Silent sacrifice: Nevada veteran exposes hidden dangers

A Nevada veteran is speaking out about the hidden dangers of military service, after he was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer linked to his time in the service.

Jim Smith, a 60-year-old Las Vegas resident, served in the U.S. Army for four years, including a one-year deployment to Iraq. In 2015, he was diagnosed with mesothelioma, a type of cancer that is caused by exposure to asbestos.

Smith said he was never exposed to asbestos during his time in the military. However, he believes that he was exposed to the mineral while working on a construction project after he left the service.

Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that affects the lining of the lungs, chest, and abdomen. It is caused by exposure to asbestos, a mineral that was once commonly used in construction materials.

There is no cure for mesothelioma, but treatment can help to extend the life of patients. Smith is currently undergoing chemotherapy and radiation therapy.

Smith's story is a reminder of the hidden dangers that veterans face after they leave the service. Many veterans are exposed to harmful chemicals and pollutants during their time in the military, and these exposures can lead to serious health problems.

It is important for veterans to be aware of the risks of exposure to hazardous materials, and to take steps to protect themselves.

If you are a veteran, you can get help from the Veterans Administration. The VA offers a variety of programs to help veterans with their health care needs, including screening for and treatment of mesothelioma.

You can also get help from the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation. The MARF is a nonprofit organization that provides support to mesothelioma patients and their families.

If you are a veteran who has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you are not alone. There are resources available to help you, and you can get the support you need to fight this disease.

Here are some things you can do to protect yourself from exposure to asbestos:

• Wear a respirator when working in areas where asbestos is present.
• Avoid contact with asbestos-containing materials.
• If you are exposed to asbestos, wash your clothes and shower immediately.
• Get regular medical checkups, including chest X-rays.

If you have any questions about asbestos exposure, you can contact the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) or the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).