Houston Maritime Injury and Jones Act Blog

Have You Been Exposed to Lead While Working on a Tug, Barge, Ship or Other Vessel?

Lead has long been known to be harmful and the cause of serious health problems for adults and children.  One of the main sources of lead is paint.  Lead-based paint can cause harmful exposure when it is improperly removed by dry scraping, sanding or burning.  If you have worked on a vessel that has lead-based paint, you may be at risk.

A vessel that has lead-based paint can produce high concentrations of airborne lead particles.  For workers in enclosed areas or painters and chippers working on repairing a ship, there is an increased probability of inhaling lead dust, especially if they eat, drink or smoke near contaminated areas.

The severity of health problems associated with lead depends on the level of exposure.  High levels of exposure can cause lead poisoning and may result in convulsions, coma and even death.  Lead has also been known to cause nerve damage, brain damage, poor muscle coordination and cardiovascular problems.  Serious lead exposure has been linked to renal disease and reproductive toxicity.

If you have been exposed to lead and are now suffering the consequences, you may be entitled to compensation.  Under the Jones Act, seamen who work on ships, towboats, tugs, barges, rigs and other vessels are protected and have certain legal rights.  Your employer, vessel owner or other third party can be held liable if they knew of the danger and did nothing to correct it.  Contact the Willis Law Firm at 1-800-MARITIME to speak with an experienced Jones Act attorney.  We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

For more information about the symptoms of lead exposure and treatment for lead exposure, read the article, Exposure to Lead when Working on a Ship.