Army Airfields Asbestos Exposure

🛬 Army Airfields Asbestos Exposure

Army airfields—both permanent installations and temporary forward bases—were widely built using asbestos-containing materials in hangars, barracks, mechanical shops, and control towers. These materials were chosen for their heat resistance, durability, and low cost, especially in fire-prone and industrial environments. From World War II through the 1980s, asbestos could be found in roof tiles, pipe insulation, boiler rooms, HVAC systems, and aircraft maintenance areas.

Service members and civilian personnel working on base frequently encountered asbestos during routine maintenance, construction, or repairs. Mechanics, electricians, HVAC techs, and general laborers disturbed asbestos materials while working on heating units, plumbing systems, or replacing insulation. Windy outdoor conditions and poor ventilation inside hangars often caused asbestos fibers to linger, placing workers at risk of inhalation.

Many veterans who served on Army airfields have developed mesothelioma or other asbestos-related illnesses years later. Legal help, VA benefits, and trust fund compensation are available.

Why Asbestos Was Used in Army Airfields

Fireproofing in hangars, mechanical shops, and control rooms
Pipe and duct insulation for heating systems
Roof shingles and siding on barracks and office buildings
Cement boards and floor tiles in high-traffic areas
Brake linings and gaskets in vehicle and aircraft maintenance

These materials degraded over time and released fibers during construction, repair, or demolition.

Army Airfield Buildings & Functions

Structure Type	Purpose
Aircraft Hangars	Aircraft storage, maintenance, and inspection
Control Towers	Air traffic communication and coordination
Barracks & Quarters	Housing for enlisted personnel and officers
Motor Pools	Vehicle repair and maintenance
Power Plants & Boilers	Heat and electricity for base structures

Most of these facilities used asbestos in insulation, tiling, and structural materials.

Estimated Personnel Exposed on Army Airfields

Role	Exposure Description
Aircraft Mechanics	Replaced asbestos brake pads, engine parts, and insulation
Electricians	Worked on asbestos-lined breaker panels and conduits
Plumbers & HVAC Workers	Handled asbestos pipe wrap and boiler insulation
Construction & Engineering	Renovated barracks and hangars containing asbestos materials
Clerks & Support Staff	Lived or worked in asbestos-lined buildings

Total Estimated Exposure: Tens of thousands of Army personnel across U.S. and overseas airfields.

Common Asbestos-Containing Materials on Army Airfields

Pipe insulation and duct wrap
Ceiling and floor tiles with asbestos backing
Cement panels and roofing shingles
Adhesives and mastics
Electrical panel linings and gaskets
Aircraft component insulation

High-Risk Exposure Areas on Army Airfields

Aircraft Hangars
Exhaust, brake repairs, and ceiling insulation created airborne fibers

Boiler Rooms & Utility Tunnels
Hot water and steam systems wrapped in friable asbestos

Barracks and Admin Buildings
Aging tiles and siding deteriorated and released fibers

Motor Pools and Shops
Mechanics worked on asbestos-lined vehicle and aircraft components

Long-Term Health Risks from Army Airfield Asbestos Exposure

Mesothelioma – Rare, deadly cancer from asbestos exposure
Asbestosis – Lung scarring and restricted breathing
Lung Cancer – Caused by prolonged exposure to airborne fibers
Pleural Plaques & Thickening – Reduces lung elasticity and causes pain

Legal Options for Army Veterans Exposed at Airfields

Many Army airfield workers and veterans have filed successful claims:

Aircraft mechanic exposed while replacing asbestos brakes
Utility worker developed mesothelioma after years in boiler rooms
Barracks maintenance worker disturbed asbestos tiles and adhesives
Electrician repaired switchgear in asbestos-lined control towers

Sample Asbestos Settlements

Case Summary	Settlement Amount
Aircraft mechanic exposed to asbestos brake parts	$4.7 million
HVAC worker in hangar boiler rooms developed asbestosis	$4.3 million
Plumber repairing asbestos-wrapped pipes in barracks	$4.0 million
Electrician exposed in asbestos-lined Army base control tower	$3.8 million

Asbestos Manufacturers & Contractors Involved

Company	12-Word Description
Johns-Manville	Supplied insulation, ceiling panels, and cement boards
Owens Corning	Made pipe insulation for heating systems
Armstrong	Provided asbestos floor tiles used in barracks and offices
Raybestos	Produced asbestos brake linings for vehicles and aircraft
Georgia-Pacific	Manufactured joint compound and siding with asbestos
Bendix	Sold electrical panels and wiring parts with asbestos
Eagle-Picher	Supplied boiler insulation and adhesives
W.R. Grace	Distributed vermiculite insulation containing asbestos

These companies contributed to asbestos trust funds and were named in lawsuits.

Veterans & Asbestos Trust Funds

Over $30 billion available in asbestos trust funds
Army veterans exposed on airfields may qualify
No court required
VA benefits remain protected

VA Benefits for Army Airfield Asbestos Exposure

100% disability rating for mesothelioma
$3,800+ monthly compensation for veterans
DIC benefits for eligible survivors
Access to specialized VA mesothelioma care

Filing an Asbestos Lawsuit or Trust Fund Claim

Step 1: Free Legal Review
Confirm exposure and illness.

Step 2: Collect Evidence
Service records, diagnosis, airfield history.

Step 3: File Claims
Access all compensation sources.

Step 4: Receive Funds
Most cases resolve in 6–18 months. No upfront cost.

Statute of Limitations

Injury Lawsuits: 2–3 years from diagnosis
Wrongful Death: 2–3 years after passing
Trust Funds: Deadlines vary by fund—don’t wait

Frequently Asked Questions (Army Airfield Asbestos Exposure)

Q. Were all Army airfields built with asbestos?
Yes. Most U.S. and overseas bases constructed before 1980 contained asbestos.

Q. Can I still file a claim even if I served decades ago?
Yes. Eligibility is based on the date of diagnosis, not service time.

Q. Can families file on behalf of deceased veterans?
Yes. VA DIC and legal claims are available to survivors.

Q. Will my VA benefits be affected by a lawsuit?
No. Legal claims do not impact your VA benefits.

Why Work with Mesothelioma Help Center

25+ years handling Army asbestos claims
Access to Army airfield blueprints and construction records
Millions recovered for military veterans
No legal fees unless you receive compensation

Free Legal Consultation for Army Airfield Veterans

If you or someone you love served or worked on an Army airfield and developed mesothelioma or another asbestos illness:

Call 800.291.0963 for your free legal consultation today.