Asbestos Exposure in Navy Shipyards
Asbestos and Navy Shipyards
Mesothelioma and our Veterans
Asbestos Exposure in Navy Shipyards
Asbestos products were used in the construction and maintenance of American ships from the early 1940s through the late 1970s. Navy sailors and workers employed in the shipbuilding trade, as well as those who converted, repaired, or overhauled ship operations, often came in contact with asbestos on the job. Some applications of asbestos in ships include:
- Joiner bulkhead systems
- Insulation of steam and hot water pipes, boilers, and tanks,
- Ceiling tiles
- Fire-resistant sheets in bulkheads
- Insulation cement in lagging for machinery casings
- Lagging cloth
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In the 1970s, the U.S. government ordered the elimination of most uses of asbestos on ships. But while current shipbuilding activities generally do not expose workers to asbestos, exposure can still occur. Workers may come into contact with materials that contain asbestos during maintenance and repair activities on ships built prior to 1978, according to the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
How Navy Veterans Were Exposed to Asbestos in Shipyards
Undisturbed, asbestos poses little threat; in fact, strength against ripping and tearing is one of the properties that make asbestos so useful in industrial applications. But when asbestos is sawed, torn, cut, or scraped, a dust of tiny particles is released into the air.
While the risks of asbestos exposure were higher for sailors who worked in fire and engine rooms with poor ventilation and cramped quarters, any Navy veteran who worked anywhere on board a ship or in a shipyard was at risk. This includes shipyard workers who handled asbestos directly when building ships and salvaging parts, as well as those who removed or installed gaskets.
Employment in the shipbuilding and repair industry has declined dramatically over the years, and particularly so in government-owned shipyards. But new cases of mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases – the harsh legacies of asbestos exposure in the workplace – continue to surface among Navy veterans, as many as 40 or 50 years after they ended their service.
Get Legal Compensation for Your Asbestos-Related Injuries
Navy veterans who were exposed to asbestos during their service are entitled to sue the companies that produced and sold the asbestos used on naval ships. Since military records may be available to validate your mesothelioma claim, obtaining compensation may be less cumbersome than someone who is filing a claim against a private employer.
A qualified mesothelioma attorney can help you hold the asbestos manufacturers accountable for their negligent practices. The more quickly you act, the greater your chance of starting your mesothelioma lawsuit, and getting the justice you and your family deserve.