U.S. Navy sailors face higher rates of lung cancer, mesothelioma and other serious asbestos-related diseases as a result of exposure to the toxic substance in confined spaces aboard naval vessels, according to studies.

Asbestos has been used extensively in ship construction for everything from insulation and pipe coverings to bulkhead panels and machinery parts. According to a 2021 review of epidemiologic studies of sailors, ships containing asbestos are still in service.

The epidemiological review also found that sailors are at greater risk based on the nature of life aboard a naval vessel. Sailors may spend their time in cramped living spaces 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Meanwhile, protective standards are based on an eight-hour workday and five-day work week.

Chemical Hazards Greater for U.S. Navy Sailors

Published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, the 2021 review examines the epidemiology of asbestos-related disease and death among sailors serving on ships at sea.

Another recent study found that Royal Australian Navy veterans suffer from higher lung cancer rates compared to other armed forces personnel. Based on data from over 30,000 Australian and United Kingdom navy personnel who served in the 1950s and 1960s, the study concluded the high cancer rates are most likely due to asbestos exposure on naval vessels. Asbestos-containing materials were used in the construction of Australian and British naval vessels throughout the 20th century.

The 2021 report notes that asbestos fibers can be released at any hour of the day or night on a ship at sea. This is due to a variety of reasons, such as ship repairs or as a result of vibrations that release airborne asbestos fibers into confined spaces where sailors work and live.

Once asbestos fibers are released into the environment, they can re-enter the air of a confined space. This puts sailors at sea who live and work in confined spaces at risk of inhaling the fibers.

What is Asbestos?

Asbestos is a mineral fiber that has been used in a variety of building construction materials and manufactured goods due to its heat resistant properties. When materials containing asbestos are disturbed (for example, during demolition, product use or repairs), asbestos fibers may be released into the air. Inhalation of these fibers is associated with certain major health effects, including:

• Mesothelioma, a rare and deadly form of cancer
• Lung cancer
• Asbestosis, a progressive disease of the lungs

How Does Asbestos Exposure Cause Mesothelioma?

When asbestos fibers are inhaled, they can travel to the lining of the lungs, abdomen or heart, irritating and inflaming cells in the mesothelium, a membrane that covers and protects most of the internal organs. The irritation causes scar tissue to form, which can then progress to cancer. Malignant mesothelioma tumors can form in this scar tissue, often decades after asbestos exposure.

Symptoms of mesothelioma include:

• Shortness of breath
• Pain in the side of the chest
• Lower back pain
• Dry and persistent cough
• Problems swallowing

How We Help Victims of Asbestos Exposure

Seek justice with the help of our experienced asbestos attorneys. Our asbestos law firm has represented individuals like you affected by asbestos exposure for over 20 years, aggressively fighting the corporate giants responsible for their dangerous products. If you or a loved one were exposed to asbestos or suffer from a disease caused by asbestos, like mesothelioma, we can help.