The U.S. military is all too familiar with the health risks posed by asbestos: Countless Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine, and Coast Guard service members were diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases after exposure to the mineral during World War II and after. So it is no surprise that the discovery of asbestos at the site of an Air Force base has put a long-planned project on hold indefinitely.
$4.9 Million Project Delayed as Mesothelioma Fears Follow Asbestos Discovery
Though many think mesothelioma is a disease whose risks have diminished as asbestos use falls, the carcinogenic mineral still poses significant concerns from both present applications and asbestos that remains in place from legacy use. The latter was made clear with the discovery of asbestos in two buildings at the site of a planned project at an air base in Aviano, Italy.
The U.S. Air Force planned a $4.9 million project that involved demolishing two existing buildings to make room for a new gate to protect the base, but after discovering asbestos contamination in the buildings, the construction company contracted to do the work alerted the government of their mesothelioma concerns.
Asbestos-Contaminated Sites in Italy Raise Mesothelioma Concerns for Air Force
Though the project, which would improve force protection and traffic flow at the base, is important, the fear of mesothelioma supersedes all other concerns. The fencing surrounding the base’s former community center and medical administration building will remain in place until funding for proper mitigation procedures has been obtained.
The original project was expected to take 18 months to complete, but eliminating the asbestos is essential to allaying mesothelioma concerns at the site. According to 31st Wing spokeswoman Heather Ley, there is currently no cost estimate available for the additional work.
The military is particularly sensitive to mesothelioma concerns, as the tragic disease has impacted so many of its service members over the last several decades. If you have been impacted by exposure to asbestos and need information or help, contact the Patient Advocates at Mesothelioma.net today at 1-800-692-8608.
