At least 18 people may have been exposed to asbestos dust from navy ships

At least 18 navy personnel and civilian workers employed by the Department of Defence may have been exposed to potentially dangerous levels of asbestos.

It is feared the number contaminated could be far higher and may include the workers’ unsuspecting family members.

PDFORRA, the organisation which represents Naval Service ordinary ranks, said it has “substantial concerns” about the potential damage to health after it emerged none of the personnel carrying out maintenance on the LÉ Ciara were, at the time, wearing dedicated personnel protective equipment.