Mesothelioma news
29/05/2008

Blue asbestos may have contaminated Scientology ship

A cruise ship owned by the Church of Scientology has been put under seal amid fears that its ventilation system could have been contaminated with blue asbestos, a source of diseases such as mesothelioma and asbestosis.

The contamination is reported to have occurred during the refurbishment of the ship, which may have released the potentially lethal substance. If the microscopic fibres were introduced into the ventilation system, they could have been breathed in by any of the people who have since been on board the ship.

As the ship is used for VIP parties and educational retreats, the range of people who could have been exposed to asbestos is quite wide. Reports in the press have noted stars of film, television and music who may have been on board since the ship's refurbishment.

A Scientology spokesperson said that "Anyone who believes they may have been exposed to asbestos should consult a doctor immediately," noting the danger of developing asbestos cancers such as mesothelioma.