Asbestos contamination plagues old ships, too
The Olympia, which was Admiral George Dewey’s flagship in the Spanish-American War’s 1898 Battle of Manila Bay, has seen serious deterioration from its prolonged exposure to salty seawater since the ship retired in the early 1920s. Despite the ship’s role in the battle that marked the United States as a rising world power, the Olympia was nearly scrapped years ago because its steel hull was so compromised with rust. The Independence Seaport Museum is working to overhaul and save this historic ship. Right now, marine surveyor Charlie Deroko is using ultrasound technology as well as physical inspection to determine the extent of the damage and develop a plan for the upcoming overhaul.
Already 30 tons of rust mixed with asbestos has been dug out of the ship. For decades, asbestos was used heavily throughout ships and submarines because of the risk of fire. But the use of asbestos has created its own health risks, exposing generations of navy members and other sailors to the risk. And asbestos is a concern in making such historic ships safe for visitors as well.
For the full story, go to the Philadelphia Inquirer.
