Shipyard Workers and Asbestos Exposure
Shipyard workers have the highest mesothelioma rates of any occupation. Learn about naval vessel asbestos use, exposure sources, and compensation options.
Overview
Shipbuilding and ship repair facilities represent the highest-risk environments for asbestos exposure in American industrial history. Naval vessels and commercial ships built between 1930 and 1980 contained asbestos in virtually every compartment, exposing millions of shipyard workers and sailors.
Shipyard workers have the highest documented mesothelioma mortality rates of any occupational group, with studies showing rates 5-10 times higher than the general population.
Why Ships Used So Much Asbestos
Naval vessels required extensive fireproofing and insulation. Asbestos was used because it:
Asbestos Locations on Ships
| Ship Area | Asbestos Materials | Exposure Risk |
|---|---|---|
| Engine rooms | Boiler insulation, pipe lagging, gaskets | Extreme |
| Boiler rooms | Thermal insulation, refractory cement | Extreme |
| Steam pipes | Pipe covering, joint compound | Very High |
| Living quarters | Deck tiles, wall panels, ceiling tiles | High |
| Electrical systems | Wire insulation, switchboard panels | High |
| Hull and deck | Fireproofing spray, underlayment | Moderate |
High-Risk Shipyard Occupations
Pipe coverers and laggers applied and stripped Kaylo and Unibestos pipe insulation across every vessel. Boilermakers worked inside boilers lined with asbestos insulation and refractory. Welders cut through asbestos-coated surfaces. Electricians handled asbestos-insulated wiring. Machinists installed and serviced Garlock gaskets and asbestos-impregnated pump packing. Painters prepared surfaces coated with asbestos primers, and general laborers handled cleanup and material removal.
U.S. Navy Shipyards
Major naval shipyards with documented asbestos exposure include:
Commercial Shipyards
Private shipyards also extensively used asbestos:
- Bath Iron Works, Maine
- Newport News Shipbuilding, Virginia
- Ingalls Shipbuilding, Mississippi
- Avondale Shipyard, Louisiana
- Todd Shipyards (multiple locations)
Legal Options
Shipyard workers may qualify for compensation from asbestos trust funds, VA benefits (for veterans), and personal injury lawsuits against asbestos manufacturers.
Veterans’ Benefits
Navy veterans and civilian shipyard workers may pursue:
- VA disability compensation
- VA healthcare for asbestos-related conditions
- Asbestos trust fund claims
- Lawsuits against asbestos product manufacturers