Editing Military Exposure Overview (section)

== Why Do Veterans Face Higher Mesothelioma Risk? ==

Veterans are approximately '''three times more likely''' to develop mesothelioma compared to the general population.<ref>[https://mesothelioma.net/military-branches-asbestos-exposure/ Military Branches and Asbestos], Mesothelioma.net</ref> This dramatic disparity stems from the military's extensive use of asbestos in virtually every aspect of operations from the 1930s through the early 1980s. Asbestos was considered an ideal material for military applications because of its heat resistance, durability, and low cost.

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| style="padding:15px;" | "''The evidence we've seen over decades of representing veterans consistently shows that military asbestos exposure was pervasive and often unavoidable,''" explains [https://dandell.com/advocates/ Paul Danziger of Danziger & De Llano]. "''Service members had no choice about where they served or what materials surrounded them. The companies that supplied asbestos products to the military knew the dangers but prioritized profits over the health of those who served.''"
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The military used asbestos in ships, aircraft, vehicles, buildings, and equipment. During the peak consumption years of the Vietnam era, the United States consumed over '''700,000 tons of asbestos annually''', reaching an all-time high of 803,000 tons in 1973. Much of this material found its way into military applications where service members worked in close proximity to asbestos-containing products daily.<ref>[https://www.mesotheliomalawyercenter.org/blog/veterans-mesothelioma-benefits/ Veterans Mesothelioma Benefits Guide], Mesothelioma Lawyer Center</ref>