Asbestos Exposure Sources
Workers in the shipbuilding industry encountered asbestos through:
- Pipe lagging
- Boiler insulation
- Turbine insulation
- Gaskets and packing
- Fireproofing
- Deck coatings
Common Asbestos Products
Products commonly used in this industry that contained asbestos:
Affected Occupations
Workers in these job roles within the shipbuilding industry faced the highest exposure:
Health Risks
Workers exposed to asbestos in the shipbuilding industry are at increased risk for:
- Mesothelioma — Aggressive cancer of the lung, abdominal, or heart lining
- Lung cancer — Risk increases significantly, especially with smoking
- Asbestosis — Progressive scarring of lung tissue
- Pleural disease — Thickening or calcification of the lung lining
Symptoms typically appear 20 to 50 years after initial exposure, meaning workers from the peak exposure era are being diagnosed today.
Legal Options for Shipbuilding Workers
If you worked in the shipbuilding industry and have been diagnosed with mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease, you may be entitled to compensation:
- Asbestos trust funds — Many manufacturers established trusts to compensate victims
- Personal injury lawsuits — Claims against responsible companies
- Workers' compensation — Available in some states for occupational exposure
- VA benefits — For veterans with military-related exposure