Heavy metals are found in many parts of ships. Such as in paints, coatings, anodes and electrical equipment. The following metals are part of old ships scrapped by workers without the correct protective equipment. These parts are often dumped or burnt on the beaches causing widespread pollution of the area.
Mercury: A highly toxic heavy metal that affects the nervous system. Young children are most vulnerable. Long-term exposure to low levels can cause irreversible learning difficulties. Mercury can also cause mental retardation and delayed neurological and physical development.
Lead: Accumulates in blood and bones after inhalation or ingestion. It can cause anaemia an is toxic to the nervous system and the kidneys.
Arsenic: Exposure can result in lung cancer, cancer of the skin, intestine, kidney, liver or bladder. It can also cause damage to blood vessels. Inflammation of nervous tissue caused by arsenic may result in paralysis. After exposure a disfiguring growth may appear on the skin.
Chromium: Some chrome based chemicals can cause eczema. When exposed to dust and fumes people may develop respiratory diseases such as lung cancer.
Remarkable ships Pacific Princess ('Love Boat') is on the Greenpeace list. More remarkable ships...
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Heavy metals are found in many parts of ships. Such as in paints, coatings, anodes and electrical equipment. The following metals are part of old ships scrapped by workers without the correct protective equipment. These parts are often dumped or burnt on the beaches causing widespread pollution of the area.
Lead: Accumulates in blood and bones after inhalation or ingestion. It can cause anaemia an is toxic to the nervous system and the kidneys.