A man and his wife have filed a lawsuit alleging he developed lung cancer from asbestos exposure during his years in the U.S. Navy and his career as a welder for various companies.

Plaintiff Charles M. says he was employed by the U.S. Navy as a welder and boiler man on the USS Wasp from 1957 to 1963. From 1962 to 1972, he says he was an assembler/HVAC/welder for Parish Pressed Steel.

While employed by Dana Corporation from 1972 to 2000, Charles says he held the positions of welder, loader, painter, oiler and maintenance man.

Charles says he was diagnosed in December 2016 with lung cancer caused by asbestos.

Ben J. Lehman, a retired rear admiral from the U.S. Navy, submitted a written exhibit regarding asbestos exposure in naval shipyards.

Lehman writes, “Based upon my experience, professional training, education, and research, it is my opinion that the United States Navy was aware of the dangers of asbestos by the 1940s. Despite such knowledge, the Navy did not provide any warnings.”

Lehman also said that based on the performance needs of the ship’s equipment, he doesn’t believe the Navy approved possible warnings regarding recommendations for respiratory protection from asbestos.

Charles’s asbestos lung cancer lawsuit alleges the Navy was aware of the potential hazards of working with asbestos as early as 1922. The lawsuit names 63 defendants, many of whom were suppliers of shipbuilding products to the Navy.

Why Lung Cancer from Asbestos is Possible

Asbestos actually refers to an entire group of naturally occurring minerals. The lightweight, fibrous material was widely used in shipbuilding, construction, and automotive industries.

The U.S. government has banned asbestos in certain products, but when there is no other viable alternative, asbestos is allowed.

Any time asbestos materials deteriorate or are damaged, the tiny asbestos fibers can become airborne. The fibers may remain airborne for long periods of time before settling in the dust.

When proper masks, coverings, and other safety precautions are not used, those working in and around asbestos can inhale or even swallow the tiny airborne fibers. These fibers become embedded deep in the tissues of the lungs or the digestive system where they fester for anywhere from 20 to 50 years before causing full-blown cancer.

The American Lung Association says, “The risk depends on how much you inhale, how long ago you were exposed and whether you smoke.”

Many houses that were built before the 1970s contain pipes or floor tiles that were made with asbestos. These materials are not dangerous unless they are disturbed or crumbling and deteriorating.

Signs of lung cancer from asbestos can include:

• The appearance of a persistent cough
• Coughing up blood
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain
• Hoarseness
• Losing weight for no apparent reason
• Pain in the bones
• Headache

Lung cancer
often metastasizes (spreads) to other parts of the body, such as the brain and bones. Once the cancer spreads, it’s usually impossible to cure.

The Lung Cancer from Asbestos Lawsuit is Case No. 2:19-cv-00462-ER in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.