Asbestos in the Coast Guard

Many members of the coast guard were aware that defending the borders of the U.S. could endanger your health. However, everyone knew that the danger came not only from the enemy but from an unexpected source but preventable: asbestos. Originally known in the facilities of the Coast Guard the risks of asbestos exposure were higher, being the largest number of cases of mesothelioma in this military branch.

Exposure

Near Baltimore, Maryland is the golf Curtis Bay Coast Guard, the only building boatbuilding section operated by the U.S. Coast Guard, also being the place where they were repaired.The story of "The Yard" is informally known as this place begins in 1899 when it was founded as a center of training new cadets. Only 11 years later in 1910 became a shipyard and repair facility that continues today., Being an important industrial center support this military branch. The yard held its most important stage of operations during World War II, with nearly 3000 employees.

Before the regulations that restricted asbestos took effect in 1980, The Yard use many products containing this material. In fact it was difficult to work in an area of ​​the facility where asbestos was not present in one way or another. Different materials and parts were well made of asbestos or products containing the following facts of this item:

• Jerseys the boiler room
• Electrical insulation
• Boards
• Pumps
• Hoses
• Turbines
• Blankets
• Ones Wipes

Results

All the people who were in the shipyard since they opened until 1980 were at risk of exposure to asbestos. Even if the worker did not handle asbestos or asbestos products you have, the fine fibers of products spread through the air. Furthermore, even after the entry into force regulating the use of asbestos and to start cleaning this equipment, this does not mean that necessarily eliminated. The fibers may be deposited in small places, staying there for years and return to the air long after you breathe.

In addition to the bases, the Coast Guard were exposed to asbestos because of the frequent use made of the boats containing this material. Besides all military shared the risk of asbestos exposure because they used products containing this material. According to some estimates more than 30% of American people diagnosed with mesothelioma served in any of the military branches at one time or another.