SS President Jackson

The American President Lines Ltd. (APL ) built a series of ocean going vessels that were named after former Presidents of the United States. In 1940 they produced a vessel that would be known as the SS President Jackson. The ship sailed around the world two times before being commandeered by the US Navy to transport troops to battle locations during World War II.

One of the responsibilities of any member of the US Merchant Marine fleet is to move military supplies or personnel during a time of war, and the SS President Jackson carried out that duty for several years. It was used in active military service until 1955, so she served throughout the second World War and the Korean War. The ship was awarded a total of 8 battle stars for its contributions to these conflicts.

The troops who spent time on board the SS President Jackson were well aware that they were going to dangerous locations where they would be placed in great danger, but what they didn't know was that their lives were also being threatened while they were en route. Every person who spent time on the ship was placed in close proximity to products that were made out of the naturally occurring mineral asbestos. Just being close these items was a hazard, because microscopic asbestos fibers break off and float in the air, so people who are nearby tend to ingest them without even realizing it.

Crew members and sailors on the SS President Jackson wouldn't have known it, but breathing in these tiny bits of asbestos could have a strong and negative effect on their health. As of the early 1970's, researchers revealed that the mineral was toxic, and since there is no known way to remove the substance once it has entered the respiratory system, the victim is forced to endure the untreatable and often life threatening conditions it produces.

Exposure to asbestos can lead to respiratory disorders like Asbestosis and cancerous diseases such as Mesothelioma. Millions of Americans who worked in the maritime or other national industries were afflicted by the poisonous mineral and suffered the consequences it brought about. The SS President Jackson was eventually scrapped, but it remained in active duty for more than three decades during which time thousands of people may have sailed on board and therefore put at risk of being exposed to asbestos.

Last modified: December 09 2009.