When was Asbestos Removed from Navy Ships?
Asbestos, a toxic and hazardous material, was once widely used in the construction and maintenance of naval ships. However, its harmful effects on human health have led to a gradual removal of asbestos from naval vessels over the years. In this article, we will explore the history of asbestos use in naval ships, the reasons for its removal, and the timeline of asbestos removal from navy ships.
Early Use of Asbestos in Naval Ships
Asbestos was first used in naval ships during World War I, when it was added to shipbuilding materials to provide insulation, fire resistance, and durability. The U.S. Navy was a major user of asbestos in shipbuilding, with over 70% of Navy ships containing asbestos. Asbestos was used in various forms, including pipe insulation, boiler insulation, and fireproofing materials.
Risks Associated with Asbestos Exposure
Asbestos exposure has been linked to serious health risks, including:
• Mesothelioma, a rare and aggressive form of cancer
• Asbestosis, a chronic lung disease
• Lung cancer, and other respiratory problems
The risks associated with asbestos exposure were well-known in the 1960s and 1970s, but the Navy continued to use asbestos in shipbuilding and maintenance until the 1980s.
Reasons for Asbestos Removal
The U.S. Navy began to phase out asbestos use in the 1970s due to increasing concerns about the health risks associated with asbestos exposure. The 1973 Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) further accelerated the removal of asbestos from Navy ships. The act required the Navy to identify and remove asbestos-containing materials from ships to prevent exposure to sailors and shipyard workers.
Timeline of Asbestos Removal from Navy Ships
The removal of asbestos from Navy ships was a gradual process that spanned several decades. Here is a rough timeline of asbestos removal from Navy ships:
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1970s | Asbestos use begins to decline due to growing concerns about health risks |
| 1980s | Navy starts to phase out asbestos use in shipbuilding and maintenance |
| 1985 | AHERA is passed, requiring the Navy to identify and remove asbestos-containing materials |
| 1990s | Asbestos removal becomes a major focus of Navy maintenance and repair efforts |
| 2000s | Most Navy ships have been stripped of asbestos-containing materials |
Challenges and Lessons Learned
The removal of asbestos from Navy ships presented several challenges, including:
• Identification of asbestos-containing materials: Asbestos was often mixed with other materials, making it difficult to identify and remove.
• Containment and disposal: Asbestos was a hazardous material that required special handling and disposal.
• Cost and resource constraints: Removing asbestos from old ships was a costly and resource-intensive process.
Despite these challenges, the Navy has largely succeeded in removing asbestos from its ships. The Navy has removed over 90% of asbestos-containing materials from its fleet.
Conclusion
The removal of asbestos from Navy ships has been a gradual process that has spanned several decades. While the use of asbestos in naval shipbuilding has been largely phased out, there are still some risks associated with asbestos exposure. The Navy has made significant progress in removing asbestos from its ships, but ongoing maintenance and repair efforts are necessary to ensure the safe operation of these vessels.
Recommendations for Further Action
To further minimize the risks associated with asbestos exposure, the Navy should:
• Continue to monitor and maintain ships: Regular maintenance and repair efforts are necessary to ensure the safe operation of Navy ships.
• Provide training and education: Sailors and shipyard workers should receive training on the risks associated with asbestos exposure and the proper procedures for handling and removing asbestos-containing materials.
• Support research and development: Further research is needed to develop effective methods for removing and disposing of asbestos-containing materials.
By taking these steps, the Navy can continue to minimize the risks associated with asbestos exposure and ensure the safe operation of its fleet.
