Veterans at Risk of Asbestos Exposure

According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), millions of Americans who served in the military were exposed to asbestos sometime in the past. Veterans account for almost a third of all mesothelioma cases in the United States.

Air Force and Naval veterans, particularly who served into the 1970s, are at high risk of developing deadly cancers and mesothelioma because of direct asbestos exposure. U.S. Air Force veterans were often exposed to asbestos in aircraft components like GE turbines, putting them at risk for developing mesothelioma and asbestosis. Welders, electricians and mechanics are among the occupations with the highest risk of deadly exposure.

GE Asbestos Exposure

Former employees who worked at GE beginning in the 1960s once described a workplace where asbestos fibers floated thick in the air, open pots of lead and mercury lined the shop floor, and huge dip tanks of varnishes and solvents (used to coat and degrease motors) produced enough to poison the entire plant. The following positions at GE were known to be at an additional risk of asbestos exposure:

•    Power plant workers
•    Consumer appliance assemblers
•    Electricians
•    Machinists
•    Maintenance repair persons
•    Insulators
•    Demolition workers

GE Products Containing Asbestos

Most claims against GE target their asbestos-laden GE Aviation turbines, however those are not the only General Electric products considered dangerous. General Electric once sold asbestos-containing wires, cables and cords under the brand name Deltabeston.

They also produced asbestos-containing ovens under the brand name Wil-Son Patent-Flex. As a manufacturer of consumer electronics and power generating equipment, General Electric used asbestos in many personal appliances and plastic molding compounds used in electrical boxes.

Mesothelioma Symptoms

Mesothelioma is difficult to diagnose because many of the symptoms are similar to those of less serious illnesses. However, early warning signs typically include the following:

•    Trouble swallowing
•    Trouble breathing
•    Persistent cough
•    Lumps on chest or abdomen
•    Excessive sweating
•    Fever
•    Fatigue

Former Ohio GE workers with known asbestos exposure should take warning signs seriously and request screening tests by a medical professional.

Occupational Exposure Lawsuits

Lawsuits have been filed by employees of companies independent of GE, though originating from asbestos exposure while installing, maintaining and insulating General Electric turbines.

Several plaintiffs are mechanics who worked regularly on GE engines, which required close contact with many asbestos-containing seals and gaskets. GE corporate representatives have admitted that certain engine seals and gaskets contained asbestos, and that the asbestos was known to break down over time.

A Pennsylvania state jury recently awarded a $7.25 million verdict to the estate of a man who died from mesothelioma after heavy asbestos exposure in products manufactured by a group of defendants, including General Electric.

Further claims against GE have been brought by government employees, steel workers, shipyard workers, as well as Naval and Air Force veterans who were exposed to GE turbines, engines and other equipment. Most of the individuals filing claims were exposed between the years 1966 and 1986.