Asbestos Exposure on Naval Ships
Manufacturing companies produced vast amounts of asbestos for use on American ships, accounting for much of the increased asbestos production in the decades following World War II. Bulkhead systems, insulation, ceiling tiles, and fire-resistant sheets were some of the most common asbestos-containing products onboard ships. Even when new regulations by the Maritime Administration reduced the use of asbestos on ships after 1973, asbestos continued be used to manufacture insulation and lagging cloth.
How Veterans Were Exposed to Asbestos on Ships
Although the risk for asbestos exposure was higher for workers in fire and engine rooms, the sad fact is that Navy veterans in all job classifications who worked anywhere on a ship were almost certainly exposed to asbestos. Personal accounts of sailors who served on board Navy vessels paint an eerie picture of an environment widely tainted by asbestos. The dangers of this setting were further compounded by poor ventilation and close quarters.
Navy sailors in the post-war era unknowingly lived and worked in a highly hazardous environment. It was not unusual for them to brush asbestos dust from their bunks before they went to sleep at night or to use asbestos materials for blankets and pillows during a quick nap. Asbestos dust filled the air on ships as sailors and workers cut and modified insulation products during installation and repair operations.
On ship as anywhere else, the biggest danger for asbestos exposure comes when asbestos is damaged or removed. Thoroughly wetting asbestos prior to removal can help to keep dust down and limit contamination. However, wet removal is not permitted in nuclear reactor compartments because of the possibility of radiation contamination.
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Are You a Navy Veteran Who Was Exposed to Asbestos During Service?
Navy veterans who were injured by asbestos during their service have the right to sue the manufacturers that produced and sold the asbestos used on naval ships. These types of claims are unique because records on the use of asbestos in shipyards, ship construction or ship repairs still exist--and they are widely used in investigating mesothelioma cases.
Because Navy records may be readily available to support your asbestos claim, you might have an easier time starting your mesothelioma lawsuit than someone who is filing a claim against a private employer.
If you or your loved one is suffering from an asbestos-related illness after serving in the Navy, an experienced mesothelioma attorney can advise you on the options available to you.