Shipyard Worker
The occupation of shipyard worker is regarded as one of the most hazardous jobs due to the high volume of confirmed asbestos exposures. These Individuals which helped with the loading, unloading, building and repair of ships may have been exposed to dangerous levels of asbestos prior to the 1970’s. In fact, 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, when disturbed, can release fibers and dust into the air, which when inhaled can lead to a number of health problems including asbestosis and such cancers as mesothelioma, lung, esophageal, gastrointestinal, laryngeal, and pharyngeal. Unfortunately, many of these asbestos exposures could have been prevented if shipyard workers had simply been given the proper knowledge, training and safety equipment.
Asbestos Products in the Shipping Industry
Shipyard workers and shipbuilders worked with asbestos products 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 product encountered by shipyard workers and shipbuilders was asbestos-containing insulation used to wrap hot water, steam, and fuel pipes for heat resistance purposes. Other danger areas of the ship and products include bricks, cement, liners, instrument paneling, adhesives, gaskets, floor tiles, ceiling tiles, and cabling.
The widespread use of asbestos products means that most people traveling, working aboard, or around 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 of ship workers experiencing 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 workers and shipbuilders 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 and shipbuilders often returned to their home covered in asbestos fibers putting both their family and friends at risk.
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Today’s Shipyard Workers Could Still be 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 to modern shipyard workers and shipbuilders is the repair, overhaul, and retrofitting 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 as a Shipyard Worker or Shipbuilder? Mesothelioma Attorneys May be Able to Help
It is recommended that people who have spent a significant period of time working as a shipyard worker or shipbuilder 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 deserving of a mesothelioma settlement. To learn more about your legal options and how mesothelioma attorneys may be able to assist you, please contact us for a free legal consultation.