Heavy metals
Shipwrecks are big heaps of 'toxic scrap', built with lots of materials
that contain toxic substances. Heavy
metals can be found in paints and coatings. But also in anodes, insulation,
batteries and electrical compounds. Heavy metals can cause harm to human
health and the environment.
Open fires
In Europe hazardous substances are subject to special monitoring. The
disposal is highly regulated. But at the shipbreaking yards of Asia waste
is burned in open fires. They cause fumes with very dangerous dioxins
and PAHs. These are so called Persistent
Organic Pollutants (POPs).
POPs
POPs are very problematic chemicals. Highly toxic and very resistant to
natural breakdown processes. Once released into the environment they persist
for decades. POPs build up in the fatty tissue of animals and humans.
Asbestos
On the beaches of Asia asbestos
lies drying in the sun. Once dried, it is broken into little pieces to
be sold. In western countries such a scene is unimaginable. Soon there
would be great alarm. Men in protective clothes would carefully clean
the area. But in Asia men take the asbestos out of the ships with their
bare hands.
Remarkable ships Pacific Princess ('Love Boat') is on the Greenpeace list. More remarkable ships...
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Heavy metals