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Mesothelioma risks in a naval dockyard
Abstract:
There have been 108 deaths from mesothelioma of the pleura or peritoneum in Plymouth and the immediate neighborhood as of mid-1978. Ninety-six deaths have been associated with work at the Devonport Dockyard, 53 of which represented men employed at the dockyard in 1966. Occupational mesothelioma rates were similar to those recorded in London asbestos textile workers. Above average rates in this study were observed in laggers, boilermakers, painters, welders and burners, and shipwrights. In addition to mesothelioma in other men with neighborhood exposure at work, cases have occurred in men whose only exposure has been to the environment within the walls of the dockyard, outside ships and workshops where asbestos has been handled. No case has been seen in indoor office workers. There is no evidence of any increase in risk to the population of Plymouth outside the dockyard.
Insights
Mesothelioma deaths in Plymouth were linked to Devonport Dockyard asbestos exposure, particularly among shipyard workers. Environmental exposure within the dockyard posed risks, but no increased risk was found for the general Plymouth population.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Environmental Epidemiology
- Asbestos-Related Diseases
Background:
- Mesothelioma, a cancer linked to asbestos exposure, poses a significant public health concern.
- Devonport Dockyard in Plymouth has historically used asbestos, raising questions about potential occupational and environmental exposures.
- Previous studies have indicated elevated mesothelioma rates in asbestos-exposed populations, such as London asbestos textile workers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the incidence of mesothelioma in Plymouth and its association with occupational and environmental exposures at Devonport Dockyard.
- To identify specific occupations at higher risk for mesothelioma within the dockyard setting.
- To assess the risk of mesothelioma in the wider Plymouth population due to potential environmental asbestos exposure from the dockyard.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of mesothelioma deaths in Plymouth and its surroundings up to mid-1978.
- Correlation of mesothelioma cases with employment history at Devonport Dockyard and specific job roles.
- Comparison of occupational mesothelioma rates with established benchmarks, like those of London asbestos textile workers.
- Evaluation of exposure pathways, including direct handling of asbestos and environmental exposure within the dockyard.
Main Results:
- A total of 108 mesothelioma deaths were recorded in Plymouth and its vicinity by mid-1978.
- Ninety-six of these deaths were linked to work at Devonport Dockyard, with 53 involving men employed there in 1966.
- Occupational mesothelioma rates were comparable to those found in London asbestos textile workers.
- Elevated mesothelioma rates were observed in specific occupations: laggers, boilermakers, painters, welders and burners, and shipwrights.
- Mesothelioma cases occurred in individuals with direct occupational exposure and those with environmental exposure within the dockyard, but not in indoor office workers.
- No evidence suggested an increased mesothelioma risk for the general population of Plymouth outside the dockyard's influence.
Conclusions:
- Occupational exposure to asbestos at Devonport Dockyard is a significant cause of mesothelioma in Plymouth.
- Specific trades within the dockyard, including laggers, boilermakers, painters, welders, burners, and shipwrights, faced higher risks.
- Environmental asbestos exposure within the dockyard walls contributed to mesothelioma cases.
- The study found no evidence of increased mesothelioma risk for the general Plymouth population, indicating localized risk associated with dockyard activities.