Galveston Docks
Just outside of Houston, Texas is the home of the Galveston Docks Shipyard. It was built amidst the Port of Galveston which was established in 1825 along the Gulf Coast. Being close to the Gulf was a huge advantage for the shipyard, and allowed it to develop into a thriving ship building and repair center over the years.
Every shipyard requires a lot of heavy machinery to keep up with production, and that equipment has a tendency to run at very hot temperatures. To combat the heat, heavy duty insulation is used that will help regulate the machines and keep them running properly. Prior to the 1970's, one of the most commonly used ingredients in almost every type of insulation was asbestos.
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that can withstand great heat and even help stop the spread of fires. Aside from that it is a very strong material that can be molded into almost any shape, which made it ideal for use in hundreds of different products. Add to that the ease with which the mineral could be mined, and this inexpensive material was soon considered by many to be one of the most beneficial natural resources ever discovered.
There was, however, a problem which was not recognized for nearly a century after asbestos was discovered in the United States. This incredible mineral is also poisonous. Exposure to it can lead to chronic breathing disorders and deadly diseases. People who spend time around products that contain the mineral will breathe in microscopic particles that break off and become airborne. The particles will then remain lodged in the respiratory system and start to damage and scar healthy tissue. Over a period of many years the level of destruction can intensify and lead to more serious and life threatening ailments, including the cancerous disease known as mesothelioma.
Texas was home to many shipyards, and all of them utilized an array of products that contained asbestos. The people who worked at these facilities were all put at risk because of this, and anyone who spent time at the Galveston Docks is strongly urged to notify their doctor about it immediately.
Last modified: December 28, 2010.
