When people think about cruise ships, rarely do they think about dangerous asbestos exposure. Often, when people think about cruise ships, they think of luxury, relaxation, and adventure. However, underneath all the glamor lies a less glamorous reality. Many people who worked on cruise ships many years ago may have been exposed to asbestos. Unfortunately, asbestos exposure can result in the development of deadly illnesses, including mesothelioma and lung cancer.
What is Asbestos?
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral. There are six types of asbestos: chrysotile, amosite, crocidolite, tremolite, anthophyllite, and actinolite. Asbestos is known for being resistant to heat, wear, and chemicals, and for its flexibility. These and many other characteristics make asbestos a suitable material for use as insulation in many fields.
Asbestos is generally not harmful if left undisturbed. However, when asbestos is disturbed or deteriorates and breaks down, its fibers can become airborne. These fibers can be inhaled or ingested and get stuck in the body, which can result in damage to the surrounding tissue. Asbestos exposure can result in the development of several illnesses, including mesothelioma, asbestosis, and lung cancer.
Asbestos Use in Cruise Ships
Because of the particular characteristics of asbestos, it was frequently used in cruise ships in various parts. While asbestos use has been heavily regulated since the 1980s, the use of asbestos in cruise ships continued well into the 1990s because of some exceptions to restrictions. Some of the cruise ship components where asbestos was commonly used include the following;
- Insulation materials in ceilings, walls, around pipes, and around boilers
- Gaskets and seals
- Flooring and tiles
- Pipe insulation
Unfortunately, there is no such thing as a safe level of exposure when it comes to asbestos. Any amount of exposure is enough to cause a fatal disease. However, repeated asbestos exposure puts people at the greatest risk.
How Cruise Ship Workers Got Exposed to Asbestos
Many cruise ship workers may have been exposed to asbestos through several pathways. The following are some of the common ways cruise ship workers may have been exposed to asbestos;
- Shipbuilding: Those workers who were involved in the construction of ships during the years when asbestos was commonly used may have been exposed to asbestos during the installation of asbestos-contaminated materials.
- Maintenance and repair work: Workers involved in maintaining and repairing older ships may have come into contact with asbestos-containing materials.
- Deterioration and breaking: Over time, asbestos-containing products deteriorate and break down, resulting in asbestos fibers becoming airborne. People who worked in areas with asbestos-containing materials may have suffered asbestos exposure due to the deterioration and breakage of these materials.
For people who believe they may have been exposed to asbestos on a cruise ship and are now dealing with asbestos-related illnesses, like mesothelioma, it is crucial to speak with an experienced attorney as soon as possible. Victims of asbestos-related diseases have legal rights and options. Victims and their families can seek justice and compensation from liable parties.
Nationwide Mesothelioma Lawyers
If you or a loved one were diagnosed with mesothelioma, contact our office to speak to one of our experienced nationwide mesothelioma attorneys about your situation. Our office can help investigate your case and determine if compensation can be sought from negligent parties to help pay for your medical treatment and to help you and your family live a more comfortable life.