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Shipping Industry - Asbestos Exposure and Mesothelioma
Shipyards have been extremely important to the development of the United States, both as a means for global commerce and during war times as a warship building, repairing and launching ground. During World War II and the Korean War, the peak of shipbuilding in the U.S., it is estimated that hundreds of thousands of people worked at America’s shipyards. Unfortunately, this time period also involved widespread asbestos use on ships.
The rationale behind the use of asbestos aboard ships dates back to the fateful day of September 8, 1934 when the S.S. Morro Castle - a passenger Cruise ship returning to New York from Cuba - experienced a fire at sea off the coast of New Jersey. The fire, which began below deck and quickly spread throughout the ship, ultimately killed 135 of the 549 passengers and crewmembers onboard. The asbestos industry used this great tragedy to lobby Congress for strict fire regulations requiring fireproof materials for the construction and repair of ships. During this time, the fireproofing material of choice was asbestos.
Shipping Jobs at High Risk for Asbestos Exposure and Mesothelioma
The shipping industry has been regarded as one of the most hazardous working environments due to the high volume of confirmed asbestos exposures. Individuals loading, building, and repairing ships may have all been exposed to some level of asbestos prior to the 1970’s. A study by Mount Sinai School of Medicine has shown that of workers with at least 20 years in shipbuilding, 86% had some asbestos-related illness. Asbestos releases fibers and dust into the air when disturbed, which when inhaled can lead to a number of health problems including asbestosis and such cancers as mesothelioma, lung, esophageal, gastrointestinal, laryngeal, and pharyngeal. What’s worse is that many of these asbestos exposures could have been prevented if workers had simply been given the proper training and safety equipment.
Several shipping jobs that have been affected by mesothelioma and asbestos exposure include:
Asbestos Products in the Shipping Industry
Asbestos was used in different areas of the ship primarily because of its resistance to heat, but also for a resistance to electrical and chemical damage, sound absorption and tensile strength. Asbestos was used in over 300 products on ships until the 1970’s. In fact, it has been estimated that some of the larger ships during this time period contained over 1,000 tons of asbestos in different areas throughout the ship. The most common use was asbestos-containing insulation to wrap hot water, steam, and fuel pipes for heat resistance purposes. Other danger areas and products included bricks, cement, liners, instrument paneling, adhesives, gaskets, floor tiles, ceiling tiles, and cabling.
The widespread use of asbestos products means that most people traveling aboard ships during this time period likely experienced some level of asbestos exposure. The close quarters and poor ventilation of a ship only increased the chances for exposure and the resulting health issues like mesothelioma and asbestosis. Because of ongoing repair and maintenance issues in areas with asbestos, there are stories of ship personnel being showered with asbestos fibers and even routinely dusting off their beds before going to sleep.
As with most occupational asbestos exposures, the on-site workers are not the only people at risk for asbestos-related diseases. Shipyard workers often returned to their home covered in asbestos fibers putting both their family and friends at risk.
Today’s Shipping Workers Are Still at Risk for Asbestos Exposure
Although a 2000 amendment to the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) treaty has banned new installation of asbestos-containing materials on ships, there are still a few exceptions for very high heat areas. Of more concern, perhaps, is the repair and overhaul of ships built during the period of widespread use. It is important that modern workers be properly trained in order to safely service or repair areas of the ship and avoid potentially deadly exposure.
Were You Exposed to Asbestos at Your Shipping Job? A Mesothelioma Lawyer May be Able to Help
It is recommended that people who have spent a significant period of time working within the shipping industry get a full physical evaluation by a doctor. Mesothelioma, a rare and aggressive cancer caused by asbestos exposure, often takes up to 30-40 years to manifest.. Like many other diseases, it is important to catch the disease in its early stages. At-risk workers should pay close attention to any mesothelioma symptoms which include fluid in the lungs, chest pain, coughing, shortness of breath and fatigue.
If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma and believe you were exposed to asbestos over the course of your shipping career, you may be entitled to an mesothelioma settlement from your former employer. To learn more about your legal options, please contact us for a free case evaluation to see if a mesothelioma lawyer may be able to help your situation.
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