Merchant Marines - Mesothelioma Risks
During peacetime, merchant marine fleets are used for imports and exports, and during war, the fleets delivered troops and war materials. During World War II, the fleet was controlled by the U.S. government, and Navy personnel worked on these ships.
Merchant marines are responsible for a number of shipping procedures such as the dockside handling of containers and packages. During wartime, the U.S. Merchant Marines become an auxiliary of the Navy, and the branch routinely moved supplies and materials through safe shipping lanes. When merchant mariners shipped certain products such as asbestos fire blankets, asbestos-contaminated vermiculite building insulation or wartime gas masks with asbestos filters, asbestos fibers were easily expelled into the air during bumpy transit.
Merchant Mariners and Asbestos Exposure
In addition to the products they shipped, merchant mariners were exposed to asbestos in building materials on the ship. The harsh conditions that boats endured may have caused asbestos-containing materials to break down and release the fibers into the air.
When ships were constructed, many waterproof and fireproof products were used to ensure the safety of the passengers and cargo. The following products were common sources of asbestos exposure for merchant mariners:
- Paint
- Insulation sheets
- Firewalls
- Boiler insulation
Most ships have semi-closed atmospheres that help maintain climate control. If asbestos is released into the air in these areas, the fibers may be able to circulate in breathing spaces and increase the likelihood that people who serve on the ship could inhale the fibers. One study of merchant marine seamen found that 17 percent of the men who were studied displayed bodily abnormalities consistent with asbestos exposure and related diseases.
If you served on a merchant marine vessel and are concerned about potential asbestos exposure, an experienced doctor can screen you for signs of an asbestos-related disease. For assistance in finding a physician in your area, please contact the Mesothelioma Center’s Doctor Match Program.
Resources for Merchant Mariners
If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, a free packet of literature is available for you to review. This packet will include tailored information including treatment options and ways of obtaining financial assistance for your medical care. To obtain this complimentary packet, please fill out the form on this page.
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Last Modified Thursday, February 9th, 2012 | Disclaimer | Privacy Policy |
The information provided by The Mesothelioma Center is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
Sponsored by a law firm concentrating in asbestos litigation, The Peterson Firm, LLP with offices at 1350 Connecticut Ave, NW, Fifth Floor, Washington DC 20036.
