Merchant Marine Barge Ships, Asbestos Exposure and Mesothelioma Lawsuits

Merchant Marine Barge Ships were integral to transporting bulk cargo, but the construction and maintenance of these vessels often involved significant asbestos exposure. Asbestos, used for its insulating and fireproofing properties, was commonly found in various parts of the ships, including the engine rooms, piping systems, and cargo holds. Sailors and maintenance crews working on barge ships frequently handled or disturbed these asbestos-containing materials, releasing fibers into the air and increasing the risk of inhalation.
Many former Merchant Marine personnel who served on barge ships have pursued mesothelioma lawsuits to seek compensation for their asbestos-related illnesses. These legal cases require substantial evidence to link asbestos exposure during service to the development of mesothelioma. Successful lawsuits can provide financial compensation to help manage medical expenses, lost wages, and other related costs. Additionally, these cases aim to hold responsible parties accountable, highlighting the need for improved safety measures and awareness of asbestos hazards in maritime environments.
History of Merchant Marine Barge Ships and Asbestos Exposure

The history of Merchant Marine Barge Ships is closely tied to the use of asbestos in their construction and maintenance. During the mid-20th century, asbestos was extensively used for its heat-resistant and insulating properties, making it a common material in shipbuilding. Barge ships, designed to transport large quantities of bulk cargo, often contained asbestos in their engine rooms, insulation, and piping systems. Crew members working in these areas were at high risk of exposure, especially during repairs and maintenance activities.
Asbestos-related health risks, such as mesothelioma, became more apparent over time. Many sailors and shipyard workers who served on barge ships developed asbestos-related illnesses years after their exposure. The latency period of mesothelioma, which can be decades long, complicated the diagnosis and treatment of affected individuals. This historical use of asbestos in barge ships underscores the occupational hazards faced by Merchant Marine personnel and highlights the importance of ongoing health monitoring and support for those exposed.
FAQs About Merchant Marine Barge Ships Asbestos Exposure and Mesothelioma Lawsuits
What caused asbestos exposure for Merchant Marine personnel on barge ships? Asbestos exposure was caused by the extensive use of asbestos-containing materials in the construction and maintenance of barge ships, including insulation, fireproofing, and piping systems.
How does asbestos exposure lead to mesothelioma? Inhaled asbestos fibers become lodged in the lining of the lungs, abdomen, or heart, causing inflammation and genetic damage over time, which can result in mesothelioma.
What are the symptoms of mesothelioma? Symptoms include shortness of breath, chest pain, persistent cough, fatigue, and weight loss. These symptoms often appear decades after the initial exposure to asbestos.
Can former Merchant Marine personnel file lawsuits for asbestos exposure? Yes, former Merchant Marine personnel can file lawsuits if they develop mesothelioma or other asbestos-related illnesses, seeking compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and related costs.
What kind of evidence is needed for a mesothelioma lawsuit? Evidence needed includes medical records confirming the diagnosis, documentation of asbestos exposure during service, and expert testimony linking the exposure to the illness.
What compensation can be expected from a mesothelioma lawsuit? Compensation can vary but often includes funds for medical treatments, pain and suffering, lost wages, and sometimes punitive damages, depending on the specifics of each case.
Merchant Marine Barge Ships and Asbestos Exposure on Duty
Merchant Marine Barge Ships had several key duties that exposed crew members to asbestos, including:
- Cargo Handling: Barge ships transported bulk cargo in areas with asbestos-containing materials, leading to inhalation of fibers.
- Engine Room Operations: Regular operations and maintenance in engine rooms with asbestos insulation exposed crew members to airborne fibers.
- Piping System Maintenance: Maintenance of piping systems insulated with asbestos increased exposure risk.
- Repair Activities: Participation in repair activities in confined spaces with asbestos insulation heightened the risk of exposure.
- Insulation Checks: Crew members frequently monitored insulated areas for safety and efficiency checks, exposing them to asbestos fibers.
- General Maintenance: Ensuring proper maintenance of ship systems often involved handling asbestos-containing materials.
Merchant Marine Ships and Asbestos Exposure
SS American Victory: Workers onboard the SS American Victory were exposed to asbestos due to its use in insulation, piping, and gaskets throughout the vessel.
SS Arthur M. Huddell: Asbestos exposure occurred on the SS Arthur M. Huddell, particularly in areas with asbestos-containing insulation, flooring, and boiler materials.
SS Lane Victory: Asbestos exposure was prevalent on the SS Lane Victory, with asbestos-containing materials used in insulation, piping, and engine components.
SS Jeremiah O’Brien: Workers aboard the SS Jeremiah O’Brien were exposed to asbestos through its presence in insulation, gaskets, and boiler components throughout the ship.
SS John W. Brown: Asbestos exposure occurred on the SS John W. Brown, where asbestos-containing insulation, piping, and electrical components were used.
SS Red Oak Victory: Workers on the SS Red Oak Victory encountered asbestos in insulation, piping, and engine components, leading to exposure risks.
SS Arthur Sewall: Asbestos exposure occurred on the SS Arthur Sewall, with asbestos-containing materials used in insulation, flooring, and engine parts.
SS George Washington Carver: Asbestos exposure was a concern on the SS George Washington Carver, where asbestos-containing materials were present in insulation, piping, and electrical wiring.
SS Santa Clara Victory: Workers onboard the SS Santa Clara Victory were exposed to asbestos in insulation, piping, and engine components throughout the vessel.
SS Booker T. Washington: Asbestos exposure occurred on the SS Booker T. Washington due to its use in insulation, piping, and boiler materials.
SS Cape Isabel: Asbestos exposure was a risk on the SS Cape Isabel, with asbestos-containing insulation, piping, and electrical components present onboard.
SS Cape Mohican: Workers aboard the SS Cape Mohican were exposed to asbestos through its presence in insulation, piping, and engine components.
SS Cape St. George: Asbestos exposure occurred on the SS Cape St. George, particularly in areas with asbestos-containing insulation, flooring, and boiler materials.
SS Cape Sable: Asbestos exposure was prevalent on the SS Cape Sable, with asbestos-containing materials used in insulation, piping, and engine components.
SS Marine Electric: Workers on the SS Marine Electric encountered asbestos in insulation, piping, and engine components, leading to exposure risks.
SS Marine Perch: Asbestos exposure occurred on the SS Marine Perch, where asbestos-containing materials were present in insulation, flooring, and engine parts.
SS Marine Fiddler: Asbestos exposure was a concern on the SS Marine Fiddler, with asbestos-containing materials used in insulation, piping, and electrical wiring.
SS Marine Floridian: Workers onboard the SS Marine Floridian were exposed to asbestos in insulation, piping, and engine components throughout the vessel.
SS Marine Falcon: Asbestos exposure occurred on the SS Marine Falcon due to its use in insulation, piping, and boiler materials.
SS Marine Floridian: Asbestos exposure was a risk on the SS Marine Floridian, with asbestos-containing insulation, piping, and electrical components present onboard.
Cruise Liners: Asbestos exposure on cruise liners resulted from the presence of asbestos-containing materials in insulation, piping, and engine components. Crew members conducting maintenance and repair tasks risked inhaling asbestos fibers released during work.
Dredgers: Personnel on dredgers encountered asbestos fibers in insulation, piping, and engine components. Routine maintenance and repair work released asbestos particles into the air, posing inhalation risks to crew members.
Ferry Boats: Asbestos exposure occurred on ferry boats through the use of asbestos-containing materials in insulation, piping, and engine components. Crew members conducting maintenance and repair tasks risked inhaling asbestos fibers released from deteriorating materials.
Hospital Ships: Personnel on hospital ships were exposed to asbestos fibers present in insulation, piping, and engine components. Routine maintenance and repair work released asbestos particles into the air, posing inhalation risks to medical staff and crew members.
Icebreakers: Asbestos exposure on icebreakers stemmed from asbestos-containing materials used in insulation, piping, and engine components. Crew members conducting maintenance and repair tasks encountered airborne asbestos fibers released from deteriorating materials.
LNG Tankers: Asbestos exposure occurred on LNG tankers through the use of asbestos-containing materials in insulation, piping, and engine components. Crew members conducting maintenance, repair, and renovation tasks risked inhaling asbestos fibers.
Research Ships: Asbestos exposure on research ships resulted from asbestos-containing materials used in insulation, piping, and laboratory equipment. Crew members conducting maintenance and repair tasks risked inhaling asbestos fibers released during work.
Supply Vessels: Personnel on supply vessels encountered asbestos fibers in insulation, piping, and engine components. Routine maintenance and repair work released asbestos particles into the air, posing inhalation risks to crew members.
Training Ships: Asbestos exposure occurred on training ships through the use of asbestos-containing materials in insulation, piping, and engine components. Crew members conducting maintenance, repair, and training tasks risked inhaling asbestos fibers.
Yachts: Personnel on yachts were exposed to asbestos fibers present in insulation, piping, and engine components. Routine maintenance and repair work released asbestos particles into the air, posing inhalation risks to crew members.
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U.S. Merchant Marine Occupations and Asbestos Exposure
Occupations with Significant Asbestos Exposure: How They Were Exposed

Certain U.S. Merchant Marine jobs put personnel at risk of inhaling or ingesting tiny asbestos fibers, which are known to cause cancer. When asbestos materials were disturbed during tasks like maintenance or repairs, these harmful fibers could be released into the air. Workers who unknowingly breathed in these fibers or accidentally swallowed them faced an increased risk of developing severe illnesses like mesothelioma and lung cancer. These diseases often appeared many years or even decades after the initial exposure.
Able Seamen: Assisting with ship operations, exposed to asbestos-containing materials used in ship construction and repair.
Ballast Control Operators: Managing ballast systems near asbestos materials, potentially exposed to asbestos dust.
Ballast Engineers: Overseeing ballast operations with asbestos materials present, potentially facing asbestos exposure.
Boilermakers: Constructing and repairing boilers with asbestos insulation, facing direct asbestos exposure in high-heat environments.
Cargo Surveyors: Inspecting cargo with asbestos-containing materials, potentially encountering asbestos exposure.
Communications Officers: Working in areas with asbestos-containing building materials, potentially facing asbestos exposure.
Cook and Galley Staff: Working in kitchens with asbestos insulation, risking exposure during food preparation.
Crane Operators: Operating cranes near asbestos-containing materials, potentially exposed to asbestos dust during cargo handling.
Deck Officers: Supervising deck operations with asbestos-containing materials present, potentially exposed during maintenance.
Deckhands: Handling asbestos-containing materials used in ship construction and repair, leading to exposure during maintenance.
Electricians: Working with wiring and fixtures in ships, encountering asbestos insulation and materials during electrical repairs.
Engine Room Crews: Maintaining engines with asbestos-containing gaskets and insulation, enduring asbestos exposure in cramped engine spaces.
Environmental Compliance Officers: Inspecting vessels with asbestos-containing materials, potentially facing asbestos exposure.
Environmental Engineers: Assessing sites with asbestos-containing materials, potentially encountering asbestos exposure during inspections.
Firefighters: Battling fires aboard ships containing asbestos materials, exposed to asbestos smoke and particles in emergencies.
Hull Maintenance Technicians: Repairing ship hulls with asbestos materials, facing exposure during maintenance in confined spaces.
Insulators: Installing asbestos insulation in ships and equipment, enduring direct asbestos exposure during insulation work.
Logistics Officers: Handling supplies and equipment, some with asbestos components, risking asbestos exposure.
Machinists: Operating and repairing machinery with asbestos components, encountering asbestos dust during maintenance.
Marine Archaeologists: Conducting research near asbestos-containing materials, potentially encountering asbestos exposure.
Marine Biologists: Studying marine life in areas with asbestos-containing materials, potentially facing asbestos exposure.
Marine Surveyors: Inspecting ships with asbestos-containing materials, potentially encountering asbestos exposure during inspections.
Mechanics: Repairing vehicles and equipment with asbestos-containing brake linings, gaskets, and insulation, risking asbestos exposure.
Meteorologists: Working in areas with asbestos-containing building materials, potentially facing asbestos exposure.
Navigators: Planning routes and operations near asbestos materials, potentially exposed to asbestos dust.
Naval Architects: Designing ships with asbestos materials, potentially exposed during ship design and inspections.
Oiler/Maintenance Technicians: Maintaining engines and equipment with asbestos components, facing asbestos exposure in engine rooms.
Painters: Preparing surfaces with asbestos-containing coatings, risking asbestos exposure through sanding and painting.
Port Captains: Overseeing port operations with asbestos materials present, potentially facing asbestos exposure.
Radio Operators: Operating communication equipment in areas with asbestos-containing materials, risking asbestos exposure.
Radio Officers: Operating communication equipment in areas with asbestos-containing materials, risking asbestos exposure.
Radiological Officers: Working in areas with asbestos-containing building materials, potentially facing asbestos exposure.
Refrigeration Technicians: Maintaining refrigeration systems with asbestos insulation, risking asbestos exposure.
Safety Officers: Overseeing safety procedures in areas with asbestos materials, potentially exposed to asbestos dust.
Security Officers: Providing security in areas with asbestos materials, potentially exposed to asbestos dust.
Sheet Metal Workers: Fabricating and repairing metal structures with asbestos insulation, potentially exposed to asbestos dust.
Ship Engineers: Overseeing engine operations with asbestos components, risking exposure in the engine room.
Ship Security Officers: Providing security in areas with asbestos materials, potentially exposed to asbestos dust.
Stewards: Providing services in areas with asbestos materials, facing exposure in confined spaces like dining areas and cabins.
Storekeepers: Managing supplies stored in areas with asbestos-containing materials, potentially exposed during inventory maintenance.
Survey Technicians: Conducting surveys on ships with asbestos-containing materials, potentially encountering asbestos exposure.
Tankermen: Handling asbestos-containing materials used in tank construction and repair, risking exposure during maintenance.
Welders: Welding equipment and structures with asbestos insulation, inhaling asbestos fibers during the process.
These descriptions illustrate how various U.S. Merchant Marine occupations were exposed to asbestos during their duties
Merchant Marine Ships and Asbestos-Containing Products
U.S. Merchant Marine workers encountered asbestos-containing products during their service. Asbestos was used in various items like insulation, pipes, and ship components. When these products aged or were damaged, they released tiny asbestos fibers into the air. Merchant Marine personnel, unaware of the danger, could breathe in these harmful fibers, which could lead to serious health problems like mesothelioma and lung cancer many years later.
Boiler Insulation: Personnel were exposed during maintenance tasks when handling deteriorating boiler insulation, releasing asbestos fibers into the air, which could be inhaled.
Bulkhead Panels: During construction or repair, workers encountered asbestos-containing bulkhead panels, releasing fibers when cut or drilled, leading to inhalation exposure.
Caulking Compounds: Caulking compounds containing asbestos were used in sealing joints and gaps, with workers exposed during application, removal, or repair, releasing asbestos fibers into the air.
Deck Coverings: Workers were exposed during installation or removal of deck coverings containing asbestos, as cutting or sanding released asbestos fibers into the air, posing inhalation risks.
Engine Gaskets: During maintenance or repair of engines, workers encountered asbestos-containing gaskets, which could release fibers when removed or replaced, leading to inhalation exposure.
Fireproofing Materials: Fireproofing materials containing asbestos were applied to ship structures, with workers exposed during application, repair, or removal, releasing asbestos fibers into the air.
Floor Tiles: Workers were exposed during installation or removal of floor tiles containing asbestos, as cutting or sanding released asbestos fibers into the air, posing inhalation risks.
Gaskets and Packing: Gaskets and packing materials containing asbestos were used in valves and machinery, with workers exposed during maintenance or repair tasks, releasing asbestos fibers into the air.
Insulation: Insulation containing asbestos was used in pipes, boilers, and machinery, with workers exposed during installation, maintenance, or repair, releasing asbestos fibers into the air.
Joint Compound: During construction or repair, workers encountered joint compound containing asbestos, releasing fibers when applied, sanded, or removed, leading to inhalation exposure.
Lagging Materials: Lagging materials containing asbestos were used to insulate pipes and boilers, with workers exposed during installation, maintenance, or repair, releasing asbestos fibers into the air.
Pipe Insulation: Workers were exposed during maintenance tasks when handling deteriorating pipe insulation, releasing asbestos fibers into the air, which could be inhaled.
Pumps and Valves: Asbestos-containing gaskets and packing materials were used in pumps and valves, with workers exposed during maintenance or repair tasks, releasing asbestos fibers into the air.
Roofing Materials: Roofing materials containing asbestos were used in ship structures, with workers exposed during installation, repair, or removal, releasing asbestos fibers into the air.
Sealants: Sealants containing asbestos were used in sealing joints and gaps, with workers exposed during application, removal, or repair, releasing asbestos fibers into the air.
Soundproofing Materials: Soundproofing materials containing asbestos were applied to ship structures, with workers exposed during installation, repair, or removal, releasing asbestos fibers into the air.
Spray-On Insulation: Workers were exposed during application or removal of spray-on insulation containing asbestos, as spraying or scraping released asbestos fibers into the air, posing inhalation risks.
Steam Pipe Coverings: Workers were exposed during maintenance tasks when handling deteriorating steam pipe coverings, releasing asbestos fibers into the air, which could be inhaled.
Textiles: Textiles containing asbestos were used in curtains, blankets, and protective clothing, with workers exposed during use, laundering, or repair, releasing asbestos fibers into the air.
Tiles: Workers were exposed during installation or removal of tiles containing asbestos, as cutting or sanding released asbestos fibers into the air, posing inhalation risks.
Turbine Insulation: Insulation containing asbestos was used in turbines and machinery, with workers exposed during installation, maintenance, or repair, releasing asbestos fibers into the air.
Valves and Fittings: Asbestos-containing gaskets and packing materials were used in valves and fittings, with workers exposed during maintenance or repair tasks, releasing asbestos fibers into the air.
Ventilation Ducts: Workers were exposed during maintenance tasks when handling deteriorating ventilation ducts containing asbestos, releasing asbestos fibers into the air, which could be inhaled.
Wallboard: Wallboard containing asbestos was used in ship structures, with workers exposed during installation, repair, or removal, releasing asbestos fibers into the air.
Welding Blankets: Asbestos-containing welding blankets were used to protect workers from heat, with fibers released during use, posing inhalation risks to workers.
Wiring Insulation: Insulation containing asbestos was used in wiring systems, with workers exposed during installation, maintenance, or repair, releasing asbestos fibers into the air.
Work Clothing: Work clothing containing asbestos fibers was worn by workers, with fibers released during use, laundering, or repair, posing inhalation risks to workers.
Wrapping Materials: Asbestos-containing wrapping materials were used to insulate pipes and boilers, with workers exposed during installation, maintenance, or repair, releasing asbestos fibers into the air.
Yarn and Rope: Yarn and rope containing asbestos fibers were used in various applications, with fibers released during handling or repair tasks, posing inhalation risks to workers.
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Merchant Marine Barge Ships, Asbestos Exposure and Mesothelioma Lawsuits