What Is Asbestos?
Asbestos is a combination of six chemicals that form a fiber that is noted for its heat resistance and inability to conduct electricity. Given these characteristics, it was regularly used as an insulation material in a variety of structures, including on the boilers, pipes, and other areas of cruise ships, until its link to cancer was discovered.
The National Cancer Institute notes that any individual who has been exposed to asbestos at some point in their life is at risk of experiencing the harmful effects of the substance. While small amounts of exposure generally do not lead to illness, those who encounter asbestos on an ongoing basis are at a high risk of negative health complications. The most common source of regular exposure to asbestos is encountering it in the workplace. Exposure to asbestos can occur when working on a cruise ship, making it a common cruise ship injury claim.
