Exposure to Coast Guardsman

Many Coast Guardsmen have the same exposure risk to asbestos as those individuals that served in the Navy.  This is because the asbestos was used with the ships that the Coast Guardsmen were on.  While there may not be as many cases of mesothelioma with the Coast Guard as there are when it comes to the Navy.

Those individuals from this branch of the military that served in WWII have the highest risk.  This is in comparison to those individuals that have served in other conflicts.  This is because the ships being produced actually increased during the war.  Not only that, ships that were modified for the war effort actually put individuals at a greater risk for exposure.

Ships

It goes without saying that individuals were exposed to asbestos because of the fact that it was used in the ships.  This was common until the government finally put regulations into effect during the 1980’s.  There were more than 300 different types of products used during that time that actually had asbestos in them.

Locations of asbestos on ships:

• In the insulation
• Wiring and equipment used for electricity
• Pipes and fittings
• Valves
• Ropes
• Coating for the decks
• Materials for the floor
• In engine rooms
• In boiler rooms

When you think about the Coast Guard it is important to consider the fact that cutters were the largest ships.  They were used for extra help and they were very fast.  They also had assigned crew.  Therefore, it is really important to understand that those individuals who were on these boats were going to be continually around asbestos.  Keep in mind that they also had a great deal of asbestos in them because they were larger ships.

Other boats with asbestos:

• Lifeboats
• Boats for responses
• Boats with utilities
• Interceptors for long and short range
• Boats for port security

Workers in the Shipyard and Their Risks

Many of the individuals that worked in the shipyards had a high exposure rate to asbestos.  Therefore, they also have a high risk of developing mesothelioma.

The Yard at Curtis Bay

You will find that the Coast Guard operates its own shipyard in Baltimore, Maryland.  It has been up and running since 1899.  The individuals that were stationed there were exposed to asbestos.  One report has shown that there is an increase in the number of individuals that have suffered from mesothelioma and other lung conditions.  It is believed that this is because of the amount of asbestos that they have been exposed to.

Taking Action

Any veteran who served in the Coast Guard who thinks they came into contact with asbestos during their service should contact the Office of Veterans Affairs.  Professionals will be able to help individuals completely understand what they are entitled to and how to go about securing these resources.  Working with a professional is a great way to decrease stress and anxiety while they may be going through a particularly difficult time.