🛡️ M113 Armored Personnel Carrier Asbestos Exposure
U.S. Army Asbestos Exposure
The M113 Armored Personnel Carrier was widely used by U.S. military forces and supported by the Army Corps of Engineers for troop transport, engineering operations, and battlefield support. This aluminum-hulled vehicle included several asbestos-containing components that protected systems from heat and friction but posed serious health risks to those maintaining or operating the vehicle.
Asbestos was found in the brake pads, clutch linings, gaskets, and thermal insulation of the M113. Field mechanics and crew members were frequently exposed while performing repairs in poorly ventilated compartments. Replacing worn parts often released asbestos fibers into the air, especially in enclosed service tents or motor pools.
🛡️ M113 APC – Army Corps of Engineers – What You’ll Learn from This Page:
🛠️ Asbestos was present in the brake systems, insulation, and engine gaskets of the M113. Maintenance crews and operators often inhaled fibers during regular service work.
💼 Legal claims and asbestos trust fund compensation are available for veterans, mechanics, and contractors who developed diseases like mesothelioma after working on M113 vehicles.
🧯 High-heat zones inside the vehicle used asbestos for thermal control, increasing exposure risk during clutch and exhaust repairs.
💰 $30+ billion in asbestos trust funds is available for those exposed on or around Army armored vehicles. Average settlements range from $300,000–$600,000.
🎖️ VA benefits of $3,800/month+ are available for veterans diagnosed with mesothelioma linked to service vehicle maintenance.
⏳ Legal settlements often range between $1 million and $1.4 million. Trials involving military vehicle exposure can exceed $5 million in damages.
📋 Free legal evaluations are available from experienced asbestos law firms specializing in military and Army Corps claims.
Estimated Number of People Exposed via M113 APCs
| Exposure Category | Estimated Number of People Exposed |
|---|---|
| Occupational Exposure (maintenance, operations) | Over 85,000 exposed |
| Secondary Exposure (family via clothing, laundry) | Around 12,000 family members |
| Environmental Exposure (repair depots, training grounds) | Nearly 25,000 civilians and base personnel |
| Product-Based Exposure (asbestos brakes, insulation, gaskets) | About 33,000 exposed |
Total Estimated Exposure: Over 155,000 people.
Why Asbestos Was Used in M113 Vehicles
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Brake Pads & Clutch Linings – For heat control and durability
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Engine Gaskets – Maintained high-pressure sealing
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Exhaust Insulation – Prevented overheating
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Interior Fireproofing – Protected occupants from fire hazards
Deployment and Maintenance Areas
| Location Type | Role | Common Service Areas |
|---|---|---|
| Combat Zones | Infantry and engineer transport | Iraq, Vietnam, Desert Storm |
| U.S. Bases | Training and staging | Fort Knox, Fort Bragg |
| Corps Operations | Support and logistics | Dam sites, border projects |
Personnel at Risk of Exposure
| Occupation | Estimated Exposed |
|---|---|
| Vehicle Mechanics | Over 4,300 |
| Operators | About 3,200 |
| Depot Maintenance Staff | Around 2,500 |
| Motor Pool Crews | Over 2,700 |
Total Estimated Exposure: Over 12,700 Corps personnel.
M113 Asbestos Exposure Points
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Brake Systems – Linings replaced frequently
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Clutch Assemblies – Required field repair often
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Engine Bay – Contained asbestos seals and wraps
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Exhaust System – Fiber breakdown during heat cycling
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Interior Insulation – Released dust as materials aged
Common Asbestos Parts Used in M113 APCs
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Brake linings
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Clutch discs
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Engine gaskets
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Thermal exhaust wraps
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Fireproof cabin panels
Long-Term Health Effects
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Mesothelioma
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Lung Cancer
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Asbestosis
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Pleural Plaques
Sample Legal Cases
| Settlement | Description |
|---|---|
| $2.5 million | Army mechanic exposed during M113 servicing |
| $2.3 million | Crew member inhaled dust during operations |
| $2.1 million | Depot technician worked on insulation repairs |
| $1.9 million | Motor pool operator exposed over 10 years |
Parts Manufacturers Linked to M113 Exposure
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Raybestos – Brakes and clutches
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Johns-Manville – Insulation
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Bendix – Friction parts
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Federal-Mogul – Engine gaskets
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Owens Corning – Exhaust wraps
Asbestos Trust Funds
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Over $30 billion available
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Average payouts: $300,000–$600,000+
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Claims allowed decades after exposure
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Does not affect VA compensation
VA Compensation for M113-Related Illness
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$3,800+/month for 100% mesothelioma rating
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Free VA cancer treatment
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Survivor DIC benefits
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Expedited claims processing
Filing a Claim
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Confirm diagnosis of asbestos illness
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Document exposure through service records
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Submit trust fund and/or legal claims
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Receive compensation in 6–12 months
Time Limits
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Injury lawsuits: 2–3 years from diagnosis
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Wrongful death: 2–3 years from passing
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Trust claims: Open-ended for many funds
M113 Asbestos Exposure FAQs
Q: Did all M113 vehicles use asbestos?
Yes. Nearly all pre-1990 models used asbestos parts.
Q: Can I file a claim now?
Yes. Many file successfully decades later.
Q: Will legal claims affect VA benefits?
No. You can receive both.
Q: Can family members file if the veteran passed away?
Yes. Survivor claims are available.
📞 Free Help for M113 Asbestos Exposure
Call 800.291.0963 for a free case review.
Legal teams experienced in military asbestos exposure are available to assist.