Mississippi’s Veterans Face Health Crisis from Asbestos and Agent Orange

News Summary

Mississippi is facing a health crisis among its veterans, many of whom are suffering from the long-term effects of asbestos exposure and Agent Orange contamination. The state ranks 22nd in asbestosis deaths, highlighting the urgent need for regular health monitoring and understanding of veterans’ rights. The recently enacted PACT Act provides crucial support for veterans affected by toxic exposures, but many still face challenges in seeking recognition and compensation for their sacrifices.

Mississippi: A Hidden Struggle for U.S. Veterans

In the heart of the South, Mississippi finds itself at the center of a health crisis affecting thousands of veterans who bravely served their country. These heroes are now grappling with long-term health risks associated with asbestos exposure and Agent Orange contamination. It’s a story of sacrifice intertwined with a struggle for the recognition and care they deserve.

A Look Back in Time

Throughout the past century, the United States Armed Forces utilized a variety of materials, notably asbestos, in numerous settings, especially during the tumultuous days of World War II. Unfortunately, many veterans unaware of the risks ended up working with asbestos-laden products aboard military vessels, in barracks, and while maintaining equipment. Fast forward to today, and the ramifications are staggering—about 3,000 Americans are diagnosed with mesothelioma every year, with nearly a third being veterans who were exposed to this hazardous material.

The Silent But Deadly Consequences

Veterans from major conflicts, including WWII, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War, are particularly at risk from asbestos-related illnesses. The Navy, in particular, has been noted for its extensive use of asbestos, particularly in ships built before the 1980s. This means that those serving on naval vessels are at significantly higher exposure levels compared to other military branches. But it doesn’t stop there; veterans have reported alarming levels of contamination at military camps throughout the country.

Take Keesler Air Force Base in Mississippi, for instance, which supports over 7,000 troops and has a rich history dating back to WWII. Similarly, the Naval Construction Battalion Center in Gulfport played a pivotal role during both WWII and the Vietnam War, further contributing to veterans’ exposure to asbestos in ways that remain largely unnoticed.

Health Risks That Linger

During their service, many veterans experience no apparent health issues, but such challenges can arise decades later. The harmful effects of airborne asbestos-laden fibers can trigger severe lung damage and chronic diseases such as mesothelioma, asbestosis, and lung cancer that can lead to debilitating consequences. It’s a silent epidemic that leaves many veterans grappling with previously unrecognized health obstacles.

The Need for Regular Monitoring

Mississippi finds itself sitting at a concerning rank—22nd in the nation for asbestosis deaths. This statistic serves as a wake-up call for veterans to prioritize their health. Regular medical evaluations, including chest X-rays or CT scans, become essential steps for early detection and intervention regarding potential asbestos-related health problems.

Knowing Your Rights

As veterans navigate this challenging terrain, it’s important to understand their rights and the compensation programs available through asbestos trust funds and Veterans Affairs. The recently enacted PACT Act has opened the door for approximately 3.5 million toxic-exposed veterans to access extended benefits from the VA. Since the rollout of the PACT Act, more than 6 million veterans have undergone screenings related to toxic exposure, with over 1.4 million veterans benefiting from these services. In Mississippi alone, around 11,000 veterans have filed claims under the PACT Act, with over 2,800 receiving extended benefits.

Agent Orange and Its Persisting Shadow

In addition to the perils of asbestos, many veterans, like those stationed at Fort Ord in California, recall being exposed to herbicides like Agent Orange during their military training. The military’s historical use of Agent Orange at Fort Ord has raised concerns, especially given the lack of acknowledgment of its contamination of land and water resources.

Exposure to Agent Orange has been directly linked to serious illnesses, including prostate cancer, which the VA now recognizes as a presumptive condition eligible for service-related benefits. However, a recent proposal by the VA for compensation eligibility excludes Fort Ord, leaving many veterans feeling unjustly overlooked.

The Push for Justice

Advocates, including environmental activists and affected veterans, argue that the evidence supporting the use of Agent Orange at Fort Ord is compelling, warranting inclusion for compensation claims. Despite mounting evidence, both the Department of Defense and the VA continue to deny claims based on historical contamination, leaving many veterans feeling disheartened.

As ongoing studies by the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry probe into chemical exposures among those who lived and worked at Fort Ord, the fight for recognition and support continues. Mississippi’s veterans deserve our attention and action to ensure their sacrifices are honored and their health concerns addressed.

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Additional Resources

• Oxford Eagle: Mississippi Veterans’ Health and Asbestos Exposure
• NBC New York: Agent Orange Exposure and Veterans
• Oxford Eagle: Strong Storms Expected
• Wikipedia: Veterans’ Health Administration
• Google Search: Asbestos Health Risks