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Concern for navy personnel after asbestos discovery

Thursday, 10 April 2014 10:07

Concern is growing for at least 18 navy personnel and their families after asbestos was discovered on board two navy ships. The LE Orla and Le Ciara were both placed on lock-down when the information came to light. The alarm was raised when maintenance workers discovered asbestos on the Le Orla two weeks ago. While workers had not interfered with the asbestos on this ship it is believed those working on the LE Ciara had already begun breaking up material - not knowing it contained the hazardous mineral. It was reported in today's Irish Examiner that at least 18 navy personnel may have been exposed for at least two days as none of the workers were wearing dedicated protective equipment. The contamination risk is also high for their family members as dust particles may have gathered on their clothes they brought home. Dust particles are also likely to have spread into the air around Haulbowline naval base and others may have inhaled it. The Naval Service were unaware any materials may have been contaminated as the vessels were determined asbestos free in an assessment by external consultants in 2000.

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