Feb 14, 2011

The Navy & Asbestos


A Guest Editorial by Ms. Krista Peterson:

Asbstos Care Today

The Navy has protected Americans even it was offically named. Since 1775, the US Navy has sacrificed comfort and security to travel the seas, keeping peace alive and inspiring hope in people all over the world, including those at home in the US. It is imperative that we, as civilians, do our parts to keep these men and women safe. Though we may not be able to shield them from bullets and bombs, we can protect them from health hazards like asbestos.

Beginning in 1939, asbestos has been used in the industry of military shipbuilding. Asbestos is a natural mineral found in deposits in the earth. It was used for its heat and fire-resistant properties in steam pipes, gaskets, boilers, turbines, and generators. However, once disturbed by sanding, cutting, breaking, or burning, the fine fibers in the asbestos were released into the air. Marines, Navy personnel, and shipbuilders then inhale or ingest the fibers, unaware of what doing so could do to their long term health.

Asbestos was often used in boiler and engine rooms, and other places that lacked proper ventilation, trapping the toxic, asbestos-filled air. Men and women who worked in these conditions often left their ships with asbestos fibers in their hair and on their clothes and shoes. Secondhand asbestos exposure is a reality for many families and friends of those who worked with asbestos.

If inhaled or ingested over a prolonged period of time, asbestos fibers build in the lining of the lungs or stomach, causing a cancer called mesothelioma. Mesothelioma symptoms are latent for 20-50 years, meaning that many Navy veterans are only recently being diagnosed with the cancer. Because symptoms are subtle, including shortness of breath and chest heaviness, many mesothelioma victims are misdiagnosed or remain undiagnosed altogether. Thus, mesothelioma life expectancy is often rather short, ranging anywhere from a year to a few months.

There is another illness brought on by exposure to asbestos called asbestosis. Asbestosis is caused by inhaling asbestos fibers as well. These fibers cause the scarring of tissue in the lungs, restricting the lungs’ ability to contract and expand properly. Scarred lung tissue cannot perform gas exchange, which is necessary for optimal muscle and brain function. Similar to symptoms of mesothelioma, asbestosis symptoms go unnoticed for 20 years or more after initial asbestos exposure. Symptoms include a cough, chest pain, and shortness of breath.

According to the Navy and Marine Corps Public Health Center, there are two types of Naval asbestos workers: past workers and current workers. Past workers were exposed to asbestos sometime in the past. Current workers, however, are still being exposed to asbestos. Unfortunately, stricter laws concerning the usage of asbestos in the military are yet to be passed. Current asbestos workers may not realize mesothelioma or asbestosis symptoms for several decades.

There is no known cure for mesothelioma and asbestosis. In order to protect our servicemen and women from asbestos related illness, it is important that they receive cancer screenings, especially if they have been exposed to asbestos or if they are experiencing or have experienced symptoms of either illness. Screening procedures often include chest x-rays, CT scans, PET scans, and MRI’s.

Our veterans, Marines, and Navy servicemen and women have been with us through every crisis and even during peacetime. They have protected us, and we as a nation can respect and honor them by spreading health through information. If you know someone who serves his or her country, advise that they see a doctor and request a mesothelioma and asbestosis screening. Prevention is always a better option than treatment, and our troops deserve the best.
=====

Ms. Peterson is a recent college graduate and aspiring writer. She and a few select others have been invited to write for The Military Observer on a guest basis.

23 comments:

Ship Asbestos said...

this blog is very nice and great article manicuring Air ventilator. The company uses Korean Technology for this which make sure the cost is low but the quality

Unknown said...

this blog is nice Mesothelioma has also been known to affect the heart and the stomach. Marine Asbestos Pleural mesothelioma occurs when asbestos is inhaled and becomes lodged

Unknown said...

A chicken coops is a movable (usually) floorless for for the purposes of pest control, my chicken houses lawn care, fertilization, and sheltering the chickens. Your chooks can be part of your sustainable program for the organic management of pests and diseases enabling reduced dependence on pesticides and nutritional supplements.

Unknown said...

If you are, you probably know all the safety precautions for travelling on the road.AA Route finder In fact, this has been easy for motorists with the help of several online services that offer free traffic and road assistance.

Unknown said...

it's also provides to you some additional features as well, features which are AA Route Planner solely concerned with you journey.

Unknown said...

The AA Routes service was introduced in the early twentieth century. AA Route Maps It was introduced to provide members with information regarding travel directions.

Unknown said...

It all makes great sense as long as your mobile phone can provide you with the services AA Route you require from a laptop and helps you get rid of the hassle of carrying extra baggage.

Anonymous said...

0 waw i am like your post friend AA Route Planne

Anonymous said...

AA Route only aims to teach motorists about the traffic rules


Anonymous said...

The AA Route Planner may possibly make it simpler to continue being distinct of big internet site visitors and building. There's definitely nothing even worse than considering that you're heading to be on time for something only to find that the road's at present currently being designed or perhaps that traffic's stalled

Anonymous said...

The AA Route Planner really can make traveling anyplace a fantastic encounter. You basically enter your current tackle within the spot at the very very best still still left of the keep track of. Beneath that, you enter your conclude place. You can also enter extra locations to let you to generate a complete itinerary as you handle your chores, or even travel the nation, or in any respect else you need on this journey.

Anonymous said...

The AA Route Planner truly helps make touring anyplace a excellent knowledge. You just enter your existing deal with in the place at the actually greatest still left of the show monitor.

Unknown said...

this way you will save time through specialized advice coming from a seasoned loan modification advisor and money by getting better results in a shorter span of time. Loan Modification help

Unknown said...

MMPR Licensed Producer Medical Marijuana Software will enable licensed producers to perform efficiently and effectively, while still remaining flexible.

Unknown said...

I am very enjoyed for this blog. Its an informative topic. It help me very much to solve some problems. The Exceptional

Unknown said...

Like Models, Pakistan, Indians and Arab, America. If you want to Enjoy your moments with our Top Escorts in Dubai. Then select one of them calls us to make your time happy with sexy Dubai Escorts. plz call & watsapp me (+971561616995) visite our website....
Top Model Escorts in Dubai

Unknown said...

Escorts in UAE have a wide range of Escorts in Dubai Indian Escorts in Dubai, Pakistani escorts in Dubai, Turkish, Russian, Arabic, Dubai Escorts Providers all in Dubai.Visit our Website....
Indian Escorts
Cheap Indin Escorts In Dubai
Student Escort In Dubai
Student Escort In Dubai
Pakistani Escort In Dubai
Russian Escort In Dubai

Jennifer Lopez said...

Dubai Escorts Hub offers fabulous Model escorts in Dubai, Pakistani escorts Dubai service at very affordable rates.Escort girls are so unique in our Dubai

Johanna Lind said...

we have nice collections escorts in dubai Plz visit our website..

Unknown said...

Hello guys...Dubai Famous Model Escorts In Dubai Services Provider.This Is Most Demanding Escorts. As You Are Expecting From Our Escorts In Dubai....Click Here
Model Escorts in Dubai

Unknown said...


hello Gyz.....Hot and hot indian pakistani call young ladies in Dubai available for sex Incall And Outcall Services In Dubai. Dubai Famous Services Provider Young Girls All Escorts In Dubai,We Have Nice Collections Of Dubai Vip Escorts, Plz Click this Link To Visit Or Site...
indian escorts in dubai
indian Pakistani escorts in dubai
indian pakistani call girls in dubai
indian call girls in dubai
indian escorts services in dubai
indian escorts in uae
indian pakistani escorts in uae
indian pakistani call girls in uae
indian call girls in uae
indian escorts services in uae
vip escorts in uae

Unknown said...

Hey...This is nice blog and great article nd great commenting, We Have Provided Perfect Cuts Lawn Care Serivce in USA Stockbridge, Georgia gives the office of mulch to your garden. We provide customers with complete spring and fall clean-ups and an unsurpassed spring and summer lawn maintenance programs. It likewise includes supplements that advances solid plants.Contact us today to plan your expert mulch installation.Visit our Website...
Perfect Cuts Lawn Care
Perfect Cuts Lawn Care Service
Landscape Design Service

Dubai Adult Escorts said...

Experience an unbeatable sexual delight with Dubai Call Girls
Dubai Call Girls