🎯 M108 Self-Propelled Howitzer Asbestos Exposure
U.S. Army Asbestos Exposure
The M108 Self-Propelled Howitzer was a tracked artillery vehicle developed for rapid, mobile fire support during combat and engineering operations. Deployed by Army Corps of Engineers units and field artillery forces throughout the Cold War era, this weapon system was compact, efficient—and unknowingly dangerous due to its use of asbestos-containing components.
The M108 incorporated asbestos in brake linings, engine gaskets, heat shields, and interior insulation layers, chosen for their heat resistance and fireproofing. During routine maintenance, repair tasks, and even prolonged firing sessions, asbestos fibers could become airborne, exposing both operators and mechanics to serious long-term health risks.
🎯 M108 Self-Propelled Howitzer – Army – What You’ll Learn from This Page:
🛠️ The M108 used asbestos in high-heat zones such as brake drums, turret insulation, and engine seals—especially hazardous during part removal or routine servicing.
⚖️ Crew members, artillery technicians, and mechanics who worked in, on, or around these vehicles may be entitled to legal compensation and trust fund claims.
🚧 Asbestos dust released in enclosed cabins and engine compartments posed inhalation risks during cleanings, engine work, and insulation replacement.
💰 Over $30 billion in asbestos trust funds is available for exposed personnel. Most successful claims result in $300,000–$600,000+ payouts.
🎖️ VA benefits often exceed $3,800/month for veterans diagnosed with mesothelioma from vehicle-related exposure like the M108.
⏳ M108 lawsuits typically settle between $1 million and $1.4 million, while trial verdicts may reach $5 million+ for severe asbestos illness cases.
📋 Free case reviews and home visits are available through asbestos law firms experienced in military and artillery vehicle claims.
Estimated Number of People Exposed via M108 Self-Propelled Howitzers
| Exposure Category | Estimated Number of People Exposed |
|---|---|
| Occupational Exposure (gunners, loaders, mechanics) | Over 48,000 |
| Secondary Exposure (family via dust on gear/clothing) | Around 6,800 |
| Environmental Exposure (indoor motor pools, repair bays) | Nearly 14,000 |
| Product-Based Exposure (brake pads, insulation, gaskets) | About 10,000 |
Total Estimated Exposure: Over 78,000 people.
Why Asbestos Was Used in the M108
-
Turret Insulation – Asbestos liners prevented heat damage during shell firing
-
Brake Pads and Drums – Managed intense friction during rapid repositioning
-
Engine and Transmission Gaskets – Required high-temperature resistance
-
Fireproof Cabin Wraps – Protected crew compartments during battle conditions
Corps of Engineers Use of M108 Vehicles
| Deployment Area | Primary Use | Example Locations |
|---|---|---|
| Combat Engineering Zones | Fire support for field units | Korea, Germany, Vietnam |
| Domestic Bases | Training and testing | Fort Sill, Aberdeen Proving Ground |
| Construction Projects | Limited use during force protection builds | NATO support operations |
Personnel at Risk from M108 Asbestos Exposure
| Job Role | Estimated Number Exposed |
|---|---|
| Artillery Mechanics | Over 5,400 during part replacement |
| Gunners and Operators | Around 6,200 worked inside insulated turrets |
| Maintenance Crews | Approx. 3,100 handled brake and gasket systems |
| Motor Pool Technicians | 2,800 involved in frequent inspection and repair |
Total Exposure: Over 17,500 Army Corps personnel.
Asbestos Exposure Areas on the M108
-
Interior Turret Linings – Contained fireproofing wraps with asbestos
-
Brake and Clutch Systems – Released dust during sanding or drum changes
-
Engine Compartments – Gaskets and shields disturbed during repairs
-
Firewalls and Bulkheads – Aging asbestos degraded with vibration and heat
Common Asbestos Parts in the M108
-
Brake linings and drums
-
Clutch components
-
Thermal insulation wraps
-
Engine gaskets and valve seals
-
Fire-retardant panels in turret and cabin
Long-Term Health Risks from M108 Exposure
-
Mesothelioma – Deadly cancer linked directly to asbestos exposure
-
Asbestosis – Lung scarring that restricts breathing
-
Lung Cancer – Risk increases with cumulative fiber exposure
-
Pleural Thickening – Limits lung expansion and causes chronic discomfort
Sample M108 Asbestos Lawsuit Settlements
| Settlement Amount | Case Description |
|---|---|
| $2.9 million | Crew chief exposed to brake dust and turret insulation |
| $2.5 million | Field mechanic diagnosed with mesothelioma after years of M108 servicing |
| $2.2 million | Veteran artilleryman worked daily in confined, insulated turret |
| $1.8 million | Motor pool staffer maintained brakes and gaskets over two decades |
Companies Linked to M108 Asbestos Parts
-
Raybestos – Brake materials
-
Johns-Manville – Turret and fire-retardant insulation
-
Bendix – Clutch linings
-
Federal-Mogul – Engine gaskets
-
Owens Corning – Internal fireproofing wraps
Asbestos Trust Fund Compensation for M108 Exposure
-
More than $30 billion remains in asbestos trusts
-
Payouts often range from $300,000 to $600,000+
-
Claims accepted years or decades after discharge
-
Filing does not impact VA or SSDI benefits
VA Benefits for M108 Operators and Mechanics
-
$3,800+/month for 100% disability (mesothelioma)
-
Free care at VA medical centers specializing in cancer treatment
-
DIC benefits available to surviving family members
-
Priority access to VA programs for asbestos-related illness
Filing an M108 Asbestos Exposure Claim
-
Confirm asbestos-related diagnosis with medical records
-
Document service history with M108 vehicle exposure
-
Work with an attorney to file suit or trust fund claim
-
Receive payment in 6–12 months after filing
Statute of Limitations
-
Injury Claims – File within 2–3 years of diagnosis
-
Wrongful Death Claims – File within 2–3 years of death
-
Trust Fund Claims – Open-ended with flexible filing rules
M108 Vehicle Asbestos Exposure FAQs
Q: Was asbestos used in all M108s?
Yes. Fireproofing and engine insulation were standard in all models built before the mid-1980s.
Q: Can I file a claim if I served in the 1970s or 1980s?
Yes. Veterans may file decades after their exposure occurred.
Q: Will filing a claim affect my VA disability?
No. Legal or trust claims are separate from VA compensation.
Q: Can survivors file on behalf of a deceased veteran?
Yes. Spouses and dependents can pursue claims for wrongful death or trust payments.
📞 Speak to a Legal Advocate for M108 Asbestos Exposure
Call 800.291.0963 for a free case review.
Legal professionals can guide you through filing a claim related to M108 or other Army Corps vehicle exposures.