Middle East Conflict Raises Risks of Asbestos Exposure
Damaged older buildings in combat and burn pits can expose service members to toxic contaminants, including asbestos.
The Middle East, a region that has long been marked by political tension and armed conflict, has seen widespread destruction of infrastructure as a result, much of it built decades ago. Among the many hazards arising from this war-torn landscape and mounting rumble has been the continued release of asbestos fibers. Asbestos, a carcinogenic mineral once commonly used in construction, is generally considered safe if it remains encapsulated, but once it becomes airborne, the fibers can be breathed in and latch themselves onto internal organs, eventually causing chronic and life-threatening diseases.
For those deployed in the Middle East, the health risks associated with exposure are particularly high due to the interplay of the damaged buildings themselves and inadequate or nonexistent asbestos regulations in many countries overseas. Veterans who once served in these countries have made it home only to be burdened with deadly cancers, asbestosis, and other respiratory conditions that deplete their quality of life.
This article will take a closer look at the devastating effects asbestos exposure continues to have on service men and women as well as their families.
Asbestos: A Hidden Danger in Older Buildings
Asbestos has been used for centuries, with its discovery dating back to ancient times. Early civilizations used the mineral extensively due to its durability, heat resistance, and ease of access. Vastly abundant, it was the perfect choice for infrastructure as well as clay pottery, art murals, textiles, and more.
Asbestos gained extensive popularity in the U.S., and around the world, during the Industrial Revolution. The 20th century marked a turning point in worldwide trade and the history of asbestos use, in general, skyrocketing its integration into buildings, automotive parts, everyday household products, ships and other military artillery, military bunkers, and more.
Not only did workers and service personnel commonly breathe in airborne fibers, but their spouses and children were also placed at high risk of developing asbestos-related diseases just by living in close proximity to those directly exposed. At one time, asbestos was considered exclusively a workplace hazard. However, research has since revealed that it is a significant domestic threat as well, leading to thousands of cases of mesothelioma, lung cancer, ovarian cancer, and other ailments among women each year.
Asbestos Exposure in the Military
The issue of asbestos among military service men and women has not been confined to the past. Still today, asbestos presents a very real and persistent danger particularly for those deployed to the Middle East. Not only are these individuals susceptible to inhaling or ingesting fibers evident in piles of debris, but burn pits have also been used extensively to eliminate this wreckage and other waste. These open-air pits release a toxic cocktail of chemicals and particulates, commonly consisting of carcinogenic fibers. The PACT Act was signed into law in 2022, offering some direction for addressing asbestos concerns as well as compensation for veterans affected by toxic exposures. However, this came far too late for many, and for the most part, waste management in the Middle East remains largely unregulated in military outposts.
There hasn’t been a concentrated push to eliminate asbestos from existing infrastructure and personnel commonly work with equipment still ladened with its fibers while also facing exposure in their sleeping quarters. When those in the service return home, spouses washing their uniforms and children riding in shared vehicles could also face secondhand exposure.
An Ongoing Preference for Asbestos in Industry
The presence of asbestos in infrastructure is certainly not exclusive to war-torn areas. The toxin has been a popular choice in the Middle East since the 1960s, especially in low-rise residential villas, where asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) have been used for roof sheeting and car park shading. Even after the United Arab Emirates (UAE) implemented a prohibition on asbestos boards in November 2006, for example, the use of asbestos-ladened cement pipes persisted for several years. Notably, in 2007, the UAE imported over 17,000 tons of chrysotile asbestos, indicating continued use in modern-day construction projects and other manufacturing processes.
India’s Role in the Middle East’s Asbestos Use
India remains one of the world’s leading consumers of asbestos. Despite a ban on asbestos mining since 1993, India continues to import substantial quantities to meet domestic demand. In the financial year 2023, the country imported over 404,000 metric tons, representing just a slight decrease from the 438,000 metric tons imported in 2022.
India also exports asbestos and asbestos-containing products to several countries in the Middle East. In 2022, India’s asbestos fiber exports totaled $9.94 million, with the UAE being a significant destination. In 2023, India also exported fabricated asbestos fibers and related goods to the UAE, amounting to approximately $2.2 million. Additionally, Saudi Arabia imported fabricated asbestos fibers from India, totaling about $599,560 during the same period.
Research has established that for every 170 tons of asbestos consumed, there is at least one mesothelioma death. With an annual consumption of about 350,000 tons, India could potentially continue to face approximately 2,000 mesothelioma deaths annually.
Mesothelioma, a rare but highly aggressive cancer that is almost always caught too late and, thus, diagnosis is commonly met with a poor prognosis. When symptoms begin to present—a sign that the disease has already progressed to a later stage—they tend to be nonspecific at first and often get misdiagnosed for less concerning conditions. This delays proper diagnosis and treatment, which only comes after the symptoms accelerate and a patient’s quality of life begins to deteriorate rapidly.
Despite these health risks, the Indian government has not imposed a complete ban on asbestos use to date. In April 2022, the environment minister stated in parliament that there were no plans to ban asbestos, citing adherence to existing guidelines to minimize adverse health effects.
The Destruction of the World Trade Center
Although this 2001 tragedy occurred in the U.S., the destruction of the World Trade Center towers offers a relevant case study for the long-term health effects associated with asbestos exposure not dissimilar to the dangers faced in war-torn areas. The event caused devastation that was not limited to the numerous casualties the resulted from the terrorist attack. Those who were at Ground Zero when the towers fell have since suffered long-term health effects.
When the towers collapsed, an enormous cloud of debris blanketed lower Manhattan, dispersing a mix of pulverized concrete, glass fibers, heavy metals, and asbestos fibers. Rescue workers, first responders, and nearby residents were immediately exposed to this toxic environment. Despite early assurances that the air was safe, subsequent studies have revealed significant health consequences. Chronic respiratory conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and a distinct condition known as World Trade Center Cough became prevalent among exposed individuals. More alarming, however, is the increased risk of mesothelioma and other asbestos-related cancers, diseases that often manifest decades after exposure.
Whether caused by a single tragic event or prolonged conflict, when asbestos-ladened infrastructure is destroyed, local populations face sustained exposure to similar toxic substances, including asbestos. These regions often lack the resources for thorough cleanup and medical monitoring, further heightening the risk of long-term health consequences.
How Asbestos Affects the Body
Asbestos fibers, once inhaled or ingested, never leave the body. Once they latch onto internal issues, they are impossible to remove. Over time, this causes inflammation and scarring, eventually leading to cell damage and the development of diseases, including many forms of cancer.
The changes that occur within the body tend to happen over an extended period of time, leading to a latency period of approximately 20 to 50 years in most cases involving asbestos-induced diseases. The decline, once it begins to become evident, can be rapid, however, and exposure victims tend to be met with difficult logistically, financial, and emotional decisions fairly quickly.
The development of mesothelioma or another aggressive condition resulting from exposure is generally life-changing, both for the patient and for their loved ones. It is important that anyone who is considered high risk to undergo regular screenings to monitor for disease development so changes can be caught early enough for treatment to possibly be successful. In most cases, however, asbestos-induced cancers are difficult to treat, and options are limited.
Compensation and Support for Veterans
Developing an asbestos-related disease is life-changing and can take a significant toll on one’s finances. Luckily, however, there are a few options in place for veterans and their families to help monitor for the development of asbestos-related diseases and to offset the costs of treatment and associated expenses if a diagnosis is made.
Veterans Affairs Healthcare Options
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provides healthcare services to eligible veterans, offering coverage for a range of medical needs, including those related to asbestos exposure. VA health services are available at no cost to veterans who are enrolled in the system and meet specific eligibility criteria.
Diagnostic testing, treatment for asbestos-related conditions, and ongoing care are all available to covered patients. However, eligibility for free care depends on factors like service-connected disabilities, income, and other criteria.
Filing a Claim with the VA
The VA recognizes diseases resulting from asbestos exposure as a service-related issue. Veterans diagnosed with mesothelioma or other asbestos-related illnesses can file disability claims to receive financial compensation. Eligibility often hinges on proving that exposure occurred during military service, particularly before the 1980s, when asbestos use was widespread in military infrastructure.
Accessing Asbestos Trust Funds
In addition to VA benefits, veterans may be eligible for compensation from asbestos trust funds. These funds were established by companies that manufactured or used asbestos products and later declared bankruptcy. Veterans can file claims with these trusts to cover medical expenses, lost wages, and other costs without needing to pursue litigation.
Lawsuits
For veterans seeking additional compensation, filing a lawsuit against asbestos manufacturers or employers responsible for exposure is another option. While litigation can be a lengthy process, when successful, it often results in significant settlements or awards for victims and their families.
Moving Forward
The risks of asbestos exposure in the Middle East’s conflict zones continue to be a pressing concern for service personnel and civilians alike. From damaged buildings to burn pits, the potential for inhaling asbestos fibers is alarmingly high in these environments. For veterans, the legacy of asbestos exposure often manifests years after returning home from their service, drawing attention to a significant need for proactive health care, awareness, and access to compensation.
As governments and organizations work to address the immediate hazards posed by asbestos in conflict zones, veterans must take steps to protect their health and secure the support they deserve. By staying informed, seeking regular medical care, and exploring compensation options, veterans and their families can navigate the challenges posed by asbestos exposure and advocate for a safer future for all.