If you’re one of the 4,722 veterans who call Scioto County home, your service may still be affecting your health, but perhaps not in the way you might expect. Many veterans who worked on ships or in shipyards were exposed to asbestos without knowing it. If you were in the Navy, you may be at a higher risk of developing asbestos-related illnesses now, even decades later.
Navy Service and Asbestos Exposure
For the best part of the 20th century, asbestos was everywhere on U.S. Navy ships. It lined pipes, insulated boilers, and wrapped around engine room machinery. It was used in gaskets, flooring, and even sleeping quarters. Its prolific use meant that if you served before the 1980s (in military campaigns like the Vietnam War, Korean War, or World War II) you likely breathed in asbestos dust while working or sleeping on board.
Why the Risk Doesn’t End After Service
Asbestos fibers are extremely small and lightweight, making them airborne. Once you inhale them, they can stay in your body for decades, irritating and scarring your lung tissue. Eventually, the scarring causes your lungs to become so stiff that it can’t expand and contract properly, which impacts your ability to breathe.
It can take up to 50 years or more for symptoms of asbestos-related illness (like Navy veteran mesothelioma, lung cancer, or asbestosis) to appear. The early signs are easy to ignore. You might assume that shortness of breath, chest pain, or a lingering cough are a consequence of aging or a minor infection. But if you’re worked in shipyards or served on a Navy vessel, these symptoms are red flags you shouldn’t ignore.
Where and How to Get Help
There are resource centers in Scioto County and beyond that can guide you through medical care and benefits, including:
Scioto County Veterans Service Office: Get help with VA claims, benefits applications, and connections to other useful resources.
Local VA Clinics: Get access to routine checkups, diagnostic testing, and specialist referrals.
National veteran programs: Some offer free medical exams, ship records research and legal assistance for asbestos exposure claims.
You should keep a record of where you served, what ships you were on, and your duties. This information can strengthen any VA or legal claim you might file.
Protecting Your Health
The best thing you can do is be proactive about your health. First, tell your doctor about your Navy service and possible asbestos exposure. Make sure you get regular lung health screenings that can determine the condition of your vital breathing organs.
Share your service history with your loved ones so they can help monitor your health and be vigilant about any changes to your condition that require investigation or action. Catching an asbestos-related illness early can make a significant difference in your potential treatment options and health outcomes.
Endnote
Being a Navy veteran means that asbestos was very likely a part of your history. The most important thing you can do now is use your awareness to take control of your future. Speak to your local doctor, connect with the relevant services, and make sure you’re getting the care you need and the benefits you’ve earned.
