Editing Military Exposure Overview (section)

== U.S. Navy: Why Is Risk Highest? ==

The U.S. Navy has the highest documented mesothelioma rate among all military branches. Navy personnel are '''twice as likely''' to develop mesothelioma compared to the general population, and approximately one-third of all Americans with asbestos-related diseases served in the Navy.<ref>[https://mesothelioma.net/navy-veterans-asbestos-exposure/ Navy Veterans and Mesothelioma], Mesothelioma.net</ref>

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| style="padding:15px; color:#004085;" | '''ℹ Key Statistic:''' The Navy used over '''300 million pounds of asbestos''' between 1940 and 1970, with more than 3,300 vessels containing asbestos materials. [https://mesothelioma.net/asbestos-navy-ships/ Every major ship class] incorporated asbestos extensively.
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The VA has classified '''18 Navy ratings''' as having "Highly Probable" asbestos exposure, including:<ref>[https://dandell.com/mesothelioma/veteran-mesothelioma/mesothelioma-in-the-navy-what-veterans-need-to-know/ Mesothelioma in the Navy], Danziger & De Llano</ref>

* '''BT''' - Boiler Technician
* '''DC''' - Damage Controlman
* '''EN''' - Engineman
* '''MM''' - Machinist's Mate
* '''HT''' - Hull Maintenance Technician
* '''IC''' - Interior Communications Electrician
* '''WT''' - Water Tender
* '''MR''' - Machinery Repairman
* '''GSE/GSM''' - Gas Turbine Systems Technician

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| style="padding:15px;" | "''Navy veterans often tell us they remember the white dust that covered everything below decks,''" notes [https://dandell.com/advocates/ Rod De Llano]. "''They didn't know at the time that dust was asbestos fibers that would stay in their lungs for decades. The ships were floating asbestos environments, and the men who served on them had no way to avoid exposure.''"
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For comprehensive information on Navy-specific exposure, see our detailed guides on [[Navy Ships Asbestos Database|Navy vessels]] and [[Naval Shipyards|shipyard exposure]].