Working at a shipyard is one of the most infamous ways a victim was exposed to asbestos leading to a possible mesothelioma diagnosis. The most common way to get Mesothelioma is by directly working with asbestos. Whether mining, construction, shipbuilding or other jobs, any exposure to asbestos put workers at risk due to the lack of public knowledge on the dangerous effects, therefore protective equipment was not used.
Asbestos in the shipbuilding industry
Shipyards are an industry commonly linked to elevated amounts of asbestos. Asbestos was utilized often in shipbuilding at shipyards, as well as equipment and associated shipbuilding products. Shipyard workers as well as service members serving in the United States Navy were exposed to asbestos at shipyards. These former navy members are at a very hign risk of a mesothelioma diagnosis.
Shipyard mesothelioma
Before reseachers and medical providers were aware of the lethal dangers of asbestos, the product was widely used becuase it was known as an inexpensive yet quite reliable product known for durability. Asbestos also was popular in the shipbuilding world becuase of the fact that asbestos has amazing heat resistance as well as fireproofing qualities. United States military fighting ships run with numerous high-heat equipment pieces. The following types of equipment relied on asbestos for prolonged use as well as safety:
- boilers,
- turbines,
- pumps,
- incinerators
- other equipment which was heavy duty
Shipyard workers and shipbuilders have historically been at a higher risk of developing asbestos-related diseases, including mesothelioma, due to their exposure to asbestos-containing materials commonly used in ship construction and repair. Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was used for its fire-resistant and insulating properties. It was widely used in shipbuilding from the early 20th century until the late 1970s when its dangers became well-known.
Here are some key points related to shipyard workers, shipbuilders, and asbestos-related mesothelioma:
- Exposure to Asbestos: Shipyard workers and shipbuilders often had direct contact with asbestos-containing materials, such as insulation, gaskets, boiler and engine components, and more. As these materials aged or were damaged, asbestos fibers could become airborne, and workers could inhale or ingest them.
- Mesothelioma: Mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive cancer that primarily affects the lining of the lungs (pleural mesothelioma) but can also occur in the lining of the abdomen (peritoneal mesothelioma) or the heart (pericardial mesothelioma). It is almost exclusively linked to asbestos exposure, and the latency period between exposure and diagnosis can be several decades.
- Symptoms: Symptoms of mesothelioma may not appear for 20-50 years after asbestos exposure. Common symptoms include chest pain, shortness of breath, coughing, weight loss, and fatigue.
- Legal Action: Many shipyard workers and shipbuilders who developed mesothelioma or other asbestos-related illnesses have sought compensation through legal action against the manufacturers of asbestos-containing products. Various asbestos trust funds have been established to provide compensation to victims of asbestos exposure.
- Regulation and Safety Measures: Asbestos use in shipbuilding and other industries has been heavily regulated or banned in many countries. Safety measures and protective gear are now mandatory for workers who may come into contact with asbestos-containing materials.
- Preventive Measures: It’s essential for shipyard workers and shipbuilders to be aware of the risks associated with asbestos and to follow safety protocols when handling asbestos-containing materials. Employers must also take measures to protect their workers and provide proper training.
- Medical Monitoring: Routine medical check-ups and screenings are crucial for shipyard workers and shipbuilders with a history of asbestos exposure to detect asbestos-related diseases at an early stage when treatment options may be more effective.
It’s important to note that while asbestos use has declined significantly in shipbuilding and other industries, the legacy of past exposure still affects individuals today. Anyone who may have been exposed to asbestos in their work history should be vigilant about their health and seek medical attention if they experience symptoms related to asbestos-related diseases like mesothelioma. Additionally, they may consider legal action to pursue compensation for their injuries if they were exposed due to negligence or wrongdoing by asbestos manufacturers or employers.
Asbestos insulation
Asbestos insulation was utilized in ship walls as well as in boiler rooms. Asbestos insulation was incorporated in:
- pipe coverings
- pipe linings of steam pipes
- water pipes.
Asbestos insulation allowed pipe coverings, steam pipes and water pipes on ships to not catch fire under high temperatures.
Airborne asbestos fibers
Ships often were under construction as well as repair at hundreds of shipyards across the United States. Ship maintenance is infamous for causing damage and disruption to asbestos materials. This can cause asbestos fibers to go airborne, posing an extreme danger of workers becoming exposed to asbestos.
Ships infamous for poor ventilation
Below deck areas lack proper ventilation. Below deck asbestos exposure was particularly menacing because of inadequate ventilation. This permitted asbestos dust to gather in tiny areas, leading to the fibers becoming concentrated causing even more asbestos exposure.
In the decades between 1930 and the 1980s, military service members and shipyard staff were exposed to asbestos fibers at shipyards. Sadly, exposure to asbestos dust may persist because of repairs and maintenace of older ships.
Many houses still contain asbestos-lined insulation
It is possible to get mesothelioma from being exposed to asbestos fibers in your home or office. Many houses still contain asbestos-lined insulation that can be a grave danger if it becomes opened or exposed to humans. As long as the asbestos remains in a sealed unit or wrapped around a pipe with its exterior sealant intact, there is little danger. However, if any asbestos materials break out of their sealed units, they could easily contaminate those who come into contact with them.
Possible to develop Mesothelioma through direct contact with clothes
It is also possible to develop Mesothelioma through direct physical contact with the clothes of someone else that came in contact with asbestos. There are numerous cases of spouses of miners and construction workers who have developed Mesothelioma from breathing in the fibers that their husbands or wives brought home with them from the plant, mine or construction site. If that person worked in the insulation industry at a time when asbestos use was at its peak, then they have a much higher chance of developing this deadly disease than others who may have had minimal exposure to asbestos fibers as a result of their daily working activities.
Mesothelioma is one of the most commonly recognized industrial or workplace diseases
Today Mesothelioma is one of the most commonly recognized industrial or workplace diseases, and special programs have been developed to recognize Mesothelioma symptoms and to provide support to those who suffer from this disease.
Mesothelioma remains a disease that is still very hard to recognize, difficult to diagnose and virtually impossible to treat effectively. It is well known that the disease is related to the exposure and inhalation of asbestos fibers. It is also known that there is a long incubation period before symptoms begin to show. With more and more cases each year, it is particularly vital that research continues in order to make this fatal disease more manageable for both patients and doctors.
Organizations that are involved with research on Mesothelioma
There are many organizations that are involved with research on Mesothelioma and this includes the companies responsible for exposing employees and their families to asbestos. Those diagnosed with Mesothelioma have discovered that they can claim compensation for the exposure, holding the companies responsible. This means that these companies have a responsibility to help with the costly research.
The National Institute of Cancer is working hard
With the rising number of Mesothelioma cases, it is essential to learn as much as we can about the disease in order to discover better treatments. The National Institute of Cancer is working hard to research Mesothelioma, its symptoms, diagnosis and treatment.
Advice and educational resources
It has now become essential for law firms to learn and research the disease since so many Mesothelioma patients are seeking legal advice. Part of the attorney’s job is to assist the Mesothelioma patient by providing advice and educational resources that provide insight and assistance during the process. In order to fully assist Mesothelioma patients, law firms have a responsibility to learn as much as they can about the disease and what can be done to help the patients.
A lot of research on Mesothelioma is devoted to learning about how asbestos affects cells, and how cells are changed by exposure to this material. With the knowledge gained from this research we hope to learn how this can be prevented or minimized.
Clinical trials are also being carried out by the National Institute of Cancer
Clinical trials are also being carried out by the National Institute of Cancer in attempts to improve the effectiveness of the Mesothelioma treatments. With real patients participating in these clinical trials, the chances of more accurate results are higher.
Clinical trials that are being conducted are based upon treatments for Mesothelioma that are thought to have some value to patients. However, there are no guarantees. Quite a bit more work and research will be required before an effective treatment is found. Some good news is that there are many new trials being carried out on a regular basis, and with information and technology that is available today, the discovery of an effective treatment for Mesothelioma patients is just a matter of time.
Medical Professionals worldwide that are actively involved in clinical trials
There are medical professionals worldwide that are actively involved in clinical trials and each trial depends on the spread of the disease. Some of the trials are conducted on patients who are diagnosed reasonably earlier, and some trials are conducted on patients who had their diagnosis in the latter stages of the disease. It is equally important for scientists to find a treatment on both the patients who were just recently diagnosed and those in the latter stage of this devastating disease. Mesothelioma research will hopefully one day save future generations from suffering from this deadly disease.
There are several new methods of treatment that are now being used because of research that was conducted:
- Photodynamic Therapy, which uses fixed frequency light to kill off abnormal cells by targeting them with this light that activates photosensitive drugs.
- Immunotherapy, uses the body’s own defenses to fight the abnormal cells through enhancement and development of the immune system.
- Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy, just affects the area/tumor with radiation, which in turn avoids contact with healthy cells and tissue.
The Role of Asbestos in Mesothelioma
The generic name “asbestos“ belongs to a group of minerals called “asbestiform” minerals. Asbestos is a fibrous material which is mined from serpentine rock. Basically, rock was mined and crushed. When the rock was crushed, fibrous stands of asbestos were extracted from the rock. The strands where put in bags and shipped to manufacturing facilities were the asbestos was used as an ingredient in insulation and other materials. The three most commonly used forms of asbestos in product manufacturing were chrysotile, amosite and crocidolite.
Although asbestos products have not been used in construction since approximately 1975, the products in place present a clear danger to individuals involved in repair work and the demolition of structures containing asbestos products. There is no quick-fix answer for the treatment of Mesothelioma. The dedication and ongoing research from the medical profession gives hope of finding an effective treatment and the search for a cure continues.