Naval Shipyards
Government-operated naval shipyards in Pennsylvania employed military personnel and civilian workers who faced intense asbestos exposure. Veterans may qualify for VA benefits.
Private Shipyards
Commercial shipyards in Pennsylvania built and repaired vessels for private industry, with workers facing similar asbestos exposure as naval facilities.
Chester Shipbuilding
Chester, Pennsylvania
Delaware River Iron Ship Building and Engine Works
Chester, Pennsylvania
John Roach & Sons
Chester, Pennsylvania
Merchant Shipbuilding Corporation
Chester, Pennsylvania
Reaney, Son & Archbold
Chester, Pennsylvania
Sun Shipbuilding and Drydock Company
Chester, Pennsylvania
Erie Shipbuilding LLC
Erie, Pennsylvania
Aker Philadelphia Shipyard
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Neafie & Levy
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
William Cramp and Sons Shipbuilding Company
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Dravo Corporation
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Asbestos Exposure at Pennsylvania Shipyards
Workers at Pennsylvania 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: