Wake up U.S.: Further Asbestos Regulations Needed to Decrease U.S. Veteran Exposure

Tuesday, February 17, 2009

Further Asbestos Regulations Needed to Decrease U.S. Veteran Exposure

Utilized throughout the 20th century a major form of piping, insulation and flooring, asbestos is a fibrous mineral acclaimed for its fire resistant qualities. Manufacturers of the substance were aware of its toxic qualities but continued shipping the product anyways, leading to millions of employees, military veterans and homeowners exposed to the substance. Asbestos appeared on most vessels used by the Navy and in shipyards.

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs stated that out of the 25 million military veterans living today in the country, hundreds of thousands were exposed to asbestos while on service. Evidence demonstrates that any information regarding the toxic components of asbestos was swiftly covered up. While the military created one of the most formidable and intense Navy fleets in the world, asbestos concerns were silenced during that time.

Although not all cases of asbestos exposure can lead to a related illness, consistent exposure will definitely increase those odds. The inhalation of airborne asbestos fibers can cause severe forms of asbestos lung cancer such as asbestosis and mesothelioma. Many symptoms of mesothelioma are similar to other disorders, making it especially difficult for physicians to diagnose. The amount of asbestos-related incidents throughout the world has resulted in mesothelioma lawyer firms advocating and protecting victim’s individual rights. Many are unaware to the wrongdoings done in the contraction of diseases associated with asbestos.

As many as four million service men and women worked in shipyards repairing and building giant vessels. Thousands of tons of asbestos were used as piping and boiler insulation aboard navigation rooms, sleeping quarters and mess halls in ships.

Current Exposure Threats & Fair Compensation

United States combat troops have been stationed in Iraq and face many extreme dangers on a daily basis. Aside from performing military operations, there is the potential threat of asbestos exposure. Over $194,000 worth of asbestos was imported into Iraq in 2003, documents reveal.

This presents a significant hazard for all soldiers stationed in the country because intense winds and desert sands can carry asbestos dust for long distances.

The Asbestos Alliance, a business coalition pushing for legislation, is dedicated to ensuring victims of asbestos products are fairly compensated. The alliance is also hoping for additional assistance from Washington politicians to keep defendant firms financially stable so victims claims are successfully paid out.

Military veterans and civilians who have developed an asbestos-

related disease find themselves in a tough situation when attempting to receive assistance and benefits for their wrongful illness. Currently, mesothelioma is not readily recognized as a service-related medical ailment. However, veterans can apply for Veteran Affairs (VA) benefits for asbestos-related illness and must provide proof that their exposure occurred at the time of their military service. The potential remains for another generation of veteran and civilian asbestos exposure. Individuals should be aware of the hazards involved with this obsolete substance and take the proper initiatives to avoid exposure.

Veterans Affairs

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Abdul said...: Yes this is correct, the US navy knew about the hazards of using Asbestos in navy ships, battle ships and other aircraft but choose to ignore it due to the ability of Asbestos to insulate against fire outbreaks.

Here's some piece of information from http://www.researchmalignantmesothelioma.com

The 50 years prior to 1970, Asbestos manufacturing companies produced insulation products that were very popular and used in almost every public building, home, airplane, ship, railroads, etc. Most of these manufacturers knew about the hazardous long term effects of Asbestos & when it becomes airborne, but due to surging sales and profitability, they chose to ignore it. Infact, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that 30% of all navy & military retirees that did their service prior to the 1970s have been exposed to Asbestos and are at risk of developing Asbestos related diseases including Mesothelioma lung cancer. What are the most common War settings where asbestos exposure could have occured? Asbestos exposure could have occured in battleships, aircraft carriers, navy ships and submarines.; 11:41 PM

Bass and Associates, Jacksonville Florida

The following was written by Consumer Advocate, Anthony Lemons:
Quote:
I am warning my readers of an online payday loan company and their so-called collection agency. The name of the collection company, which is based in Jacksonville, Florida, is BASS AND ASSOCIATES. This is not to be confused with the legitimate Bass and Associates. The company I am speaking of stole the name of two real companies located in Arizona, Iowa and Nebraska. You can not find the company I am writing about, through the Internet. Allow me to explain why the fake company are crooks. A friend of mine was short of cash a few months ago, so she applied for an online loan with a company calling themselves; ARROWHEAD INVESTMENTS, another company which can not be located on the web. They deposited the amount into her checking account. Over a short period of time, the loan was repaid, using a method allowing for the loan company to withdraw the amount owed. However, and this is where it gets crooked, the loan company continued to withdraw money, without authorization. Pretty soon, the only option, which the bank informed her of, was to close the account all together, to cease anymore stealing of her money. She thought that it was over at last. It wasn't quite over, since she received a call recently, at her work from Kelly, an employee of BASS AND ASSOCIATES, the fake company. This Kelly, who lacks a last name, went on to state that they were filing motions in a court of law, and that she better get an attorney, and that she will be arrested due to committing bank fraud, check fraud and an array of other white collar crimes, unless of course, she wire money within the hour to their account. I received a frantic, tearful call from my friend, relaying what was told to her. She left work early, in tears and in complete anguish. I personally called this company back to investigate their claims and to have them restate the ramifications which they stated to her. The 'boss', DAVID JACOBS, refused to repeat their threats to me. I then asked for their fax number so that I can send them a letter stating to never contact my friend again, unless it is through a mediation organization. This Mr. Jacobs, refused to share their contact information. During the conversation, he referred to me as a moron. Very professional? No way. So, today, I contacted the Florida Attorney Generals Office and shared with them the actions of BASS AND ASSOCIATES. I was informed by the A.G. office, that this particular company is already under investigation. If anyone is interested in calling this company, perhaps to just ask how the weather is in Jacksonville, the number is as follows: 1-877-281-2220. Also, ask for Mr. Jacobs or Kelly.I ask all readers to call at least once, and tell them how you read all about them on my site. If you have dealt with this company also, let me know. I am not a friend of organizations who intimidate or harass hard working people. If you have information to add to this story, let me know, even your own dealings with certain collection agencies. Your thoughts? P.S. DAVID JACOBS, you are a loser who will one day get what is legally coming to you, and I will see that it happens. It won't matter how many times you change the name of your company, or that you know anyone from Mt. Laurel, New Jersey. I told Mr. Jacobs to Google my name, and so far, he has had my name Googled four times from New Jersey. I am recording the Internet Address, which is: 70.91.149. I imagine that these crooks use a router to throw people off of their trail. Trust me, the Banking and commerce regulators and Attorney Generals from two states are involved with this case. You crook. Information on this 'company': Bass and Associates (name stolen from a real company in Arizona, Iowa and Nebraska, not legitimate name) Names given during calls: David Jacobs,Kelly, no last name given, and Paul Rodriguez (may also be alias names) Known phone number: 1-877-281-2220 (Phone number may also change, for concealing and relocating purposes, well used practice of crooked companies) David Jacobs mobile phone: 1-904-982-0091 (This number is on his answering machine voice mail) Physical address of crooks, given to me by Florida Attorney Generals Office: 314 West 44th Jacksonville, Florida 32208 (This address is the one on file in the state of Florida, subject to change, I'm sure.) This is a link to many others who have had this same crooked company threaten them: Forum which shares dealings with these thieves The following information was obtained through the Better Business Bureau: Quote: Bass and Associates 9378 Arlington Expressway Suite 323 Jacksonville, FL 32225 MAP General Information BBB File Opened September 27, 2006 BBB Member This company is not a member Type of Business Collection Agencies The information in this report has either been provided by the company, or has been compiled by the Bureau from other sources. Customer Experience Based on BBB files, this company has an unsatisfactory record with the Bureau due to unanswered complaint(s). Customer Complaint Data The company's size, volume of business and number of transactions may have a bearing on the number of complaints received by the BBB. The complaints filed against a company may not be as important as the type of complaints, and how the company has handled them. The BBB generally does not pass judgement on the validity of complaints filed. Number of complaints processed by the BBB since the firm's BBB file was opened in September 2006: 13 Number of complaints processed by the BBB in the last 12 months: 13 Complaints Concerned: Service Issues (8 complaints) 5 Resolved 1 Delayed Resolution 2 Company did not respond Credit or Billing Disputes (4 complaints) 2 Resolved 1 Unresolved 1 Delayed Resolution Contract Disputes (1 complaints) 1 Delayed Resolution Additional File Information According to information in BBB files 9378 Arlington Expressway, is The UPS Store, and not an actual office for this collection agency. Licensing Information This company is in an industry that may require licensing, bonding or registration in order to lawfully do business. The Bureau encourages you to check with the appropriate agency to be certain any requirements are currently being met. Additional Information This Business Operates under the Names Bass and Associates Addresses 9378 Arlington Expressway, Suite 323, Jacksonville, FL 32225 MAP Phones (877) 281-2224, x317 Reported on Thursday, January 11, 2007 As a matter of policy, the Better Business Bureau does not endorse any product, service or company. BBB reports generally cover a three-year reporting period, and are provided solely to assist you in exercising your own best judgment. Information contained herein is believed reliable but not guaranteed as to accuracy. Reports are subject to change at any time. The Better Business Bureau reports on members and non-members. Membership in the BBB is voluntary, and members must meet and maintain BBB standards. If a company is a member of this BBB, it is stated in this report. Â© 2007 BBB of Northeast Florida UPDATE: Bass and Associates are sued by Florida Attorney General's Office. If you are still receiving threatening calls from these crooks, file an online complaint with the Florida Attorney General's Office immediately. Here is the newspaper article: debt collectors sued for $1.3 million A Jacksonville agency was probed after 130 complaints were filed. By J. Taylor Rushing, Capital Bureau Chief TALLAHASSEE - A Jacksonville debt collection agency was sued for more than $1.3 million Monday by State Attorney General Bill McCollum on claims the agency was impersonating attorneys and state officials, threatening arrests and collecting excessive fees. A Times-Union special report: The lawsuit was filed in Duval County against Bass Prelitigation Services Inc.; a related company, Jackson Phillips & Associates; and the owners of both firms, Frank and Evelyn Jackson. It seeks an unknown amount in restitution payments plus $1.3 million in penalties, or $10,000 for each violation of Florida's Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act, plus dissolution of the companies and a permanent injunction against future collection businesses. The Times-Union did not receive a response to two messages left with company receptionists Monday. A total of 130 complaints about the company have been received by the attorney general's Economic Crimes Division since January 2006, with most coming since October. Investigators opened a probe in November. McCollum's lawsuit claims the company knew it was being investigated, yet continued its "abusive tactics." "Consumers under financial burdens deserve our protection and consideration, not the predatory nature of these allegations," McCollum said in a statement. According to the lawsuit, those tactics included sending employees to pose as government investigators; extorting money from consumers by threatening arrest; claiming and collecting excessive payments; and abusing or harassing consumers, such as calling them at work. All are illegal under state law. (850) 224-7515