Asbestos is a mineral fiber that was once widely used for its heat resistance and insulation properties. Due to its excellent fire resistance, it is widely used in various industries including shipbuilding. However, asbestos is now known to be extremely dangerous to human health.
The danger of asbestos occurs when its fibers become airborne and inhaled. These tiny fibers can penetrate deep into the lungs and airways and cause serious health problems. Ship crews can be exposed to asbestos in several ways.
- Shipbuilding and repair : Asbestos was widely used in the construction and repair of ships, especially as insulation, gaskets, pipe insulation, and fireproofing. When these materials break down or are damaged during maintenance or repair, asbestos fibers can be released into the air.
- Aging of marine components : Asbestos-containing materials on ships can deteriorate over time due to wear, corrosion, and other factors. This deterioration can allow asbestos fibers to enter the ship’s environment.
- Demolition or refurbishment : When a vessel is decommissioned or refurbished, operations such as cutting, drilling and removing old materials can destroy asbestos-containing materials and release asbestos fibers. Exposure to asbestos can lead to serious health problems such as asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma. These illnesses often have long incubation periods, so symptoms may not appear until years after infection. Therefore, people who worked on ships and shipyards during the time when asbestos was commonly used are at risk of asbestos-related diseases.
To reduce risks, many countries have introduced regulations and safety measures to control the use of asbestos and ensure worker safety. However, it is important that people working on or near ships are aware that asbestos may be present and follow appropriate safety procedures to minimize the risk of exposure.