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Marine engineers are technically skilled professionals that work on and maintain a variety of functional systems on cargo ships and other types of commercial vessels. Their primary responsibility is to monitor and care for the ship's propulsion system. Among auxiliaries they also maintain convenience and plumbing systems such as lighting, sewage and air conditioning. These skills are also being used in shipbuilding and design in addition to many marine engineers having done some training / apprentice-ship in ship yards. Their broad scope of work and responsibilities give engineers the potential for exposure to hazardous materials, including asbestos.

Asbestos in Cargo Ships

Unfortunately, the nature of materials that have previously been used in shipbuilding has led a large number of ship's engine room crews to be over-exposed to asbestos. This has resulted in an abnormally high amount of asbestos-related cancer cases among seafarers, particularly marine engineers. Asbestos cancer is also known as mesothelioma because the cancer attacks the thin lining ( called the mesothelium ) that coats internal organs.

Asbestos is a fibrous silicate material that was widely used in construction applications due to numerous desirable traits which include high thermal insulation and stable chemical makeup. In ocean-going ships, asbestos was specifically used as insulation for boilers, water and steam pipes, exhaust pipes, and incinerators. Because marine engineers routinely work with these ship components, their risk for asbestos exposure is among the highest of any seafarer. Other marine shipping jobs where asbestos exposure is especially elevated include shipbuilders, ship demolition ( scrapping ) and ship repair crews, and stevedores ( longshoremen ). This is a worldwide problem, as asbestos has been used in all countries where ships were built.

The Hazards Of Asbestos

When intact, asbestos is not especially hazardous. However, when asbestos materials break apart, asbestos fibers are released into the air. When these fibers are inhaled, they become lodged in the lungs and cannot escape. Excessive accumulation of these fibers can lead to abrasions on the lung wall, which will eventually become scarred. Over time, this damaged wall tissue can result in the formation of cancer. Because marine engineers routinely handle asbestos insulation, they are especially at risk for inhaling asbestos fibers.

Usually, it takes several years or even decades after the initial asbestos exposure before malignant mesothelioma manifests. Because asbestos continued to be widely used in the construction of ships well through the 1970s new cases of mesothelioma among experienced or long-retired marine engineers still continue to get exposed. Predictions on the future trend of the mesothelioma epidemic should take into account the fact that generally latency periods are longer than 20-30 years. The mesothelioma wave consequent to the very high world asbestos consumption that occurred in the 1970's has yet to be seen   .

Marine Engineer Probability of Asbestos Exposure

The height of asbestos usage in shipbuilding occurred during World War II. The majority of naval and commercial vessels built during this time included at least some form of asbestos-containing material. Use of asbestos in marine vessels continued unabated until the early 1980s. It was during this time that asbestos was linked to a growing number of mesothelioma cases. Upon this realization, swift action was taken to limit the number of new products manufactured from the potentially hazardous material.

Studies have indicated that marine engineers with a substantial number of years of employment onboard or in connection with ships are at the highest risk for contracting mesothelioma. A 1980 study performed at Mt. Sinai School of Medicine concluded that 86 percent of all shipyard workers who took part in the study and had more than 20 years of experience had developed an asbestos-related illness. In more recent studies, these numbers have declined, but continue to be well above the US national average.

Marine Engineer Asbestos and Medical Care

Due to the high risk of lung disease and asbestos cancer, it is strongly recommended that marine engineers routinely get checked for pleural abnormalities and cancer tumors in the lungs. For the most reliable results, it is recommended that the individual visit an experienced oncologist who has considerable expertise in screening for and treating mesothelioma patients. Due to the relative rarity of the disease, large cancer centres are perhaps the best location for treatment. One should also mention before the screening about possible earlier asbestos exposure.

Mesothelioma Symptoms

While all marine engineers are encouraged to undergo mesothelioma screening, those who exhibit early symptoms of the illness should consider immediate medical attention. This is because the earlier the cancer is identified, the better the chances for survival or even cure. Symptoms that may indicate an asbestos-related cancer include:

• Shortness of breath
  
• Coughing or wheezing
  
• Coughing up blood
  
• Pain under the rib cage
  
• Fluid buildup around the lungs
  
• Easily becoming fatigued
  
• Unexpected weight loss
  
• Diarrhea or constipation