Stralsunder Werft Workers Contaminated with Lead - Shipyard workers in Stralsund exposed to dangerous lead levels during restorations

Nineteen shipyard workers in Stralsund have been found with elevated lead levels in their blood. The contamination is believed to have happened while refurbishing historic sailing ships last autumn. Tests revealed the exposure after employees reported acute symptoms.

The affected workers were employed by Fosen Yard's now-insolvent Stralsund subsidiary. Their tasks included removing old paint coatings from the Gorch Fock I and Greif in late 2023. Nine of the nineteen exceeded the legal biological exposure limit for lead.

Lead-based paints, once common in shipbuilding, can cause immediate health problems and long-term risks. In response, access to the shipbuilding hall has been restricted. Workers entering the site must now wear particle-filter respirators for protection. The city of Stralsund has taken further action by ordering an expert assessment of lead contamination at the yard. Authorities have also urged the city to inform tenants of the affected hall about potential exposure risks. A separate technical examination is already underway to analyse mercury contamination at the same site.

The incident has prompted stricter safety measures at the shipyard. Workers must follow new precautions, including respiratory protection, when inside the hall. The city's investigation aims to determine the full extent of contamination and prevent further exposure.