Mesothelioma Risks in a Naval Dockyard: A Comprehensive Study

Introduction

Greetings to all our readers who are interested in knowing the risks of mesothelioma in a naval dockyard. This article aims to provide you with a detailed understanding of how exposure to asbestos in a naval dockyard can result in mesothelioma, a deadly disease. Our readers can also learn about measures that can be taken to prevent the occurrence of this disease.

Mesothelioma is a rare but dangerous cancer that can develop in the lining of the lungs, abdomen, or heart due to exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a fibrous mineral that was commonly used in the construction of ships and submarines in a naval dockyard. Asbestos had many useful properties, including being fire-resistant, durable, and insulating. However, asbestos can be extremely hazardous to human health if inhaled or ingested, causing lung diseases, such as mesothelioma.

This article focuses on a study conducted by Sheers G. in 1980, which provides comprehensive insights into the risks of mesothelioma in a naval dockyard. The study aimed to investigate the relationship between workplace exposure to asbestos and mesothelioma in naval dockyard workers. This study is considered one of the most significant research pieces in the field of mesothelioma and occupational health.

Now let’s dive deeper into the study conducted by Sheers G. and understand the risks associated with mesothelioma in a naval dockyard.

Mesothelioma Risks in a Naval Dockyard: Sheers G. Archives of Environmental Health 1980;35:276-81.

Insights from the Study

The study conducted by Sheers G. in 1980 aimed to investigate the extent to which naval dockyard workers were exposed to asbestos and the resulting risks of mesothelioma. The study involved 4,000 workers from a naval dockyard who had been employed for at least a year between 1945 and 1975. The study was conducted in two phases:

Phase	Objective
Phase 1	To identify the extent of asbestos exposure in the workplace.
Phase 2	To determine the incidence of mesothelioma among the workers in the dockyard.

The study found that all workers in the naval dockyard were exposed to asbestos to some degree. The study also found that the risk of mesothelioma increased with longer exposure to asbestos. Workers who had been employed for over ten years were at a higher risk of mesothelioma than those who had worked for less than ten years.

The study also found that the type of work performed by the workers in the naval dockyard affected their risk of mesothelioma. Those who worked in shipbuilding, boiler and engine rooms, and insulation areas were at a higher risk of mesothelioma than those who worked in administrative or other roles.

Furthermore, the study found that the risk of mesothelioma did not decrease even after workers stopped working in the dockyard. Workers who had retired or left the dockyard were still at risk of developing mesothelioma, highlighting the severity of the disease.

Preventive Measures

Prevention is always better than cure, and the same applies to mesothelioma. Here are some preventive measures that can be taken to reduce the risk of mesothelioma:

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Workers in a naval dockyard should always wear personal protective equipment, such as respirators and coveralls, to prevent exposure to asbestos.

Asbestos Abatement

Asbestos-containing materials should be promptly detected and removed from the workplace. Asbestos abatement should only be performed by trained and experienced professionals.

Worker Education and Training

Workers in a naval dockyard should be educated on the risks of asbestos exposure and trained to follow safety protocols when handling asbestos-containing materials.

Regular Medical Check-ups

Workers who have been exposed to asbestos should undergo regular medical check-ups to detect any signs of mesothelioma at an early stage.

FAQs

1. What is mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is a rare cancer that can develop in the lining of the lungs, abdomen, or heart due to exposure to asbestos.

2. What is asbestos?

Asbestos is a fibrous mineral that was commonly used in the construction of ships and submarines in a naval dockyard. Asbestos had many useful properties, including being fire-resistant, durable, and insulating.

3. What are the symptoms of mesothelioma?

The symptoms of mesothelioma include chest pain, shortness of breath, coughing, fatigue, and weight loss.

4. How is mesothelioma diagnosed?

Mesothelioma is diagnosed through imaging tests, such as X-rays and CT scans, followed by a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis.

5. Can mesothelioma be cured?

There is no known cure for mesothelioma, but treatment options such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy can help to alleviate symptoms and improve the quality of life.

6. Who is at risk of developing mesothelioma?

People who have been exposed to asbestos, such as those who have worked in a naval dockyard, are at risk of developing mesothelioma.

7. How can mesothelioma be prevented?

Mesothelioma can be prevented by wearing personal protective equipment, detecting and removing asbestos-containing materials, educating workers on the risks of asbestos exposure, and undergoing regular medical check-ups.

8. How can workers in a naval dockyard protect themselves from asbestos exposure?

Workers in a naval dockyard should wear personal protective equipment, such as respirators and coveralls, to prevent exposure to asbestos.

9. Can asbestos exposure occur outside the workplace?

Yes, asbestos exposure can occur outside the workplace through secondary exposure, such as washing the clothes of someone who worked in a naval dockyard.

10. What should I do if I have been exposed to asbestos?

If you have been exposed to asbestos, you should undergo regular medical check-ups and report any symptoms to your doctor.

11. Is mesothelioma hereditary?

No, mesothelioma is not hereditary.

12. What is the prognosis for mesothelioma?

The prognosis for mesothelioma is poor, with a five-year survival rate of around 10 percent.

13. How common is mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is a rare cancer, with around 3,000 new cases diagnosed in the United States each year.

Conclusion

To conclude, mesothelioma is a rare but deadly disease that can develop due to exposure to asbestos in a naval dockyard. Sheers G.’s study from 1980 provides an in-depth understanding of the risks associated with mesothelioma in a naval dockyard. Preventive measures such as wearing personal protective equipment, detecting and removing asbestos-containing materials, educating workers, and undergoing regular medical check-ups can help to reduce the risk of mesothelioma. We encourage our readers to take the necessary precautions and protect themselves from asbestos exposure.

Let’s join hands in spreading awareness about the risks of mesothelioma and fighting against this deadly disease.

Closing Disclaimer

The information provided in this article is purely for educational and informational purposes. It is not a substitute for professional advice or treatment. We recommend that you seek the advice of a qualified healthcare professional if you have any concerns about your health.