Asbestos is a naturally occurring fibrous mineral that was at one time widely used in insulation because of its heat- and fire-resistant properties. For decades, ships were laden with insulation, gaskets, and other products that contained asbestos. Unfortunately, the dangers of asbestos, and consequently the serious risks to shipyard workers, were not known until the 1970s. Over the years, shipyards across the U.S. have employed many millions of workers and built thousands of ships containing large amounts of the deadly substance.
If you feel you may have been exposed to asbestos and developed a disease as a result, please contact us today to speak with an experienced attorney who can evaluate your case and determine your eligibility to seek compensation through an asbestos lawsuit.
How Shipyard Workers Are Exposed To Asbestos
Ships were once built using asbestos-laden materials. As these ships age, the asbestos begins to decay. Ship maintenance crews are required to deal with large quantities of asbestos-containing materials, which can crumble and disperse the hazardous fibers into the air where they can easily be inhaled.
Illnesses Caused by Asbestos Exposure
Among the asbestos risks to shipyard workers are the following:
- Mesothelioma – Mesothelioma is a cancer of the mesothelium, which is a lining that surrounds the lungs and other internal organs. Exposure to asbestos is the only known and documented cause of mesothelioma. Mesothelioma symptoms sometimes take up to 50 years to become evident.
- Lung Cancer – Exposure to asbestos can irritate the lungs and airways and lead to the formation of highly malignant tumors. Cancer cells from these tumors can also infect the lymph nodes and cause the cancer to spread elsewhere. Smoking in conjunction with asbestos exposure greatly increases the risk of developing lung cancer.
- Other Cancers – Because of cancer cell distribution by lymph nodes, asbestos can cause cancers in parts of the body besides the lungs.
- asbestosis – Inhaling large amounts of asbestos fibers can cause the formation of scar tissue within the lungs. This can lead to chronic symptoms such as difficulty breathing, chest pain, and coughing.
If you have developed one of the above illnesses and feel it may have resulted from asbestos exposure, please contact us today for a free consultation with a qualified and effective asbestos attorney who can help you lay out your plans for recovering compensation for your losses and suffering.
