U.S. Shipyards with Asbestos Exposure

Naval and commercial shipyards were among the most dangerous workplaces for asbestos exposure. Workers installed asbestos insulation throughout ships—in boiler rooms, engine rooms, pipe systems, and sleeping quarters. The confined spaces of ships concentrated airborne fibers, leading to exceptionally high exposure levels.

Shipyards by State

Select a state to view shipyards with documented asbestos exposure history. Many of these facilities employed thousands of workers who may now be at risk for mesothelioma.

Why Shipyard Workers Are at Risk

Shipyard workers faced asbestos exposure from multiple sources:

• Pipe insulation — Ships had miles of pipes wrapped in asbestos lagging
• Boiler insulation — Engine and boiler rooms were heavily insulated
• Fireproofing — Bulkheads, decks, and quarters used asbestos materials
• Gaskets and packing — Valve systems used asbestos components
• Confined spaces — Ship interiors concentrated airborne fibers

Occupations at Risk

Multiple trades worked in shipyards and faced asbestos exposure:

Veterans and Shipyard Exposure

Navy veterans who worked in naval shipyards face elevated mesothelioma risk. Both active-duty personnel and civilian workers at government shipyards were exposed. Veterans may qualify for VA benefits in addition to asbestos trust fund claims.

Veterans mesothelioma resources →