December 3, 2024

Asbestos Exposure on Navy Ships

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Asbestos
Mesothelioma
Veterans

Understanding Asbestos Exposure on Navy Ships

U.S. Navy and the Risk of Asbestos Exposure

The brave men and women of the U.S. Navy have long faced the dangers associated with military service, but one of the most insidious and hidden threats has come from asbestos exposure aboard naval ships. From the 1940s through the 1980s, asbestos-containing products were heavily utilized in the construction, repair, and operation of Navy vessels. The extensive use of asbestos materials throughout the Navy left countless veterans exposed to dangerous asbestos fibers, which could ultimately lead to asbestos-related diseases such as lung cancer, pleural mesothelioma, and asbestos-related illnesses.

The Presence of Asbestos on Naval Ships

Asbestos was valued for its heat-resistant properties, durability, and affordability. These characteristics made it an ideal material for the construction of naval ships, which required insulation for boilers, engines, and pipes. As a result, asbestos-containing materials were utilized extensively throughout U.S. Navy vessels. Aircraft carriers, escort carriers, amphibious warships, and auxiliary ships were all equipped with asbestos insulation, thermal materials, and pipe coverings.

Key areas of naval ships that contained asbestos materials included:

  • Boiler rooms
  • Engine rooms
  • Pipes and pipe insulation
  • Electrical wiring
  • Deck coverings
  • Floor tiles
  • Ceiling tiles
  • Lagging and rope
  • Thermal insulation
  • Adhesives, gaskets, and valves

This widespread use of asbestos throughout naval vessels resulted in high levels of occupational asbestos exposure for Navy personnel, including boiler technicians, water tenders, and damage control men. Even sailors who were not directly involved in maintenance and repairs faced exposure to airborne asbestos fibers due to poor ventilation and close quarters on ships.

Shipyards: A Hotbed of Asbestos Exposure

The risk of asbestos exposure was not limited to naval ships themselves. Shipyard workers also faced significant occupational asbestos exposure while constructing, repairing, and decommissioning ships. Naval shipyards, such as the Norfolk Naval Shipyard and Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, were filled with asbestos-containing equipment and asbestos-based products that released toxic fibers into the air during routine work.

Shipyard facilities also used asbestos-containing products in their infrastructure. Dockyard buildings, cafeterias, machine shops, and even mess halls often contained asbestos insulation and other asbestos materials. Workers who handled asbestos products in these environments faced continuous exposure, increasing their risk of developing asbestos-related diseases.

Secondary Asbestos Exposure

The dangers of asbestos exposure were not limited to those who worked directly with asbestos-containing products. Family members of Navy personnel and shipyard workers were also at risk of secondary asbestos exposure. Asbestos fibers could easily become trapped in clothing, hair, and shoes, and were then brought home, exposing spouses, children, and other family members to the toxic material. Many individuals who never set foot on a Navy ship or in a shipyard have developed mesothelioma or lung cancer as a result of secondhand asbestos exposure.

Health Risks and Asbestos-Related Diseases

The health risks associated with asbestos exposure are well-documented. Asbestos fibers, once inhaled or ingested, can become lodged in the lining of the lungs, abdomen, or heart, causing inflammation and cellular damage. Over time, this can lead to the development of asbestos-related diseases, including:

  • Mesothelioma: A rare and aggressive cancer that affects the lining of the lungs (pleura), abdomen (peritoneum), or heart (pericardium). It can take 10-50 years after exposure for symptoms to appear.
  • Lung Cancer: Often associated with smoking, but asbestos exposure is a known risk factor for lung cancer in both smokers and non-smokers.
  • Asbestosis: A chronic lung disease caused by the scarring of lung tissue from asbestos fibers. It results in severe respiratory issues and can increase the risk of developing mesothelioma or lung cancer.

Unfortunately, mesothelioma has no known cure, and the prognosis is often poor. Symptoms typically do not appear until decades after the initial asbestos exposure, making early diagnosis and treatment difficult.

Legal Claims and Financial Compensation for Asbestos Exposure

Veterans who have developed mesothelioma, lung cancer, or other asbestos-related illnesses as a result of their service in the U.S. Navy may be entitled to financial compensation. Legal options include filing mesothelioma lawsuits, pursuing claims through asbestos trust funds, or seeking benefits through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

Asbestos Trust Funds

Many asbestos companies that manufactured asbestos-containing products have filed for bankruptcy as a result of the large number of lawsuits filed against them. However, as part of the bankruptcy process, these companies were required to set aside money in asbestos trust funds to compensate victims of asbestos exposure. Veterans who were exposed to asbestos during their service may be eligible to receive compensation from these trust funds.

Mesothelioma Lawsuits

Veterans diagnosed with mesothelioma or lung cancer can also file mesothelioma lawsuits against the manufacturers of asbestos-containing products. These lawsuits seek compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages resulting from asbestos-related diseases. Many mesothelioma cases are settled out of court, but some proceed to trial, where juries have awarded millions of dollars in damages to veterans and their families.

VA Benefits

Veterans who developed mesothelioma or another asbestos-related illness due to their service in the U.S. Navy may be eligible for VA benefits. The VA offers monthly payments to veterans diagnosed with mesothelioma and provides access to healthcare benefits for the treatment of asbestos-related diseases. Veterans can also receive compensation for disability caused by their illness.

Veterans with Mesothelioma: Seeking Justice

Veterans with mesothelioma face a unique set of challenges when seeking justice for their asbestos exposure. Many veterans are unaware that their illness is linked to their service, and some may have been misdiagnosed or denied compensation in the past. This is why it is critical for veterans diagnosed with mesothelioma to seek the assistance of an experienced mesothelioma lawyer who understands the complexities of military asbestos exposure cases.

At Serling & Abramson, P.C., we specialize in representing veterans with mesothelioma and lung cancer and their families. Our attorneys have a deep understanding of asbestos-related lawsuits and have helped countless veterans secure financial compensation for their injuries. We offer a free review of your case and will fight on your behalf to ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.

Asbestos-Containing Materials on Navy Ships

The use of asbestos was widespread across all branches of the military, but the U.S. Navy was particularly reliant on the material due to the extreme heat generated by ship engines, boilers, and other equipment. Asbestos-containing materials were found in nearly every part of a naval vessel, including:

  • Adhesives
  • Boilers, boiler lining and heat shields
  • Cables
  • Caulk
  • Ceiling and floor tiles
  • Deck coverings
  • Electrical coating
  • Engines
  • Gaskets and valves
  • Grinders
  • Insulation
  • Lagging and rope
  • Linings of steel plates and doors
  • Meters
  • Packing
  • Paint
  • Paneling
  • Pipes, pipe insulation and coverings
  • Pumps
  • Thermal insulation
  • Tubing
  • Turbines

These materials posed a serious risk of exposure to Navy personnel, especially boiler technicians, damage control men, and other sailors who worked in close proximity to asbestos products on a daily basis. Even those who did not work directly with asbestos-containing materials were at risk, as microscopic asbestos fibers could become airborne and circulate throughout the ship’s poorly ventilated compartments.

Asbestos on Great Lakes Ships and Shipyards

While much of the focus on asbestos exposure is tied to naval ships and coastal shipyards, Great Lakes ships and shipyards played a significant role in asbestos exposure for workers in the Midwest. These vessels and shipbuilding facilities, essential for transporting goods across the Great Lakes region, often utilized asbestos-containing materials extensively during construction, repairs, and operations.

How Asbestos Was Used on Great Lakes Ships

Ships operating on the Great Lakes were designed to handle harsh weather conditions and high temperatures, leading to the widespread use of asbestos for its heat-resistant and insulating properties. Common areas where asbestos was found on these ships include:

  • Engine Rooms and Boilers: Asbestos was used to insulate boilers, turbines, and engine components to prevent overheating and fires.
  • Piping Systems: Pipes running through the ships were coated with asbestos to protect against heat and corrosion.
  • Insulation Materials: Asbestos-lined walls, ceilings, and floors were common throughout ships to improve fireproofing.
  • Gaskets and Seals: These essential components were made with asbestos to withstand high-pressure and high-temperature conditions.

Shipyards and Asbestos Exposure

The shipyards surrounding the Great Lakes, including those in Michigan, Ohio, Wisconsin, and Illinois, were major hubs for building and repairing ships. Workers in these shipyards were frequently exposed to asbestos through the following tasks:

  • Construction: Asbestos-containing materials were used in the initial construction of Great Lakes freighters, tankers, and barges.
  • Repairs and Maintenance: Shipyard workers repairing boilers, pipes, and insulation materials were at high risk of disturbing asbestos fibers.
  • Scrapping Old Ships: Workers involved in dismantling and scrapping older ships unknowingly released dangerous asbestos fibers into the air.

Workers Most at Risk

Individuals who worked in the following roles were among the most at risk of asbestos exposure in Great Lakes shipyards:

  • Shipbuilders and welders
  • Boiler operators and engineers
  • Pipefitters and plumbers
  • Electricians and insulation installers
  • Dismantlers and demolition crews

Known Asbestos-Exposed Shipyards

Some prominent Great Lakes shipyards where asbestos exposure was prevalent include:

  • American Shipbuilding Company (Ohio): A major shipbuilder where workers were exposed to asbestos during the construction of freighters and cargo ships.
  • Manitowoc Shipbuilding Company (Wisconsin): Known for constructing naval submarines and freighters, exposing workers to asbestos in the process.
  • Great Lakes Engineering Works (Michigan): A significant shipyard in Detroit that utilized asbestos extensively in ship construction and repair.
  • Fraser Shipyards (Wisconsin): One of the oldest operating shipyards on the Great Lakes, where repair work often disturbed asbestos-containing materials.

Risks and Health Effects

The exposure to asbestos fibers aboard Great Lakes ships and in their shipyards has led to numerous cases of asbestos-related illnesses, including mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis. Workers who handled or disturbed asbestos-containing materials were often unaware of the health risks, and many experienced symptoms decades later due to the long latency period of asbestos-related diseases.

Ships with Asbestos: A Legacy of Risk

Some of the most notable ships that contained asbestos include USS Coral Sea, USS Ranger, USS Forrest, USS Yorktown, USS Bunker Hill, USS Belleau Wood, and USS Ticonderoga. These ships, along with many others, exposed thousands of sailors to asbestos fibers, leading to the eventual diagnosis of mesothelioma and other asbestos-related illnesses.

Shipyards such as Bethlehem Steel Shipyard and Norfolk Naval Shipyard were also major sources of asbestos exposure for naval personnel and civilian workers. These shipyards played a crucial role in maintaining and repairing Navy vessels, but they also contributed to the spread of asbestos-related diseases among those who worked there.

Bethlehem Steel Shipyard

The Bethlehem Steel Shipyard was a significant player in American shipbuilding during the 20th century, particularly during World War II and the post-war industrial boom. Located in Sparrows Point, Maryland, and with other major facilities across the U.S., including Quincy, Massachusetts, and San Francisco, California, Bethlehem Steel was responsible for constructing and repairing thousands of ships, ranging from merchant vessels to warships for the U.S. Navy.

During the peak of shipbuilding operations in the mid-20th century, Bethlehem Steel Shipyard heavily relied on asbestos-containing materials for its vessels. Asbestos was prized for its heat-resistant and insulating properties, making it a common material in ship construction. Asbestos insulation was used extensively in boilers, pipes, engine rooms, electrical wiring, and fireproofing throughout the ship. Workers who installed, maintained, or removed asbestos materials were at high risk of asbestos exposure due to the lack of protective equipment and the poor ventilation often found in shipyard settings.

Unfortunately, the use of asbestos at Bethlehem Steel Shipyard had devastating consequences for thousands of workers and their families. Shipbuilders, pipefitters, welders, and other craftsmen who worked on constructing or repairing ships were regularly exposed to asbestos dust, which was released into the air during routine ship maintenance or repair activities. This exposure led to long-term health risks, including mesothelioma, lung cancer, asbestosis, and other asbestos-related diseases.

Families of shipyard workers were also at risk due to secondary asbestos exposure. Workers often brought home asbestos fibers on their clothing, exposing their spouses and children to the dangerous particles. Decades later, many shipyard workers and their family members were diagnosed with mesothelioma and other asbestos-related illnesses, resulting in numerous lawsuits and claims against Bethlehem Steel and the companies that supplied asbestos products to the shipyard.

In the aftermath of the asbestos crisis, Bethlehem Steel Shipyard faced numerous legal challenges, with former workers seeking compensation for their illnesses. Many victims filed lawsuits and received settlements from asbestos trust funds set up by the companies that supplied asbestos-containing products to the shipyard. While Bethlehem Steel itself filed for bankruptcy in 2001, the legacy of its shipbuilding operations and the risks posed by asbestos exposure remain a significant part of its history.

Norfolk Naval Shipyard

The Norfolk Naval Shipyard is one of the oldest and most historically significant shipyards in the United States, with a history dating back to 1767. Located in Portsmouth, Virginia, across the river from Norfolk, the shipyard has been a critical facility for building, repairing, and modernizing U.S. Navy ships for more than two centuries. As one of the largest shipyards in the world, Norfolk Naval Shipyard played a vital role in U.S. naval operations during major conflicts, including the Civil War, World War I, World War II, the Korean War, and the Cold War.

Like many shipyards of its era, Norfolk Naval Shipyard relied heavily on asbestos-containing materials throughout much of the 20th century. Asbestos insulation was used in a variety of applications, including boilers, pipes, turbines, valves, and electrical systems aboard naval vessels. Asbestos was also present in fireproofing materials, deck coverings, gaskets, adhesives, and thermal insulation. These materials were critical to the operation and safety of naval ships, particularly in areas such as engine rooms, boiler rooms, and firefighting systems, where extreme heat and fire risks were a constant concern.

The use of asbestos at Norfolk Naval Shipyard resulted in widespread exposure among shipyard workers, including boilermakers, electricians, welders, pipefitters, and machinists. These workers were regularly exposed to asbestos dust during the construction, maintenance, and repair of naval vessels. The confined spaces and poor ventilation aboard ships increased the risk of inhaling asbestos fibers, leading to serious health consequences for many veterans and shipyard workers.

Over time, thousands of shipyard workers developed asbestos-related diseases, including mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis. These illnesses often took decades to manifest due to the long latency period of asbestos-related diseases, with many victims only receiving diagnoses years after their exposure. In addition to the direct exposure experienced by workers at the shipyard, family members were also affected by secondary asbestos exposure when workers unknowingly brought asbestos fibers home on their clothing and tools.

As the dangers of asbestos became more widely known, many former workers at Norfolk Naval Shipyard began filing mesothelioma lawsuits and asbestos-related claims. These legal actions sought compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering resulting from their exposure to asbestos-containing products during their service at the shipyard. Additionally, Norfolk Naval Shipyard workers and veterans became eligible to file claims against asbestos trust funds established by the companies that manufactured and supplied asbestos materials to the U.S. Navy.

Today, Norfolk Naval Shipyard continues to operate as a key maintenance facility for the U.S. Navy, but the legacy of asbestos exposure and the health risks faced by former workers remain a significant part of its history. The shipyard has since implemented stringent safety measures to protect workers from hazardous materials, but the long-term impact of asbestos exposure continues to affect many veterans and their families.

Portsmouth Naval Shipyard

Located in Kittery, Maine, Portsmouth Naval Shipyard is one of the oldest continuously operating shipyards in the United States. Established in 1800, the shipyard has been a vital part of U.S. naval operations for more than two centuries. While primarily focused on building and maintaining submarines during the 20th century, the shipyard also exposed thousands of workers to asbestos-containing materials. The construction and repair of naval vessels involved extensive use of asbestos insulation, which posed significant health risks to shipyard workers. Many workers at Portsmouth developed asbestos-related diseases, such as mesothelioma and lung cancer, after being exposed to airborne asbestos fibers during their time at the shipyard.

USS George and George E. Badger

The USS George was an early U.S. Navy ship that contributed to various missions during its service. However, another notable ship, the USS George E. Badger, served during both World War I and World War II. This ship was named after George Edmund Badger, a Secretary of the Navy under President William Henry Harrison. The USS George E. Badger (DD-196/APD-33) played a vital role as a destroyer and later as a high-speed transport during amphibious operations. Unfortunately, like many other naval vessels, the USS George E. Badger contained asbestos insulation throughout its mechanical systems and living quarters, endangering the crew members who served aboard.

USS George W. Ingram and USS Williams

The USS George W. Ingram was part of a series of vessels named in honor of distinguished U.S. Navy personnel. Named after a naval officer recognized for his service, this ship, like many others of its era, was constructed using asbestos-containing products, particularly in its boiler rooms, engine rooms, and pipe insulation. Veterans who served aboard faced exposure to asbestos fibers, which could lead to asbestos-related diseases decades after their service.

Similarly, the USS Williams was a destroyer escort commissioned during World War II. Its construction also involved the use of asbestos materials, creating dangerous working conditions for the crew. Many veterans who served aboard the USS Williams were later diagnosed with mesothelioma or lung cancer as a result of their exposure.

USS William M., USS Hall, and B. Hall

The USS William M. Wood (DD-715) was a Gearing-class destroyer that served the U.S. Navy for several decades, including during the Cold War. Like other destroyers of its era, the USS William M. Wood was constructed with extensive asbestos insulation. Veterans who served aboard this vessel were at high risk of asbestos exposure due to the poor ventilation in the ship’s engine rooms and other confined spaces.

The USS Hall (DD-583) was a Fletcher-class destroyer that also contained large amounts of asbestos insulation. This material was used throughout the ship’s machinery, including its boilers and pipes, putting sailors at risk of asbestos-related diseases. The B. Hall, named after another distinguished naval figure, faced similar concerns with asbestos exposure on board.

USS Paul, USS Fort, and USS Lang

The USS Paul (FF-1080) was a Knox-class frigate that saw service in the late 20th century. Like many Navy ships built during this time, the USS Paul utilized asbestos-containing materials throughout its construction. Asbestos insulation was present in areas such as the engine rooms, boilers, and electrical systems. Sailors who served on the USS Paul were exposed to airborne asbestos fibers, especially during routine maintenance and repairs.

The USS Fort Snelling (LSD-30) was a dock landing ship that supported amphibious operations. Built with asbestos-containing products, the USS Fort Snelling posed significant health risks to the sailors and shipyard workers who came into contact with asbestos materials during construction, maintenance, and decommissioning.

The USS Lang (FF-1060), another Knox-class frigate, was designed for anti-submarine warfare but contained asbestos in many of its systems. Asbestos insulation and thermal materials were common in its engine and boiler rooms, creating dangerous conditions for the sailors who worked in these confined spaces.

USS Rock, USS Truxtun, and USS Buck

The USS Rock (SS-274) was a Gato-class submarine that served during World War II. Submarines, like other naval vessels, used asbestos-containing insulation to protect the crew from extreme heat generated by the ship’s systems. The confined spaces aboard submarines, such as the USS Rock, increased the risk of asbestos exposure, as asbestos dust could easily circulate through the vessel’s ventilation system.

The USS Truxtun (CGN-35) was a nuclear-powered guided-missile cruiser commissioned during the Cold War. Built in the 1960s, the USS Truxtun contained asbestos materials in its boilers, piping, and engine rooms. Many crew members who served aboard the USS Truxtun were later diagnosed with mesothelioma or lung cancer after prolonged exposure to asbestos fibers.

The USS Buck (DD-761) was an Allen M. Sumner-class destroyer that saw extensive service during World War II and the Korean War. As with other destroyers of the era, asbestos insulation was used throughout the ship, creating serious health risks for the crew. Sailors who served aboard the USS Buck are among those who have filed mesothelioma lawsuits due to their asbestos exposure during their time in the Navy.

USS Cushing, USS Davis, and USS Duncan

The USS Cushing (DD-985) was a Spruance-class destroyer that served the U.S. Navy for nearly two decades. Despite its relatively modern construction, the USS Cushing still contained asbestos insulation in its machinery spaces. Veterans who served aboard the USS Cushing are at risk of developing asbestos-related diseases from their exposure to asbestos fibers.

The USS Davis (DD-937) was a Forrest Sherman-class destroyer that served the Navy during the Cold War. Like many ships built during the mid-20th century, the USS Davis contained asbestos in its thermal insulation and pipe coverings. Sailors who worked in the ship’s engine and boiler rooms were particularly vulnerable to asbestos exposure.

The USS Duncan (DD-874), a Gearing-class destroyer, saw service in the Pacific Theater during World War II and the Korean War. This ship also contained significant amounts of asbestos-containing materials, particularly in its machinery spaces. Veterans who served aboard the USS Duncan are at high risk of developing mesothelioma or lung cancer due to their exposure.

USS Herbert, USS McCall, and USS Meredith

The USS Herbert (DD-160) was a Wickes-class destroyer that served during World War II. Asbestos was a standard material in ships of this era, and the USS Herbert was no exception. Veterans who served on this vessel are at risk of asbestos-related illnesses due to their prolonged exposure to asbestos insulation.

The USS McCall (DD-400) was another destroyer that served the U.S. Navy during World War II. Like many naval ships of the time, the USS McCall contained asbestos-containing products in its construction, including thermal insulation, pipe coverings, and floor tiles. Sailors who served aboard the USS McCall are among those who have developed mesothelioma or lung cancer from their exposure.

The USS Meredith (DD-890) was a Gearing-class destroyer that served during World War II and the Korean War. The USS Meredith contained extensive asbestos materials, particularly in its boiler rooms, engine rooms, and electrical systems. Sailors who worked in these confined spaces faced significant exposure to asbestos fibers, putting them at risk of developing asbestos-related diseases.

USS Porter, USS Preston, and USS Rathburne

The USS Porter (DD-800) was a destroyer that served during World War II. Asbestos was commonly used throughout the ship’s construction, including in its thermal insulation and pipe coverings. Veterans who served aboard the USS Porter may have been exposed to asbestos fibers, increasing their risk of developing mesothelioma or lung cancer.

The USS Preston (DD-795) was another destroyer that served in the Pacific Theater during World War II. Like other ships of its era, the USS Preston contained asbestos-containing materials throughout its machinery spaces. Veterans who served aboard the USS Preston are at risk of asbestos-related diseases due to their exposure during their time in service.

The USS Rathburne (FF-1057) was a Knox-class frigate that served the U.S. Navy during the Cold War. As with many ships built during the mid-20th century, the USS Rathburne contained asbestos insulation in its boiler rooms and engine rooms. Veterans who served aboard the USS Rathburne are at risk of asbestos exposure and the subsequent development of asbestos-related diseases.

USS Trippe, USS Worden, and USS Wadsworth

The USS Trippe (FF-1075) was a Knox-class frigate that served the U.S. Navy during the Cold War. Like other ships of its time, the USS Trippe contained asbestos insulation in its machinery spaces and piping systems. Veterans who served aboard the USS Trippe are at risk of asbestos exposure, which can lead to the development of mesothelioma or lung cancer.

The USS Worden (CG-18) was a Leahy-class guided-missile cruiser that served during the Cold War. Built with asbestos-containing materials, the USS Worden exposed many sailors to asbestos fibers, particularly those who worked in the ship’s engine rooms and boiler rooms.

The USS Wadsworth (FFG-9) was an Oliver Hazard Perry-class frigate that served the U.S. Navy for nearly two decades. Like other frigates of its time, the USS Wadsworth was constructed with asbestos insulation, putting sailors at risk of asbestos exposure and asbestos-related diseases during their time in service.

Compensation for Navy Veterans with Mesothelioma

If you are a Navy veteran diagnosed with mesothelioma, it is essential to act quickly to secure the compensation you deserve. Whether through asbestos trust funds, mesothelioma lawsuits, or VA benefits, there are multiple avenues for veterans to receive financial support for their medical care and other expenses.

Conclusion

The risk of asbestos exposure for Navy veterans and shipyard workers remains a significant health concern even decades after the widespread use of asbestos-containing products ended. Asbestos-related diseases, such as mesothelioma and lung cancer, continue to impact the lives of veterans who bravely served their country. At Serling & Abramson, P.C., we are committed to helping veterans and their families seek justice for their asbestos-related illnesses. Our attorneys are here to provide the legal guidance and support you need to navigate the complex legal process and secure the financial compensation you are entitled to.

If you or a loved one is a veteran with mesothelioma, contact us today for a free case review. Let us fight for your rights and help you access the financial resources you need to manage your illness and ensure a better future for you and your family.