Fort Knox, located in the heart of Kentucky, is known for its rich military history and iconic status as a symbol of American strength.
However, behind the scenes of this military fortress lies a hidden danger that has affected thousands of military personnel and civilians over the years: asbestos.
Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral once commonly used in construction materials, has been linked to a number of serious health issues, including:
- Lung cancer
- Mesothelioma
- Asbestosis
- Pleural effusions
Despite its well-known dangers, asbestos was widely used in the construction of buildings and military equipment throughout much of the 20th century.
In this blog post, we’ll be discussing what asbestos is, how it can impact your health and what you need to know about it in regards to potential exposure at Fort Knox.
If you believe you were exposed to asbestos and have attempted to file a claim and need to appeal, you can contact the team at Hill and Ponton.
What is Asbestos and How Does It Impact the Body?
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was widely used in construction materials throughout much of the 20th century due to its heat-resistant and durable properties.
However, when asbestos fibers are inhaled, they can cause serious health issues, including lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis. Asbestos fibers are very small and can easily be inhaled, which can lead to long-term damage in the lungs.
Once asbestos fibers enter the body, they can cause scarring and inflammation, which can eventually lead to the development of cancer.
In the case of mesothelioma, which is a rare form of cancer that is almost exclusively caused by asbestos exposure, the cancer can take decades to develop after the initial exposure.
Asbestosis is another serious health issue that can develop as a result of asbestos exposure. This condition occurs when asbestos fibers accumulate in the lungs and cause scarring, which can make it difficult to breathe.
Symptoms of asbestosis can include:
- shortness of breath
- chest pain
- persistent cough.
Even a small amount of exposure to asbestos can have serious long-term consequences for human health.
If you suspect that you have been exposed to asbestos, it is important to seek medical attention right away to minimize your risk of developing serious health issues in the future.
Where was asbestos potentially found at Fort Knox?
Asbestos was used in a variety of construction materials at Fort Knox, including insulation, roofing, flooring, and cement.
Many of the buildings and structures at the base were built during a time when asbestos was still commonly used, putting anyone who spent time at the base at risk of exposure.
In addition to buildings, asbestos was also used in military equipment, such as tanks and vehicles, which put military personnel at risk of exposure during training and deployment.
How do I know if I was exposed to asbestos?
If you spent any amount of time at Fort Knox or another base and are concerned about potential asbestos exposure, it is important to speak with your doctor right away.
Symptoms of asbestos-related health issues can take years or even decades to develop, so it is important to monitor your health and seek medical attention if you experience any symptoms, such as shortness of breath, chest pain, or a persistent cough.
If you worked in construction, maintenance, or demolition at Fort Knox, you may have had a higher risk of exposure to asbestos. It is important to take precautionary measures and seek medical attention if you have any concerns about your health.
Did you know: Asbestos is the only known cause of mesothelioma and U.S. veterans account for 33% of all mesothelioma cases today since the military used so much asbestos.
Furthermore, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has recognized that individuals may have been exposed to asbestos at military bases and are therefore at risk for developing asbestos-related diseases.
If you are a veteran who served at Fort Knox during this time period, you may be eligible for VA benefits related to asbestos exposure, but it’s important to speak with a medical professional and get a legal opinion.
Have Questions About Appealing Your Claim or Understanding How the Claims Process Works?
The attorneys at Hill & Ponton are here to support you with appealing a claim to potentially get benefits from asbestos exposure.
If you are intending to appeal a denied claim, you can contact us for an evaluation and we can help you with this process.
However, if you are considering filing an initial claim, or even if you are interested in learning about the appeals process, we offer a free ebook to get you started on the right foot!
The Road to VA Compensation Benefits will help break down the claims process from start to finish. Click the link below to learn more.
