Naval Shipyards
Government-operated naval shipyards in Massachusetts employed military personnel and civilian workers who faced intense asbestos exposure. Veterans may qualify for VA benefits.
Private Shipyards
Commercial shipyards in Massachusetts built and repaired vessels for private industry, with workers facing similar asbestos exposure as naval facilities.
W. A. Robinson, Inc.
Ipswich, Massachusetts
James O. Curtis
Medford, Massachusetts
George Lawley & Sons
Neponset, Massachusetts
Bethlehem Shipbuilding Corporation
Quincy, Massachusetts
Closed
General Dynamics
Quincy, Massachusetts
Asbestos Exposure at Massachusetts Shipyards
Workers at Massachusetts shipyards encountered asbestos in numerous applications throughout vessel construction and repair:
- Pipe insulation — Steam and water pipes wrapped in asbestos lagging
- Boiler and engine rooms — Heavy insulation in machinery spaces
- Fireproofing — Asbestos sheets and spray applications on bulkheads
- Gaskets and packing — Valve components containing asbestos
- Electrical insulation — Wiring and panels with asbestos materials
At-Risk Occupations
Multiple trades worked at these shipyards and faced asbestos exposure. If you held any of these positions, you may have been exposed: