Please help to save the paddle steamer Ryde from being broken up on the Isle of Wight. The Germans claimed to have sunk her during her wartime exploits at Dunkirk and on the Normandy beaches, yet she survived and is now considered to be of national importance - one of only 200 ships on the UK's historic ship register. Tragically, on the 70th anniversary of the Dunkirk evacuation, she awaits the cutter's torch. In late February a team, including experts from National Historic Ships, visited and surveyed the vessel and found her to be in a frail condition. A decision is awaited on whether the Ryde can be saved in some form, if only as a consmetically restored museum exhibit. The next few weeks will be crucial - more at http://www.psryde.co.uk/
Naval Ships and Asbestos
Asbestos-containing products were used in the construction, renovation, repair and demolition of naval vessels from the early 1930's until the middle of the 1970's. Asbestos was the material of choice because of its strength, durability, and fire and heat-resistant properties. The substance was used in more than 300 building products in naval warships and shipyards. The name "asbestos" is a generic term that refers to the naturally occurring fibrous minerals that are found in rock formations. There were almost no parts produced for naval ships that did not contain asbestos. The substance was used in engine rooms, boiler rooms, navigation areas, and sleeping and eating areas. In addition, asbestos fibers were present in products such as cables, deck underlay, clutch facings, floor tiles, gaskets, valves, and adhesives. Asbestos was primarily used as an insulation material for engine and boiler room because of its heat-resistance characteristic.
When is Asbestos in a Harmful Form?
Asbestos products typically are not considered harmful when in their normal form and left undisturbed. They are commonly encapsulated in a compound and do not pose a health risk unless the fibers become brittle and friable. When the fibers begin to break-up into particles, they are released into the air and are easily inhaled by individuals in the environment.
The extent of the associated health risks of asbestos products are dependent on factors such as the quantities of inhaled fibers, the size of the fibers inhaled, the length of time they were inhaled (over an extended period of time), and the length of time inhaled for each exposure to the fibers.
Naval vessel crew and workers, and shipyard workers involved in building activities were commonly exposed to the asbestos material liberally in the early to mid 20th century due to the material's frequent use in building products and shipyard environments. These individuals were at high risk because they typically inhaled asbestos fibers for extended periods of time. People inhaled the fibers and did not realize it until asbestos-related disease symptoms appeared (very often several decades later.) Crew members were living in close quarters where friable fibers were commonly airborne. This environment made asbestos particles easy to inhale and they ultimately adhered to an individual's abdomen, heart or lungs. It was common for asbestos-covered pipes to be the source of friable airborne asbestos particles. Over an extended period of time the fibers caused asbestos-related diseases, including mesothelioma. In some cases, the asbestos particles were transported to crew member's and worker's homes after they were attached to clothing, resulting in exposure to family members.
For more information visit: < http://www.mesotheliomaweb.org/>
and checkout the Blog at: < http://www.mesothelioma.com/veterans_blog>
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