Asbestos Exposure on Battleships
Between 1930 and the early 1970s—before the dangers of asbestos came to light—asbestos was widely used in the construction of naval vessels. With its valuable fire-proofing and insulating properties, this lethal mineral was a component in boilers, engine room steam pipes, electrical fixtures, and bulkhead systems. Insulation throughout ships also contained asbestos as did ceiling tiles and fire-resistant cloths, blankets and clothing. The lack of ventilation aboard close-quartered submarines made the setting even more perilous for its inhabitants.
Battleships and Asbestos Exposure
A battleship is a massive, armor-plated warship that was extensively armed with high-caliber weaponry. The first U.S. Navy battleship, the USS Texas, was commissioned in 1895. This 309 foot-long vessel was equipped with eight guns and four torpedo tubes and carried a crew of 392 men.
Naval battleships grew in size during the early 1900s to become larger and more heavily armed than cruisers or destroyers. Known as the “Queens of the Sea” and a symbol of naval dominance, these slow-moving vessels were fundamental to national strategic offense and defense. Eventually, battleships were replaced by more powerful aircraft and utilized as auxiliaries to aircraft carriers.
Battleships enjoyed a revival during World War II, when their guns were found to be useful in destroying enemy facilities on shore. The vessels were retained after the war and recalled to active duty for shore bombardment missions on numerous occasions. Today, no U.S. battleships remain in service. The last of these mighty vessels were removed from the U.S. Naval Vessel Register in 2006.
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You May Have Been Exposed to Asbestos While Serving on a Navy Battleship
During WWII, several million shipyard workers and sailors were unknowingly exposed to asbestos on a daily basis as they built and rebuilt these massive vessels. Anyone who spent time on a Navy battleship during the war may have been exposed to deadly asbestos fibers. If you believe you developed mesothelioma as a result of serving on a battleship, you may be eligible to receive compensation from the manufacturers of the products responsible for your injury. Contact a qualified asbestos attorney today to learn about how to begin your mesothelioma lawsuit.
U.S. Navy Battleships That May Have Contained Asbestos
- USS Alabama (BB 60)
- USS California (BB 44)
- USS Indiana (BB 58)
- USS Iowa (BB 61)
- USS Massachusetts (BB 59)
- USS Missouri (BB 63)
- USS New Jersey (BB 62)
- USS North Carolina (BB 55)
- USS South Dakota (BB 57)
- USS Washington (BB 56)
- USS Wisconsin (BB 64)