Mesothelioma and Asbestos

The amphibious assault ship USS Saipan, decommissioned by the U.S. Navy in 2007, arrived at the Port of Brownsville, Texas on November 18. It is now in the hands of International Shipbreaking Ltd. At 820-feet extended, this will be the largest ship that the shipbreaker has ever scrapped. It is as well as one of the largest vessels to traverse the Brownsville Ship Channel.

It will take approximately one year to take the ship apart, employing 250 people to get the job done. The environmental program manager for International Shipbreaking expects that they will be capable to recycle most of the ship – over 90% – as well as that they will be capable to recoup the money they spent towing it from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania when they sell the salvaged metal.

Before the scrap metal can be used care of, but, there are hazardous substances that must be dealt with. Asbestos as well as other materials must be disposed of by licensed abatement professionals in accordance with strict regulations that govern the industry. Asbestos, a known carcinogen, was commonly used as insulation as well as fireproofing bodily on many U.S. Navy ships. The U.S. Navy will as well as possess two of its personnel on site daily to monitor the salvage operation, as well as they will be reclaiming the ship’s screws for likely reuse.

For the filled story, go to The Brownsville Herald.