Navy Asbestos Medical Surveillance Program New New

In the late 1970s, the U.S. Navy released the Asbestos Medical Surveillance System (AMSP), a comprehensive system that monitors the wellness of support members and civilian workers of the U.S. Division of the Navy who were exposed to asbestos.

AMSP assists the Navy maintain records of uncovered people so it can provide regular medical exams and chest X-rays to detect asbestos-related diseases early on. Early detection is crucial for effectively treating mesothelioma, a deadly cancer that typically requires decades to develop after asbestos exposure.

Whenever an asbestos incident occurs, medical officers can location anyone affected into the AMSP. The medical officer, usually the AMSP office manager on a ship or in little facilities, will certainly oversee the initial surveillance examination and the periodic exams that follow.

Once enrolled in the program, Navy service members fill out a questionnaire with information about their work history and any past or present exposures to asbestos. The form additionally asks a collection of questions about lung health to identify early warning signs of asbestos-related disease, such as shortness of breath or a persistent cough.

Following, people visit an occupational health physician for a physical examination. The physician evaluates the member’s wellness and lung functionality, and then performs an X-ray that may reveal symptoms of an asbestos-related condition. Another common test, known as spirometry, assists the doctor assess how well the lungs are functioning.

With the results of the questionnaire and initial physical examination, doctors can identify asbestos-related health issues. The doctor files the results of the examination and lab tests to use as a reference for future wellness exams.

If new symptoms appear or current symptoms worsen, it may indicate an undiagnosed asbestos-related illness. Further testing enables physicians to make the correct diagnosis and promptly get people started with treatment