Shipyard Workers and Asbestos Exposure:
Between our Navy and our expansive commercial and cruise ship fleets, shipbuilding has been one of the most important American industries. However, shipyard workers have paid a huge price for their contributions, in the form of exposure to high levels of asbestos and high mortality rates from mesothelioma, lung cancer and other asbestos-related illnesses. Retired shipyard workers face the highest risk of mesothelioma since asbestos was prevalent in shipbuilding through most of the 20th century; however, even current shipbuilders face an ongoing risk of asbestos exposure.
Asbestos Exposure, Then and Now
What made this toxic substance so prevalent in the shipbuilding business? Before being widely recognized as a carcinogen, asbestos was touted for its fire-retardant and insulating qualities, and resistance to corrosion—three features much valued in shipbuilding. Thus, most ships built in the 20th century prior to the 1970's were replete with asbestos, from bow to stern—in boilers, incinerators, pipes, pumps, valves and other heat-generating machinery. It was also often used in fire-retardant paint.Not only did ships’ crews have opportunity for exposure, but workers building, repairing and decommissioning ships experienced the most contact with asbestos.Although the shipbuilding industry stopped using asbestos in the 1980's, studies show shipyard workers are still at risk of asbestos exposure if they pull asbestos insulation out of old ships and replace it with safer materials. A significant number of these workers may eventually develop mesothelioma, which usually appears within 20-40 years after exposure to asbestos.
Who Is Most at Risk?
Generally, the longer a person is exposed to asbestos, the greater the odds of getting sick in the future. Among shipyard personnel, those who received the most exposure are:
- Anyone who participated directly in ship construction between 1930-1980;
- Anyone who repaired or retrofitted ships built prior to 1980 (or who continue to do so);
- Anyone involved in decommissioning or demolishing these ships; and
- Anyone who spent large quantities of time in ships’ boiler rooms.
Secondary Exposure Risks
Family members are also at risk for developing mesothelioma due to secondary exposure. When asbestos fibers are airborne, they can lodge in clothing, in the hair and on the skin of the workers—who can unwittingly carry them home to their loved ones. If you lived with someone who worked in a shipyard prior to the 1980’s, you may also have been exposed.
If You Are at Risk
If you currently work in a shipyard around old ships with asbestos, follow all safety protocols as dictated by your company to minimize your exposure. If you smoke, now is the time to quit: Cigarette smoke combined with asbestos exposure can multiply your chances for getting lung cancer or related lung diseases. Finally, get regular screenings for mesothelioma as early detection of the disease can improve your life expectancy.Being exposed to asbestos does not necessarily mean you will get sick—but if you do, you may be eligible for compensation from a number of sources. For a FREE consultation and case evaluation, call the Madeksho Law Firm at 1-888-910-MESO, or contact us here.
