Abrasive Blasting Can Lead to Cancer and Other Serious Illnesses

Shipyard workers face all sorts of challenges and hazards on a daily basis. One of these dangers involves abrasive blasting, which is used to prepare surfaces by removing old paint, rust, mill scale, dirt and salts. It is commonly used during the vessel fabrication process on piping, steel plates and other structures and during maintenance and repair.

To recognize the hazards caused by abrasive blasting, you need to understand how it works. Compressed air is used during abrasive blasting to push abrasive material from a blast pot, through a hose. A nozzle is then used to direct it toward the work area. The air pressure is considered to be high.

If you are a shipyard employee whose job duties involve abrasive blasting, you are at risk of developing a serious illness or condition. According to the U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), shipyard employees may be exposed to toxic dusts, high noise levels and other health hazards. Workers who are in the area where abrasive blasting is performed are also in danger of suffering health problems.

There are variety of potential air contaminants linked to abrasive blasting, such as aluminum, cadmium, chromium, copper, barium, zinc, lead, arsenic, nickel, iron and titamium. Air contaminants can lead to life threatening medical conditions, including:

• Skin cancer
• Lymphatic cancer
• Vascular disease
• Increased blood pressure
• Lung disease
• Emphysema
• Lung cancer
• Prostate cancer
• Lung fibrosis
• Occupational asthma
• Peripheral neuropathy
• Pulmonary fibrosis
  

Shipyard workers are protected under the law. If you are a shipyard employee and have been injured or become ill, contact the Houston maritime attorneys at Vujasinovic & Beckcom P.L.L.C. at 713.224.7800 or 877.724.7800 for answers to your legal questions. An experienced Houston maritime lawyer from our office will be able to explain your options following your shipyard injury.