Asbestos Exposure in Shipyards

Historically, shipyards have been hotspots for asbestos exposure. This hazardous material was widely used in ships, equipment, and shipyard products. As a result, shipyard workers and U.S. Navy members faced significant asbestos exposure, placing them at an increased risk of developing mesothelioma.

The Prevalence of Asbestos in Shipbuilding

During the era when asbestos risks were not widely recognized, it was favored for its cost-effectiveness, durability, heat resistance, and fireproofing capabilities in shipbuilding. Naval ships, including warships, were equipped with asbestos to insulate boilers, turbines, pumps, and other high-temperature machinery.

Asbestos insulation was a common feature in ships, particularly in the walls and boiler rooms, as well as in the linings of steam and water pipes. This usage was crucial in preventing fires and managing heat.

Shipyards, where vessels were constructed and repaired, frequently dealt with the deterioration of asbestos materials, leading to the airborne spread of asbestos fibers. The risk was especially high in poorly ventilated areas, like below the decks of ships.

Asbestos Exposure and Occupational Risks in Shipyards

From the 1930s through the 1980s, shipyard workers and Navy veterans were routinely exposed to asbestos, particularly during wartime when ship production and maintenance intensified. Asbestos use in the U.S. peaked during these years, with significant amounts used annually.

Occupations like shipbuilding, maintenance, and repair often involved contact with asbestos. Even today, exposure risks persist, particularly with older ships still in use or undergoing restoration.

Mesothelioma and Asbestos-Related Diseases in Shipyards

The high incidence of asbestos use in shipyards has made shipyard workers and Navy veterans particularly prone to asbestos-related diseases such as asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma. Mesothelioma, a severe form of cancer linked to asbestos exposure, often takes decades to develop.

Long-Term Impact of Asbestos Exposure in Shipyards

Due to the latency period of asbestos-related diseases, diagnoses among veterans and shipyard workers continue to emerge years after their initial exposure. This delay highlights the ongoing health concerns stemming from historical asbestos use.