Shipyard Asbestos Exposure

There is a high risk of developing asbestos-related disease if one worked in a profession where there was extensive asbestos exposure prior to asbestos regulations of the 1970s. Workers in the shipbuilding industry are among those with the highest risk due to the widespread use of asbestos in insulation, manufactured ship components, and other items commonly found in shipyards.

Shipyard asbestos exposure, due to the combination of massive asbestos use and poorly ventilated workspaces, was a common occurrence for workers before regulations were enacted, which put thousands of shipbuilders at risk. Few precautions were taken to protect workers on the job, or prevent them from carrying particles on their hair and clothing home to family members, which significantly increased their risks of developing mesothelioma, lung cancer, asbestosis, and other asbestos related diseases as well.

According to some medical statistics, more than 85 percent of individuals who worked for at least twenty years in the shipbuilding industry develop an asbestos related disease.  It often takes mesothelioma symptoms and other asbestos disease symptoms decades to surface, therefore a significant portion of those who suffer from these conditions do not get properly diagnosed until they are in the advanced disease stages.

There are resources available to help victims of shipyard asbestos exposure to better understand their condition and possible medical and legal options after receiving a diagnosis. When dealing with any serious illness, educating oneself about the various aspects of the disease can contribute to an improved ability to cope for patients and their family members.