Historical Asbestos Exposure in Mississippi Shipyards
Posted on: April 25, 2024 *Updated on: May 27, 2024In Mississippi, several shipyards have historically been sites where asbestos exposure occurred, primarily affecting both military and civilian workers. This exposure was mainly due to the prevalent use of asbestos in shipbuilding, especially from the time these shipyards were established until the 1980s. Asbestos is a hazardous material that, when inhaled, can cause severe health issues, including mesothelioma, a type of cancer.
Here are the Mississippi shipyards known for asbestos exposure:
- Ingalls Shipyard: Located in Pascagoula, this shipyard was founded in 1938 and is still operational. It was heavily involved in shipbuilding and repair, industries known for their extensive use of asbestos, particularly before the health risks were widely recognized.
- Naval Station Pascagoula: Although it was closed in 2006, this facility had a long history involving the construction and repair of naval ships, where asbestos was commonly used in components like insulation, gaskets, and brakes.
- Trinity Marine Group: This company, involved in the construction and overhaul of ships, also used asbestos in its operations. Workers handling or coming into contact with asbestos-containing materials were at risk of exposure.
Even though the use of asbestos has significantly declined since the 1980s due to stricter regulations and better awareness of its health risks, workers may still encounter asbestos, especially when dealing with older ships or equipment that were built using asbestos materials. The ongoing risk highlights the importance of proper safety measures and health monitoring for those working in environments where asbestos might be present.