Hazards of Asbestos to Shipbuilders

In the 1980s and 1990s, an increasing number of shipbuilders have been reported to have fallen victim to diseases like lung cancer, Mesothelioma, and asbestosis. The common culprit in most cases has turned out to be Asbestos. The generic term ‘Asbestos’ refers to a group of six naturally occurring fibrous minerals. Asbestos in itself is not dangerous to human health. It becomes dangerous when asbestos fibers separate to form a microscopic particle, which when inhaled or ingested, cause the above-mentioned diseases.

How Shipbuilders Get Exposed to Asbestos

Asbestos was first introduced more than 2,000 years ago. The asbestos minerals have high flexibility and tensile strength. More over, it is resistant to heat, chemicals, and electricity. During the 1940’s, people were not aware of the dangers asbestos posed to human health. So, due to its fire resistant properties, it was widely used in the shipyards to make fire-resistant sheets in bulkheads, in ceiling tile, tanks, boilers, hot water pipes, and insulation of steam of US ships. These uses of asbestos went on through the 1970s until 1978, when the use of asbestos was strictly prohibited in government-subsidized ships.

Thus, the shipbuilders who work essentially on every part of the ship, from maintenance and repair, to salvaging the scrap parts of the ships, were exposed. Years later, the symptoms of the diseases caused by asbestos finally began to surface.  Studies show that nearly 86% to 90% of shipbuilders, who have work experience of 20 years or over in the shipbuilding industry, suffer from some type of asbestos related disease.

Level of Exposure to Asbestos Today

In the recent years, the United States government has taken a strict stand regarding the use of asbestos in various products. This is why, in the last 30 years, the shipbuilders are much safer when they go about their jobs.

But the danger has not been totally eradicated. The shipbuilders are often paid by unscrupulous companies to work on scraps of old ships. They are not informed that the scraps may contain asbestos.

When working on products that may contain asbestos, the shipbuilders should take care of using protection. They are in a position that not only affects them, but their family as well. This is because the fibers may stick to their clothes and may get transferred to others.

Lawsuits and Claims Filed  About Mesothelioma

Many shipbuilders, who are already suffering from Mesothelioma and other related asbestos diseases, have brought charges against the people they hold responsible for their illnesses. The number of lawsuits pending in the court relating to such matters is large.

The Asbestos Legislation is not that developed. Frankly, the current system is a bit overwhelmed. According to RAND, a non-profit institution, almost 730,000 claims are still pending. The lawyers and attorneys charge quite a high fee for fighting these cases, and whatever the outcome may be, it would have a dramatic effect on the system as a whole.