Asbestos Exposure in U.S. Navy Destroyer Escorts
During the spring of 1939, the United States constructed over 450 destroyer escorts to aid the U.S. Merchant Marines in World War II. These ships, vital in escorting merchant vessels and engaging in anti-submarine warfare, frequently incorporated asbestos due to its fire-resistant properties.
Asbestos Exposure Risks on Destroyer Escorts
The nature of service on destroyer escorts, which carried crews of 150 to 200 servicemen, meant that thousands were potentially exposed to asbestos. High-risk areas for asbestos exposure on these ships included engine and boiler rooms due to the need for fireproofing and insulation against extreme heat. Asbestos was heavily used in ship construction until the 1970s and could be found in almost all parts of military and commercial ships, thus putting Navy veterans and shipyard workers at significant risk for asbestos-related diseases such as mesothelioma.
Specific Uses of Asbestos on Ships
Asbestos was most commonly used in boiler and engine rooms, and for insulation purposes. About 15% of boiler insulation on ships contained asbestos. Additionally, asbestos components like gaskets were used to enhance fireproofing and durability.
Ongoing Risks from Asbestos on Ships
While asbestos use on ships largely ceased by the late 1970s, many older ships that remain in use for military service or as historical sites still contain asbestos materials. If these materials are in good condition and undisturbed, they do not pose an immediate health hazard. However, any disturbance can release asbestos fibers, especially in the confined spaces and poor ventilation typical of ships, creating a risk for anyone on board. According to the USS Slater Historical Museum, The surplus of destroyer escorts, resulting from the significant growth in American shipbuilding during the war, led to the conversion of many destroyer escorts into two distinct types of vessels during and after World War II: high-speed transports (APDs) and radar picket ships (DERs). This means the ships containing asbestos were modified exposing even more ship workers.