Historical Asbestos Exposure at Michigan Shipyard
Posted on: April 26, 2024 *Updated on: May 27, 2024Defoe Shipyard in Michigan is known to have been a potential site for asbestos exposure, especially among military and civilian workers. The most significant risk period was before the 1980s, when asbestos was commonly used in shipbuilding materials due to its resistance to heat and corrosion. Workers involved in the construction, renovation, or repair of ships during and before this time were likely exposed to asbestos, which is harmful when its fibers are inhaled.
Even after the reduction in the use of asbestos, the risk of exposure might have persisted, particularly through older ships that still contained asbestos materials. Those continuing to work on or around such vessels could be at risk of exposure if the asbestos-containing materials were disturbed or deteriorated. Asbestos exposure is particularly dangerous because it can lead to serious health issues, including mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis, often many years after initial exposure.