Battleships & Asbestos Exposure

Battleships, also known as "capital ships," were heavily armored warships containing the largest force of firepower. The Navy used the term 'capital ship' to refer to the sturdiest and most important ship in the war. While capital ships included aircraft carriers and other vessels, they were most often battleships and were chosen to lead the fleet into battle. Battleships were a symbol of dominance during the 20th century, and for decades the battleship was a major factor in military strategy.

Asbestos was commonly used on battleships and was highly valued for its resistance to heat and fire. All ships built by the Navy before the mid-70s were filled with asbestos-containing materials. These materials were extensively used in engine and boiler rooms and other areas including mess halls, sleeping quarters and navigation rooms. Products such as cables, gaskets, valves, adhesives and many others also contained asbestos.

Any Naval personnel working in the construction, repair, demolition or renovation of these ships were likely exposed to asbestos. As a result, many veterans are being diagnosed with asbestos disease due to the exposure they encountered during military service.

Please select a ship from the list below for information regarding specific battleships and potential asbestos-exposure.

Battleships Index

USS Alabama BB 60
USS Arizona BB 39
USS Arkansas BB 33
USS California BB 44
USS Colorado BB 45
USS Idaho BB 42
USS Indiana BB 58
USS Iowa BB 61
USS Maryland BB 46
USS Massachusetts BB 59
USS Mississippi BB 41
USS Missouri BB 63
USS Nevada BB 36
USS New Jersey BB 62
USS New Mexico BB 40
USS New York BB 34
USS North Carolina BB 55
USS Oklahoma BB 37
USS Pennsylvania BB 38
USS South Dakota BB 57
USS Tennessee BB 43
USS Texas-BB 35
USS Utah BB 31
USS Washington BB 56
USS West Virginia BB 48
USS Wisconsin BB 64
USS Wyoming BB 32
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