The vessels utilized by the US Navy served a variety of important purposes during some the world’s most historic wars such as World War I, World War II and the Vietnam War.
Some models, such as battleships and destroyers, actively participated in battle, others served as maritime hospitals tending to wounded and dying sailors.
Unfortunately, the sailors on board the ships as well as those who participated in their construction faced an enemy that could not be defeated by missiles and torpedoes: asbestos.
In the interest of efficient performance during periods of war, the Navy was hesitant to seriously address the hazards. Asbestos was valued for its corrosion and fire proof properties and was ubiquitous in virtually every area of the naval ships, from the sleeping quarters, to the engine rooms, to the mess halls.
Asbestos was also included in and around temperature sensitive areas such as engine and boiler rooms, and was used in the production of gaskets, deck covers, adhesives, felts and meters, among other gadgets and devices. For a sailor who spent any period on board a navy ship, his exposure to asbestos was inevitable.
Learn your legal rights here.
No comments:
Post a Comment