Merchant Marines and Asbestos Exposure
Asbestos Exposure in the Merchant Marine
The U.S. Merchant Marine is a civilian branch of the U.S. Navy and a vital part of our nation’s security and economic health. It is made up of privately-owned American merchant ships and the people who operate them, who are referred to as “merchant mariners.”
The primary role of merchant mariners is to transport cargo and passengers across oceans, rivers, canals and harbors—both within the United States and between the various nations of the world. Merchant mariners operate and maintain merchant ships, excursion vessels, towboats, tugboats, and other watercraft that are owned by U.S. companies. The Merchant Marine fleet is integral to international trade, enabling America to access overseas markets and sell its manufactured goods.
While the Merchant Marine is an auxiliary of the Navy, merchant mariners are not considered military personnel, except in wartime. During war or a national crisis, this branch becomes the nation’s "fourth arm of defense" and is used to ship military supplies overseas to our armed forces and allies. Today, the American merchant fleet includes 422 ships and approximately 69,000 crew members.
How Merchant Mariners Were Exposed to Asbestos
As World War II was drawing to a close in the mid-1940s, U.S. shipbuilding activity reached its peak, with nearly 50 new merchant vessels being launched each day. At this point in history, asbestos was widely used in the construction of naval ships. This was in spite of the fact that asbestos-related disease had been reported among seamen since the early 20th century, including mesothelioma, lung cancer, and pleural plaque.
The most widespread use of asbestos on ships was block and felt pipe insulation. This insulation was made from amosite, a type of asbestos considered to be the second most dangerous form of the mineral. On merchant ships, asbestos insulation was used to insulate hot water and steam piping as well as boilers and tanks in machinery spaces. The substance was also found in bulkhead systems in living spaces, ship batts, heating and communication systems, ducts, cords, lubricants and gaskets.
For merchant mariners, dangerous asbestos lurked everywhere on board. In time, the continual movement and vibrations of a ship caused its asbestos components to flake and crack, releasing toxic dust into the air. Mariners were also exposed to the lethal substance while repairing valve leaks, pipes and pipe flanges. It was not unusual for merchant mariners to brush asbestos dust from their bunks before they went to sleep at night or to use asbestos materials as makeshift blankets and pillows. The health risks of this setting were made worse by poor ventilation and close quarters.
Asbestos fibers never completely leave the body once inhaled. Over time, they can cause a number of debilitating diseases such as mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis, a scarring of the lungs which causes shortness of breath. Decades after they bravely served our nation at sea, Merchant Marine veterans are dealing with the bitter aftermath of their asbestos exposure.
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Are You a Merchant Marine Veteran Who Was Exposed to Asbestos During Service?
Merchant Marine veterans who were injured by asbestos during their service can sue the companies that produced and sold the asbestos used on merchant ships. These types of claims are unique because records on the use of asbestos in the Navy still exist--and they are widely used in investigating mesothelioma cases.
Because Navy records may be readily available to support your asbestos claim, you might have an easier time starting a mesothelioma lawsuit obtaining compensation rather than someone who is filing a claim against a private employer.
If you or a loved one is suffering from an asbestos-related disease after serving in the U.S. Merchant Marine, an experienced mesothelioma attorney can help you understand your legal rights and determine an appropriate course of action.