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Special to USA TODAY Network The U.S. military overused asbestos over the last century, as the World War II war effort demanded large amounts of materials for military equipment production. Asbestos abounded in the markets, and manufacturers recognized the unique profit-making opportunity. To make the most of the mineral’s accessibility, they ignored the health risks of adding asbestos to products. Although the Navy exploited asbestos the most, and naval personnel faced an exceptionally high risk of asbestos exposure, it doesn’t exclude other military bases from being a potential source of asbestos contamination.
Due to the extensive use of asbestos in military property like aircraft, vehicles, tools, barracks, ships, and shipyards, service members risked asbestos exposure whenever fulfilling duty on land, sea, or air. Additionally to being exposed to several hazardous materials, working near asbestos products may have been an added risk to Delaware veterans’ deteriorating health , as diseases linked to their toxic exposure are on the rise today. The issue concerns Delaware’s veteran population , New Castle County’s , and Wilmington City’s veteran community .
Wilmington is an American World War II Heritage City with a wartime military past that speaks volumes. The city contributed to the U.S. home front through its citizens enlisting in the military, raising funds for shipbuilding through Bond Drives and working in its shipyards. Asbestos exposure is one of the leading factors in veterans’ deteriorating health
Between 1999 and 2017, over 1,256 Delaware and 740 New Castle County citizens, including retired military members, died from an asbestos-connected disease. Asbestos releases microscopic particles that can float in the air for hours when disturbed. Due to their tiny size, the fibers are easily inhaled or ingested, making asbestos dust one of the most toxic substances humans have encountered. These sharp-edged fibers cause permanent damage to major organs, leading to devastating diseases .
One of the most horrible aspects of asbestos diseases is the decades-long latency period between exposure and the first symptoms. Even if veterans had no health issues during their service, they learn the effects of asbestos exposure only when diagnosed with conditions stemming […]
Asbestos exposure is still impacting Delaware veterans’ health — even today
