Merchant marine ships (especially during the 1970 and earlier) had a tremendous amount of asbestos materials on the ships. Yhe marines themselves would regularly have exposure to these hazards and poisons. Whether the asbestos itself was in the cargo and packages or if they were within the ship itself, the people working on these ships were exposed.
The close quarters of these marine ships and lack of suitable oxygen made the exposre potentially even worse. Years later as the dangers of asbestos have been studied, many class action lawsuits began and are still going on as there were thousands of companies suing this material during and after world war 2 and many veterans developed mesothelioma and lung poisoning sickness - including cancer.
While even the merchant marines and others were exposed to asbestos and it's effects, these cases have been difficult to prove.
No one knows how much exposure and for how long can these sicknesses can hibernate and then show themselves or to what extreme the poisoning can effect their health. Each case and group need to be looked on an individual basis. The merchant marines are just one case of a group of persons put under poisoning exposure and health hazards related to asbestos or asbestosis, mesothelioma and whatever name is given.
Many companies are no longer in business, but maritime attorneys are always evaluating new cases. If you or a family member were in the military or other maritime related organization, please share your story and perhaps provide additional information.
Asbestos Exposure Article
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Exposure to asbestos could happen in mnay different ways. Some are exposed on their job for only a short period, while others have used it for years. Other seemingly innocent materials include asbestos tiles and ducts.
Asbestos Hazard Exposure
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