USA Asbestos Exposure in Shipyards

admin — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 16:59:10 +0000

Workers of the U.S Naval forces, considered the noblest workers in the United States, trough their jobs were exposed permanently to major risks.
It is very important to know that, american workers, shipyard workers, in the World War II period, were exposed to asbestos, which is a natural mineral used frequently in the shipyard manufacturing, but in known as a dangerous material that is considered the main cause for developing mesothelioma cancer. Workers were inevitably exposed to this harmful mineral.

Asbestos was mainly use because of its resistance to oxidization and blistering heat.
Shipyard workers were daily exposed to asbestos, and inhaling or swallowing the asbestos fibers, is the first step in developing asbestosis or mesothelioma cancer.

Asbestos was also used as insulation for boilers, hot water pipes, steam pipes and incinerators.

Asbestos dust cumulated in time has been ventilated to other areas of the ship, exposing everybody to asbestos.

The most exposed were the longshoreman, shipyard workers and the crew, but also other persons present on the vessel could have been exposed to. Some studies say that at the beginning of the `80, some workers loaded bundles of asbestos on to the vessel. It’s most probably that worker who has loaded the bundles experienced mesothelioma symptoms at one time in their life.

No special measures were required on that time for asbestos usage and people weren’t aware of the health risks caused by this asbestos mineral. Most of them didn’t even use protection equipment and never have followed training process.

It is very important to be aware of the harm that can be caused by exposing yourself to asbestos. If you remember having contact with asbestos do not hesitate to call a physician that can help you. People around the world are exposed every day to asbestos, the main cause for developing mesothelioma cancer, which is a fatal disease.

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USA Asbestos Exposure in Shipyards