Mesothelioma and Naval Asbestos Exposures

Mesothelioma and Naval Asbestos Exposures Among the less discussed hazards that naval personnel encounter is exposure to toxins. Toxic materials permeate nearly all aspects of the maritime industrial complex and the danger posed by exposure is very real for those involved with the Navy, both military and civilian. Among the more common toxins that naval personnel engage with in maritime industry is asbestos.

Shipyards in general account for a great deal of asbestos exposures, with many of their employees developing mesothelioma down the road as a result of prior occupational exposures. Unfortunately these exposures have likewise manifested themselves in the marine branches of our military, leading to a growing correlation between cases of mesothelioma and the Navy. Asbestos was involved in nearly all aspects of vessel construction and repair, leaving those who were involved in ship construction or vessel fixture repair and modification most at risk.

Asbestos was used in a number of capacities but its most common utilization was as an insulator. Asbestos possesses strong fire-retardant and insulation qualities. The consistency and durability of its fibers allowed for it to be added to a number of fixtures on board naval and other vessels, including pipe covering, electrical fixtures, and hull construction components.

Because resistance to fire and insulation are so important onboard naval vessels, asbestos was used liberally and throughout the construction of the ship. Even as asbestos has been banned by federal law for over twenty five years, cases of asbestos related disease continue to arise in those who worked in naval shipyards prior to the ban on the substance.

Because mesothelioma and other asbestos-induced respiratory complications take so long to occur in the body, today someone could conceivably contract the disease who worked with the material thirty or more years ago. While asbestos is no longer used in vessel construction, it can still be found in older vessels in the capacities mentioned above.

This material is still dangerous and should be avoided or removed in accordance with state abatement regulations. Those who worked in naval shipyards or knowingly engaged with plumbing, electrical, or other insulated materials onboard naval vessels should closely monitor their respiratory health and consult a physician if adverse symptoms arise.

By John Blume from the Mesothelioma and Asbestos Awareness Center