The department of transportation tied up the spare ferry for the Islands in early January while contractors "covered up" asbestos on the boat.
The Islands ferry service was without a back-up boat from Jan. 6 to Jan. 11 this year after a crewmember raised questions about some material on board.
Department spokesman Steve Smith says lab tests confirmed that samples from the Spray contained asbestos.
"To ensure the safety of staff and the public the Spray wasn't available for service while the asbestos issue was being dealt with," wrote Smith in response to questions from the Courier. "Arrangements were immediately made for an asbestos company to identify what needed to be done to address the situation. The company came on site and covered up the asbestos-containing material."
The department found asbestos in the bathroom, on the bridge, in a seating area, and in pipe gaskets.
Smith says, "There is no harm to the crew or passengers unless the asbestos material is disturbed and becomes airborne."
Health Canada says breathing in asbestos in significant amounts can scar the lung making breathing difficult. It may also lead to a rare cancer of the chest lining or stomach cavity and can cause lung cancer, especially when inhalation of asbestos is combined with smoking.
This is the first time asbestos has been found on a provincial ferry but Smith admits asbestos was used throughout the shipbuilding industry as insulation and fireproofing into the early 1980s.
As a result of this discovery, the department will be testing ferries built prior to or shortly after 1990.
This includes the William G Ernst from Tancook; the Joe Casey from Long Island, Digby County; the Colas Silas on the Little Narrows run in Cape Breton; and the Stormont in Country Harbour, Guysborough County.
The department also gave staff literature outlining safe work practice and what to do if they suspect material contains asbestos.
jriley@digbycourier.ca
