Mesothelioma Impact on Military Families: A Tragic Tale

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News Summary

The story of Lt Col Crawford Harvey and his late wife Jacqueline highlights the tragic impacts of mesothelioma on military families, emphasizing the ongoing battle against this terminal cancer. With a significant number of veterans dying from asbestos-related diseases, historical compensation challenges, and the dangerous presence of asbestos in military infrastructure, there is an urgent call for reform and action to safeguard future generations.

Devastating Impact of Mesothelioma on Military Families Revealed

The tragic story of Lt Col Crawford Harvey and his late wife, Jacqueline, underscores the ongoing *battle against mesothelioma*, a terminal cancer primarily linked to asbestos exposure. Jacqueline succumbed to this dreadful disease at the age of 77 in 2022, just 1.5 years after her diagnosis. Her passing came after five decades of marriage to Crawford, a 39-year military veteran who would soon find himself facing the same deadly illness.

Mesothelioma is notorious for its rapid progression, often taking the lives of those diagnosed within a year. However, Jacqueline’s *determination* allowed her to fight for an additional 18 months before she lost the battle against this *devastating condition*. Less than six months after her death, Lt Col Harvey received a shocking diagnosis himself—a stark reminder of the invisible dangers that lurked during his time in military service.

Military Service and Asbestos Exposure

Throughout years of service, the military is often associated with bravery, honor, and sacrifice. Yet, for many *retired servicemen and servicewomen*, the risks include more than just enemy action. Between 2001 and 2021, the British Forces faced 405 fatalities related to hostile action in Afghanistan, yet an alarming number of veterans continued to die from diseases linked to asbestos exposure. It is estimated that nearly 1,780 veterans per year from the Royal Navy, Army, and Royal Air Force die from mesothelioma, a figure that painfully illustrates the heavy toll of this exposure. In addition to mesothelioma, around 3,560 asbestos-related deaths occur annually, encompassing asbestosis and other lung cancers.

Concerns regarding asbestos exposure in the military are further highlighted by individual stories. The late Bernice Scullion, an RAF air traffic control assistant, tragically lost her life to mesothelioma in 2020 at merely 48 years old. Her suspected exposure stemmed from old military buildings, forcing her family to confront the grave consequences of inadequate safety measures regarding asbestos.

Changed Legal Framework and Compensation Disparities

Prior to the 2016 Mesothelioma Act, servicemen exposed to asbestos before 1987 found it nearly impossible to seek compensation due to the doctrine of Crown Immunity. This legal barrier protected the Armed Forces from liability, an injustice that only recently began to be addressed. Although the 2016 legislation opened pathways for some veterans, it left them with maximum claims significantly lower than their civilian counterparts—£140,000 for military personnel versus approximately £250,000 for civilians.

The Ministry of Defence has paid out £112.5 million in compensation between 2016 and 2025 to 803 victims of mesothelioma, revealing the urgent need for reform. Families of fallen service members face the additional burden that they cannot claim compensation after their loved ones’ deaths under current MoD regulations, a situation that has been deemed “disgraceful” by advocacy groups.

Asbestos in Military Infrastructure

Concerns about *asbestos safety* also extend to military properties, with a staggering 47,800 buildings designated for service occupation. The MoD acknowledges that 72% of these properties contain what they describe as ‘low risk’ asbestos. However, the Health and Safety Executive asserts that no level of asbestos exposure is considered safe—a statement that rings alarmingly true amidst a backdrop of ongoing fatal ASBESTOS-related diseases.

As of 2023, reports indicate that 2,699 pieces of military hardware, including submarines, tanks, and helicopters, still contain asbestos. Issues surrounding inadequate military accommodation have prompted parliamentary discussions, emphasizing the need for reassessment of existing conditions that could expose servicemen and women to hazardous materials.

A Call for Action

With over 5,000 deaths annually in the UK attributed to asbestos-related diseases, the *call for action* is growing. Advocates are urging phased removal of asbestos from public buildings, especially schools and hospitals, and a national registry documenting asbestos locations is deemed essential. The fears surrounding asbestos not only linger in military infrastructures but have become prevalent in many UK school buildings, risking the health of teachers and students alike.

The stories of families like the Harveys, Scullions, and Pickens highlight the *urgent need for systemic change* in how asbestos exposure is addressed across military and civilian landscapes. The lingering question remains: how much longer will these brave individuals suffer the silent consequences of asbestos while the system struggles to provide the support they desperately need?