Asbestos Claims from Malta

Asbestos.com reports the heirs of dockyard workers in the tiny Mediterranean country of Malta filed asbestos-liability claims in New York against American companies that made products used aboard U.S. Navy ships.

The dock workers were exposed to the asbestos when the Navy ships were brought in for service and repairs. Although the exposure came as long as 40 years ago, some of the worker died only recently. Mesothelioma cancer, which is caused by the asbestos exposure, can linger for up to 50 years before it shows any symptoms.

According to Maltatoday, the leading news service in Malta, up to 400 workers or their families have filed claims through the United States court system.

Thanks to Cary Sklaren for the tip.

--CJR