The use of asbestos was in high demand during World War II. While shipyards were busy building ships, the rest of the country was under a lot of construction as well. Asbestos was a cost-effective and durable material that was made into a variety of parts, including gasket material.

Gasket material can be found in vehicles, ships, homes and buildings. Asbestos was commonly used to make gasket material until it became known that asbestos was detrimental to health and causes serious illnesses such as mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer that is linked strictly to asbestos exposure. It is most common in the pleura (the lining of the lungs), but can also develop in the lining of the abdomen or heart. Treatments for mesothelioma tend to be palliative rather than curative, and the survival rate after diagnosis is typically one year.

Symptoms for mesothelioma can take between 20 and 50 years to appear, so it can be quite difficult to narrow down the cause of your mesothelioma. There are nearly 2,000 new cases of mesothelioma reported each year, and this cancer accounts for three percent of cancer-related deaths each year in the United States. For more information on asbestos exposure, please fill out the form on this page to receive a comprehensive packet in the mail.

Additional Automotive Products:

Automotive Hoodliners
Disc Brakes
Clutches
Gasket Material

Heat Seals
Valve Rings
Valve Stem Packing

Two must read books for anyone who has or who is caring for someone with mesothelioma.

Get a Free Copy of Lean on Me or 100 Questions & Answers About Mesothelioma.

Asbestos.com has experienced navy veterans on staff to assist veterans in answering questions about applying for asbestos-related VA Claims and other benefits.

*Asbestos.com is not affiliated with the
U.S. Department. of Veterans Affairs.

Naval Ships Index
Search through our extensive list of ships that used asbestos-containing products.
(e.g. USS Alabama BB 60)

Get matched with the top mesothelioma specialists in your area.

Learn what foods to eat, which to avoid, and the best supplements for the fight against cancer and chemotherapy recovery.

Pleural Mesothelioma May Have New Biomarker
09/01/2010 - In a recent article published in the online publication Modern Pathology, researchers may have found a new biomarker for malignant pleural mesotheliom..
Mesothelioma-Causing Asbestos May be Banned in Taiwan
08/31/2010 - According to a news report, Taiwan's Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has plans to phase out the use of asbestos within the next decade. Lin C..
Mesothelioma Risk in Schools Can Be Managed
08/30/2010 - Seven schools in Virginia Beach, Virginia built between 1956 and 1974 have been found to contain a small amount of asbestos in sealants applied to the..