Force Veterans Qualify For?

Qualifying veterans and their families have access to several types of compensation and benefits through the VA:

• Disability compensation. This type of benefit provides monthly compensation based on the severity of the disability. The VA gives mesothelioma a disability rating of 100%. Qualifying veterans are entitled to maximum compensation.
• Special Monthly Compensation. Veterans who need care in their homes may be eligible for additional monthly compensation to cover the costs.
• Dependency and Indemnity Compensation. Surviving spouses and dependants can apply for this type of compensation. Parents of deceased veterans may also qualify for this benefit.

How Much Compensation Can Air Force Veterans with Mesothelioma Receive from VA Benefits?

Air Force veterans diagnosed with mesothelioma may be eligible for significant monthly compensation through VA benefits. In 2021, veterans with this condition could receive approximately $3,100 each month.

Factors Influencing Compensation

• Dependent and Spousal Support: Veterans with dependents and spouses may qualify for additional financial support, resulting in higher monthly payments.
• Disability Ratings: Mesothelioma is typically assigned a 100% disability rating, ensuring maximum compensation. However, other asbestos-related illnesses are often rated lower, which can affect the compensation amount.

These elements indicate that while the baseline payment is substantial, individual circumstances such as family status and disease severity can influence the final benefits.

How to File for VA Benefits

If you are an Air Force veteran with an asbestos illness, you must file a claim to receive benefits. The VA requires that you prove you have a disease caused by asbestos and that you encountered asbestos during your military service. To apply, you’ll need:

• Service records that indicate you were in a position that was likely to have exposed you to asbestos
• Medical records that detail your diagnosis
• A statement from a doctor that your illness was caused by asbestos exposure

You can file a claim without assistance, but to speed the process and get the best outcome, rely on an experienced asbestos attorney. They can get the claim done fast and with all the right information so your benefits are not delayed.

Are There Other Ways for Veterans to Get Benefits?

Air Force veterans can seek benefits from the VA but cannot sue the government or military for past asbestos exposure. Veterans can, however, sue the companies that provided the military with asbestos.

They can file a lawsuit that could end in a settlement or jury award. If the asbestos companies went bankrupt, they can file a claim with an asbestos trust fund. Some of the companies that supplied the Air Force with asbestos materials include:

• Bendix
• Cleaver Brooks
• General Electric
• Johns Manville
• Owens-Corning
• Pratt & Whitney
• Raytheon

If you choose to seek compensation this way, you need the guidance of a mesothelioma lawyer. Asbestos lawsuits and claims are complicated. If you win compensation this way, it will not affect your VA benefits.

Healthcare Benefits for Air Force Veterans With Mesothelioma

Veterans with mesothelioma and other asbestos illnesses are also entitled to healthcare benefits. They can receive medical care at VA facilities. This includes specialist care for mesothelioma. Some of the VA medical centers that offer mesothelioma treatment include:

• VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA
• VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles, CA
• Miami VA Healthcare System, Miami, FL
• Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center, Houston, TX

Understanding the Veterans Community Care Program (VCCP) and Its Benefits

The Veterans Community Care Program (VCCP) is an essential initiative designed to broaden healthcare access for veterans. It empowers those who have served by allowing them to receive medical services from non-VA healthcare providers when certain criteria are met.

How Does the VCCP Assist Veterans?

1. Expanded Access to Care: For veterans who live far from VA facilities, the VCCP offers a crucial lifeline. It enables them to access healthcare services in their local areas, alleviating the burden of lengthy travel.
2. Specialized Treatment Options: Veterans can seek specialized treatment at institutions outside the VA network, ensuring they receive the care best suited to their unique medical needs.
3. Improved Healthcare Experience: By offering choices in providers, the program ensures veterans can receive timely and potentially higher-quality care, which can be pivotal for those with specific health conditions.

The VCCP thus plays a vital role in meeting the healthcare needs of veterans, ensuring flexibility and convenience while maintaining high standards of care.

United States Air Force Bases with Possible Asbestos Exposure

Alabama:

• Maxwell AFB and Gunter Annex, Montgomery
• Brookley AFB, Mobile

Alaska:

• Eielson AFB, Moose Creek
• Elmendorf-Richardson AFB, Anchorage
• Ladd AFB, Fairbanks

Arizona:

• Luke AFB, Glendale
• Williams AFB, Mesa

California:

• Edwards AFB, Rosamond
• Hamilton Field AFB, San Pablo Bay
• March Air Reserve Base, Riverside County
• McClellan AFB, Riverside
• Norton AFB, San Bernardino
• Travis AFB, Travis
• Vandenberg AFB, Lompoc

Colorado:

• Lowry AFB, Denver

Delaware:

• Dover AFB, Dover

Florida:

• Eglin AFB, Eglin
• Homestead AFB, Homestead
• MacDill AFB, Tampa
• Orlando AFB, Orlando
• Patrick AFB, Brevard County
• Tyndall AFB, Panama City

Georgia:

• Dobbins AFB, Marietta
• Hunter AFB, Savannah
• Robins AFB, Warner Robins

Hawaii:

• Hickam AFB, Oahu

Illinois:

• Chanute AFB, Rantoul
• Scott AFB, St. Clair County

Indiana:

• Bakalar AFB, Columbus
• Bunker Hill AFB, Kokomo

Kansas:

• Forbes AFB, Topeka
• McConnell AFB, Wichita
• Schilling AFB, Saline County

Louisiana:

• Barksdale AFB, Bossier City

Maine:

• Air National Guard, Bangor
• Loring AFB, Limestone

Massachusetts:  

• Hanscom AFB, Hanscom
• Westover Air Reserve, Springfield

Michigan:

• K.I. Sawyer AFB, Marquette County
• Selfridge AFB, Harrison

Minnesota:

• Duluth Air National Guard, Duluth

Missouri:

• Richards-Gebaur AFB, Kansas City
• Whiteman AFB, Knob Noster

New York:

• Griffiss AFB, Rome
• Hancock AFB, Syracuse

Ohio:

• Rickenbacker AFB, Columbus
• Wright-Patterson AFB, Dayton

Oklahoma:

• Tinker AFB, Oklahoma City

Pennsylvania:

• Harrisburg Air National Guard, Harrisburg

Rhode Island:

• Rhode Island Air National Guard

South Carolina:

• Charleston AFB, Charleston
• Donaldson AFB, Greenville
• Shaw AFB, Sumter

South Dakota:

• Ellsworth AFB, Piedmont

Tennessee:

• Arnold AFB, Franklin County

Texas:

• Amarillo AFB, Potter County
• Bergstrom AFB, Austin
• Brooks AFB, San Antonio
• Naval Air Station Joint Reserve, Fort Worth
• James Connally AFB, Waco
• Goodfellow AFB, San Angelo
• Kelly AFB, San Antonio
• Laredo AFB, Laredo
• Midland AFB, Midland/Odessa
• Reese AFB, Fort Worth
• Sheppard AFB, Wichita Falls

Utah:

• Hill AFB, Ogden

Washington

• Fairchild AFB, Spokane
• Larson AFB, Grant County
• McChord AFB, Pierce County

Wisconsin:

• Truax AFB, Madison

Additional Information and Legal Assistance

If you have mesothelioma, asbestos-related lung cancer, or asbestosis, you may for significant compensation. Don’t forget to fill out our form to get our free Financial Compensation Packet, filled with information on the experienced asbestos and mesothelioma attorneys in your area. For additional assistance, contact us at 800-793-4540.