Asbestos and World War II

During the Second World War, strengthening our military meant building thousands of ships, planes, and other machines of war. Many of these contained large amounts of asbestos for insulation and fireproofing. This unknowingly exposed the people who built, lived, and worked in them to the life-threatening effects of asbestos dust inhalation.

At the time, the dangers of asbestos exposure were not publicly known. Although research as early s the 1800s had indicated that working with asbestos led to lung disease, many companies that used asbestos prevented the public from learning of its dangers. As the use of asbestos increased, in particular during the war, millions of people were exposed to asbestos dust. This includes not just shipbuilders, but even people who lived near shipyards and other construction sites.

Even if you have not been near asbestos in 50 years, you are at risk for developing mesothelioma and other asbestos illnesses. Sometimes it takes 50 years or more for the first symptoms of asbestos-related disease to show up. When you inhale asbestos, the fibers get stuck in your lungs and never leave. They then eventually cause a number of diseases, including cancer, to develop.

Asbestos exposure was not limited to the United States. Nearly every nation participating in the War that built ships and other machines of war made use of asbestos. It was used in many applications: to insulate pipes, to create heat-resistant cloth, to build firewalls. No matter what nation you lived in during the World War, you may have been needlessly exposed to harmful levels of asbestos dust.

Since then, however, these companies have been brought to justice, and the people who were exposed are now able to seek restitution for their unnecessary pain and suffering. If you were exposed to asbestos dust in the past, whether or not you have developed symptoms, you are at risk.

The compassionate mesothelioma lawyers of Williams-Kherkher can help you find resources to help you recover. With their help, you can send a message to companies that put their workers at risk. To discuss your case with a lawyer, contact them today at 800-781-3955.