Asbestos Exposure in Escort Carriers in WWII

Escort Carriers Asbestos Exposure in WWII | MesotheliomaDuring World War II, the United States Navy deployed over 75 escort carriers to provide vital air support to ships beyond the range of regular aircraft. This significant naval asset was active between 1941 and 1945, with the construction of more than 120 escort carriers. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, Before the U.S. entered World War II, the U.S. Maritime Commission actively contributed to the Allies’ urgent pursuit of aircraft carrier supremacy. Planners recognized the vital role of military air cover in safeguarding convoys, yet the availability of fleet aircraft carriers was limited, and they couldn’t be assigned to escort duties by the Allied navies. To address this scarcity, both the United States and the United Kingdom jointly conceived the idea of creating compact carriers specifically designed for convoy escort purposes.

Asbestos on Escort Carriers

Escort carriers required effective heat and fire protection, particularly in critical areas like engine and boiler rooms. Asbestos was a common choice for such insulation during that era. Unfortunately, veterans serving on these carriers and those involved in their maintenance may have unknowingly been exposed to asbestos, putting them at risk of developing diseases like mesothelioma, which can remain dormant for decades.