Marine Corps Installations, Asbestos Exposure and Mesothelioma

Marine Corps installations have historically been significant sites of asbestos exposure, impacting service members and civilian workers. Asbestos, prized for its heat resistance and durability, was extensively used in construction materials across military bases, including insulation, piping, flooring, and roofing. While these materials initially provided structural integrity, over time, wear and tear, maintenance activities, and renovations could disturb asbestos fibers, releasing them into the air. This airborne asbestos posed a significant health risk to those who came into contact with it.
Exposure to asbestos at Marine Corps installations has been linked to the development of mesothelioma, a rare and aggressive form of cancer. The latency period for mesothelioma can be decades, meaning individuals may not experience symptoms until years after exposure. Service members, civilian workers, and their families who lived on or near military bases may have been inadvertently exposed to asbestos fibers, increasing their risk of developing mesothelioma. These individuals often face physical, emotional, and financial burdens associated with the disease, including medical expenses, loss of income, and reduced quality of life. Seeking compensation through legal avenues, such as mesothelioma lawsuits and asbestos trust funds, can provide support and justice for those affected by asbestos exposure at Marine Corps installations.
History of Asbestos Exposure and U.S. Marine Installations

Asbestos exposure has been an intrinsic part of the history of U.S. Marine Corps installations, deeply embedded in the construction and maintenance of military infrastructure. From the early to mid-20th century, asbestos-containing materials were extensively used in various applications across Marine Corps bases, including barracks, hangars, administrative buildings, and shipyards. Asbestos, valued for its fire-resistant and insulating properties, was integrated into insulation, roofing materials, flooring, piping, and cement products.
The widespread use of asbestos in Marine Corps installations exposed service members, civilian employees, and their families to the hazardous mineral. Asbestos fibers became airborne through routine maintenance, renovation projects, and natural wear and tear of aging buildings and infrastructure. Such exposure occurred during everyday activities, including construction work, repairs, renovations, and demolition, as well as through the handling of equipment and materials containing asbestos.
Over time, the consequences of asbestos exposure began to surface, with increasing reports of mesothelioma, lung cancer, and other asbestos-related diseases among personnel and residents of Marine Corps installations. The legacy of asbestos use continues to impact veterans, civilian workers, and their families, highlighting the profound and enduring effects of asbestos exposure within the U.S. Marine Corps community.
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FAQs about Marine Corps Installations Asbestos Exposure and Mesothelioma:
What Marine Corps installations were most affected by asbestos exposure? Marine Corps installations across the United States, including bases, barracks, shipyards, and administrative buildings, were commonly contaminated with asbestos due to its widespread use in construction materials.
How were individuals exposed to asbestos on Marine Corps installations? Exposure occurred through the disturbance or deterioration of asbestos-containing materials during construction, maintenance, renovation, and demolition activities. Inhalation of airborne asbestos fibers was common among service members, civilian employees, and residents.
What health risks are associated with asbestos exposure on Marine Corps installations? Exposure to asbestos fibers can lead to serious health conditions such as mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis. These diseases often manifest years or decades after initial exposure, posing long-term health risks to individuals who served or lived on Marine Corps bases.
Are veterans and civilian employees eligible for compensation for asbestos-related illnesses? Yes, veterans, civilian employees, and their families affected by asbestos exposure on Marine Corps installations may be eligible to file claims for compensation through legal avenues, including asbestos trust funds and mesothelioma lawsuits.
How can individuals who suspect asbestos exposure on Marine Corps installations seek help? Those who believe they were exposed to asbestos on Marine Corps installations should consult healthcare professionals experienced in diagnosing and treating asbestos-related diseases. Legal assistance may also be sought to explore options for compensation and support.
Marine Corps Veterans and Asbestos Exposure
Thousands of U. S. servicemen and women came into contact with asbestos fibers during their tour of service. Many Veterans diagnosed with Mesothelioma have complained that they were not given any warning, training or respiratory protective gear when handling, installing, loading, repairing, or removing asbestos-containing products.
- Asbestos was used by the U. S. Military in more than 300 different materials and products.
- Millions of U. S. Veterans have been exposed to asbestos during their tour of service.
- A recent study showed that as many as 30-40% of Mesothelioma victims is U. S. Veterans.
- Mesothelioma has affected veterans from all branches of service including those who worked in Navy shipyards.
- The U.S. Military used thousands of asbestos-containing products in their ships between the 1920-late 1970’s.
- Asbestos was listed as the top contaminant at 32 U.S. Army base closures during the 1990s.
- Mesothelioma and other asbestos related diseases primarily occur in Veterans between the ages of 55-75.
- Veterans who served between 1940 and 1980 have the greatest risk of developing Mesothelioma or an asbestos-related cancer.
- 14 in every 1,000 WW II shipyard workers died of an asbestos-related disease compared to 18 in every 1,000 combat related deaths.
- Asbestos was used heavily in the shipbuilding and in military ships. Many veterans working in confined quarters have been exposed to asbestos.
Marine Corps and Asbestos Exposure
- The U. S. Marines and the Navy have been working together since the inception of this America’s military.
- Because asbestos has an ability to withstand extreme heat, it was used widely throughout the U. S. Military.
- The U. S. Armed Forces used asbestos-containing products in ships, aircraft, buildings, barracks, mess halls, and other military facilities.
- The Department of Veterans Affairs states that there are over 25 million Americans that have previously served in the U.S. Military.
- U. S. Marine base at Camp Pendleton in California had an Asbestos contamination problem.
- The American Cancer Society reported U. S. Marines were exposed to toxic asbestos products for decades in older Marine barracks.
- Asbestos was at the top of a list of contaminants at 32 U.S. Army bases before they were closed in the late 1990s.
- Tests were done at the U. S. Marine Camp Grainger, Tarrawa Terrace (1 & 2), and Camp LeJeune found asbestos present but a variety of other Asbestos-containing products and materials were present.
- Marine Corps Veterans have the right to sue asbestos manufacturers that exposed them to asbestos.
List of Marine Corps Installations
29 Palms MCAGCC Marine Base California: Asbestos exposure might have occurred during construction, renovation, or maintenance activities in various facilities, including barracks, administrative buildings, and training facilities.
Albany Marine Corps Logistics Base Georgia: Asbestos exposure may have occurred during construction, renovation, or maintenance activities in various facilities, including warehouses, administrative buildings, and storage areas.
Barstow Marine Corps Logistics Base: Asbestos exposure may have occurred during construction, renovation, or maintenance activities in various facilities, including maintenance depots, administrative buildings, and vehicle garages.
Bridgeport California Marine Corps MWTC: Asbestos exposure may have occurred in older buildings, including barracks, administrative offices, and training facilities, during renovation, repair, or demolition activities.
Camp Lejeune & New River Marine Base North Carolina: Asbestos exposure may have occurred in military housing, barracks, administrative buildings, and industrial facilities built before the 1980s, during renovation, repair, or maintenance work.
Camp Pendleton Marine Corps Base: Asbestos exposure may have occurred during construction, renovation, or maintenance activities in various facilities, including barracks, hangars, administrative buildings, and training facilities.
Cherry Point Marine Corps Air Base North Carolina: Asbestos exposure may have occurred during aircraft maintenance, building construction, and renovation activities, as well as in older facilities with asbestos-containing materials.
Hawaii Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay: Asbestos exposure may have occurred during construction, renovation, or maintenance activities in various facilities, including hangars, administrative buildings, and housing units.
Iwakuni Japan Marine Corps Air Station: Asbestos exposure may have occurred during construction, renovation, or maintenance activities in various facilities, including hangars, administrative buildings, and aircraft maintenance areas.
Miramar Marine Corps Air Station California: Asbestos exposure may have occurred during aircraft maintenance, building construction, and renovation activities, as well as in older facilities with asbestos-containing materials.
Okinawa Japan Marine Corps Bases: Asbestos exposure may have occurred during construction, renovation, or maintenance activities in various facilities, including barracks, administrative buildings, and vehicle maintenance areas.
Parris Island & Beaufort Marine Corps Base: Asbestos exposure may have occurred in military housing, barracks, administrative buildings, and industrial facilities built before the 1980s, during renovation, repair, or maintenance work.
Quantico Marine Corps Base: Asbestos exposure may have occurred during construction, renovation, or maintenance activities in various facilities, including barracks, administrative buildings, and training facilities.
San Diego Marine Corps Recruit Depot (MCRD): Asbestos exposure may have occurred in older buildings, including barracks, administrative offices, and training facilities, during renovation, repair, or demolition activities.
Yuma Marine Corps Air Base: Asbestos exposure may have occurred during construction, renovation, or maintenance activities in various facilities, including hangars, administrative buildings, and aircraft maintenance areas.
Asbestos Products Commonly Used on Marine Corps Installations

Asbestos-containing products were extensively used in U.S. Marine Corps installations throughout the mid-20th century. These products included insulation for pipes, boilers, and heating systems, as well as fireproofing materials, floor tiles, and roofing shingles. Marine Corps personnel who worked in these installations, particularly in construction, maintenance, and repair roles, frequently encountered asbestos-containing materials. Disturbing these materials during routine work could release microscopic asbestos fibers into the air, which, when inhaled, could lead to serious health issues such as mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis. The pervasive use of asbestos in military facilities has left a lasting impact, with many veterans exposed to asbestos during their service continuing to face significant health risks. Awareness and understanding of these exposures are critical for seeking appropriate medical and legal support.
Adhesives: Marine installations commonly used asbestos-containing adhesives in construction and maintenance activities, such as installing flooring, tiles, and insulation, leading to airborne asbestos exposure during application and removal processes.
Boiler Insulation: Asbestos-containing insulation materials were often used in boilers on marine installations, deteriorating over time and releasing asbestos fibers into the air during maintenance or repair work.
Brake Linings: Asbestos-containing brake linings were frequently used in vehicles and equipment on marine installations, leading to asbestos exposure for personnel involved in maintenance and repair tasks.
Caulking: Asbestos-containing caulking materials were commonly used in construction and repair projects on marine installations, posing exposure risks during application, removal, or disturbance of the caulking.
Ceiling Tiles: Asbestos-containing ceiling tiles were installed in buildings on marine installations, deteriorating over time and releasing asbestos fibers into the air, particularly during renovation or demolition activities.
Cement: Asbestos cement products, such as pipes and roofing materials, were used in construction projects on marine installations, posing exposure risks during installation, repair, or removal processes.
Flooring Tiles: Asbestos-containing flooring tiles were commonly used in buildings on marine installations, leading to asbestos exposure during installation, repair, or removal activities.
Gaskets: Asbestos-containing gaskets were used in machinery and equipment on marine installations, deteriorating over time and releasing asbestos fibers during maintenance or repair work.
Insulation Materials: Various asbestos-containing insulation materials, such as pipe insulation and boiler insulation, were used extensively in buildings and equipment on marine installations, posing exposure risks during installation, repair, or removal tasks.
Joint Compound: Asbestos-containing joint compound was used in construction and renovation projects on marine installations, posing exposure risks during application, sanding, or removal of the compound.
Paints and Coatings: Asbestos-containing paints and coatings were used on marine installations for corrosion protection, leading to asbestos exposure during application, sanding, or removal processes.
Packing Materials: Asbestos-containing packing materials were used in machinery and equipment on marine installations, posing exposure risks during maintenance or repair work that involved handling or replacing the packing materials.
Pipes and Plumbing: Asbestos-containing pipes and plumbing fixtures were installed in buildings on marine installations, deteriorating over time and releasing asbestos fibers into the air, particularly during repair or replacement activities.
Roofing Materials: Asbestos-containing roofing materials, such as shingles and tiles, were commonly used in construction projects on marine installations, posing exposure risks during installation, repair, or removal processes.
Sealants: Asbestos-containing sealants were used in construction and repair projects on marine installations, posing exposure risks during application, sanding, or removal of the sealants.
Spray-on Insulation: Asbestos-containing spray-on insulation materials were used in buildings and equipment on marine installations, posing exposure risks during application or removal processes.
Textiles: Asbestos-containing textiles, such as fireproof clothing and curtains, were used in buildings and equipment on marine installations, posing exposure risks during handling, laundering, or maintenance activities.
Valves: Asbestos-containing valve components were used in machinery and equipment on marine installations, deteriorating over time and releasing asbestos fibers during maintenance or repair tasks.
Vinyl Asbestos Tiles: Asbestos-containing vinyl tiles were commonly used in buildings on marine installations, leading to asbestos exposure during installation, repair, or removal activities.
Wallboard and Drywall: Asbestos-containing wallboard and drywall materials were used in construction projects on marine installations, posing exposure risks during installation, sanding, or demolition processes.
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What is Mesothelioma Cancer?
Malignant mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that affects the lining of the lungs, abdomen, heart, and other major organs in the body. It is characterized by the presence of malignant cancer cells in the sac lining the chest (pleura) or the abdomen (peritoneum). In the United States, approximately 3,000 new cases of malignant mesothelioma are diagnosed each year. If you are experiencing any symptoms of mesothelioma, it is important to contact a doctor immediately for evaluation and diagnosis.
Diagnosed With Mesothelioma?
If you or a family member has received a diagnosis of malignant mesothelioma, you probably have numerous questions about managing the illness and pursuing legal recourse against asbestos manufacturers and companies accountable for your asbestos exposure. Mesothelioma is an extremely lethal disease, with an average survival time of 4-18 months, as per the American Cancer Society. Reach out to our toll-free number now to connect with a live mesothelioma counselor who can address many of your inquiries and offer you the reassurance you seek.
Family Member Died from Mesothelioma?
If you have a family member who has died from Mesothelioma cancer, you should immediately consult with an experienced Mesothelioma diagnosis lawyer about what compensation may be available to you from asbestos trust funds that total more than $30 billion.
We have seen many families lose their right to file a lawsuit because their Statute of Limitations had expired while they were grieving. We know it is a tough time to grieve the loss of a loved one, but please do not let your Statute of Limitations expire for filing your Mesothelioma lawsuit. In most states, the Statute of Limitations is 1-3 years.
It is VERY IMPORTANT that you file your Mesothelioma claim within your state’s Statute of Limitations.
Taking Legal Action
When confronted with the devastating impact of a mesothelioma diagnosis resulting from asbestos exposure, pursuing legal action becomes a crucial step towards securing the compensation you rightly deserve. Our team is here to assist you in initiating a mesothelioma lawsuit with an experienced mesothelioma attorney, ensuring the protection of your rights and the delivery of justice. Discover today which Asbestos Trust Funds you may be eligible for to receive compensation.
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Scheduling a free case consultation is your first step toward seeking justice in mesothelioma cancer lawsuits. We are ready to assess your unique situation and provide the guidance you will need during this challenging time. Take this essential step toward pursuing fair compensation for your mesothelioma-related injuries.
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When dealing with the complexities of mesothelioma cancer lawsuits, getting help from an experienced injury attorney is crucial. For more than 24 years, we have assisted workers, veterans, and families in obtaining the compensation they deserved from negligent asbestos companies. Contact us at 888.640.0914 to secure the support you will need throughout your pursuit of fair and just compensation.
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Marine Corps Installations, Asbestos Exposure and Mesothelioma