Stralsunder Werft Workers Contaminated with Lead - Shipbuilders in Stralsund exposed to toxic lead levels during historic ship restorations

Nineteen shipbuilders in Stralsund have been found with elevated lead levels in their blood. The contamination is believed to have happened while removing old paint from historic sailing ships in late 2023. Investigations are now underway to assess the full extent of the exposure.

The affected workers were employed by Fosen Yard, a Norwegian shipbuilder whose Stralsund subsidiary has since gone bankrupt. Their symptoms prompted blood tests, which revealed lead levels above safe limits. Nine of them had concentrations exceeding the biological exposure threshold.

The contamination likely occurred during the stripping of lead-based paint from the Gorch Fock I and Greif ships. Lead exposure can cause immediate health problems, including neurological damage, and raises long-term risks such as heart disease and cancer. In response, the city of Stralsund has hired HPC Umweltmesslabor GmbH to evaluate lead contamination at the shipyard. Workers in the area must now wear particle-filter respirators as a precaution. Authorities have also been advised to inform all tenants of the affected shipbuilding hall about potential risks and restrict access to the site.

The state occupational health authority continues to monitor the situation. Affected workers are receiving medical support, while further tests will determine the full scale of contamination. Stricter safety measures remain in place to prevent additional exposure.