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Shipyard workers suffer higher rates of mesothelioma, lung cancer and asbestosis because asbestos products were used in nearly every part of shipbuilding. U.S. veterans were exposed in Navy shipyards and civilians were exposed in commercial shipyards to asbestos insulation, gaskets, pumps and pipes.
Written by Aaron Munz | Legally Reviewed By Yvonne Waterman | Edited By Walter Pacheco | Last Update: June 17, 2024
Asbestos was once considered a critical element in the shipbuilding industry, especially in the military, because of its ability to resist heat and prevent fires that would be disastrous for a vessel at sea.
Shipyards along U.S. coasts have long histories of asbestos exposure and a legacy of former employees developing mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases because of that exposure. Court dockets, especially those in New York and California, are full of examples of former shipyard workers who contracted an asbestos disease and traced their exposure back to one or more shipyards.
Asbestos exposure in shipyards involved loading and unloading asbestos-containing materials and parts from receiving facilities onto vessels. The crates, pallets and wrapping materials used to transport the products harbored asbestos fibers from the contents of the crates. Just delivering parts for the ship and transporting them to where they would be installed led to exposure. Anyone off-loading from a ship or delivering a load aboard the ship was at risk.
Those working in the construction of ships, or doing regular maintenance, repairs, overhauls and decommissions, were at the greatest risk of asbestos exposure. Boiler workers were exposed while maintaining and repairing asbestos insulation, and laggers and pipe fitters were exposed installing and repairing damaged pipe insulation. Depending upon the shipyard, workers performed their tasks on battleships, aircraft carriers, submarines, cruisers, destroyers and auxiliary vessels.
Anyone who worked in shipyards between World War II and the Vietnam War was exposed to asbestos at work. It can take anywhere from 10 to 50 years after exposure before symptoms of mesothelioma cancer appear. Several shipyards across the U.S. have extensive histories of documented asbestos exposure, including Bremerton Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, Charleston Naval Shipyard, Todd Shipyards and Kaiser Shipbuilding Company.
Until the 1970s, the U.S. Navy authorized the use of more than 300 asbestos-containing products for ship construction. Asbestos was ideal for any part located near high temperatures, and any area where there was potential for corrosion. It was hard to find a place on a ship where asbestos wasn’t used – and that meant most everyone in the shipbuilding industry was put at risk.
Asbestos was used throughout boiler rooms, engine rooms and sleeping quarters.
Different types of asbestos adhesives were used to create seals and make repairs throughout ships.
The filler used to stuff mattresses contained asbestos as a fireproofing material. Shipyard workers who built sleeping quarters were exposed to this material.
Asbestos was added to cables, including wire cables, to make them stronger and salt-resistant.
Asbestos cement was a popular material in the construction of shipyards. Corrugated asbestos sheets were used to construct the walls and roofs of shipyard buildings.
Hydraulic assemblies and pumps contained asbestos insulation and packing material.
Spray-on asbestos insulation and pipe wrap covering were the two most common forms of asbestos insulation on ships. Insulation was also found in the form of block insulation and packing material used on pumps, valves and boilers.
Amosite asbestos was the fiber of choice for marine gaskets and valves because it withstood salt corrosion.
Asbestos paint and coatings covered ships because they provided an effective layer of fireproofing. Deck covering material contained asbestos for its strength, added texture and fire resistance.
Heat paneling containing asbestos was used throughout ships to create fireproof walls and barriers.
Asbestos insulation was common in and around pumps, and it had to be repaired frequently because of wear and tear.
Asbestos-containing textiles and fabrics were used to make sails for ships and fireproof blankets that were used in shipyards to put out fires and prevent burns.
Learn about mesothelioma, asbestos exposure in the military, top treatment options and more.
Get Yours NowAsbestos product manufacturers have attempted to shift the blame for the asbestos exposure at shipyards to the U.S. Navy and its policies that dictated specifications. However, the Navy is protected from asbestos lawsuits, which left asbestos manufacturers liable for the diseases their products caused in shipyard workers.
Civilian shipyards have also been involved in asbestos litigation. Shipyard owners and operators have been held liable for using asbestos products that caused shipyard workers to develop mesothelioma. They include:
Any time microscopic asbestos fibers are disturbed and become airborne, they become more dangerous. Shipyard workers unknowingly inhale the fibers, which get trapped in tissues and cause inflammation that can lead to cancer.
According to a 2022 report by the European Commission, over 70,000 workers died in 2019 from past exposure to asbestos. Studies have shown that military veterans have been hit especially hard by asbestos exposure in shipyards, and the Navy was the branch of service most affected.
Shipyard workers also unintentionally brought asbestos fibers home on their clothes. This secondary asbestos exposure led to cases of mesothelioma among family members.
It is important to find a doctor specializing in mesothelioma to ensure you receive the best care. Specialists are at the forefront of innovative treatments for mesothelioma, and they work at the nation’s best cancer centers.
Get help paying for treatment and other expenses by accessing trust funds, grants and other options.
See if You QualifyCountless shipyard workers have received compensation for the illnesses they developed as a result of asbestos exposure, and many of the lawsuits have involved Navy veterans. The Federal Tort Claims Act allows the U.S. government to escape liability for its role, leaving private contractors exposed to all legal action.
Former shipyard workers who develop asbestos-related diseases may be eligible to file a personal injury lawsuit or asbestos trust fund claims. Those who lost a loved one to one of these diseases may qualify to file a wrongful death claim.
It is important to find a mesothelioma attorney with prior success securing compensation for veterans and shipyard workers. This area of asbestos litigation is complex, so make sure to find an expert to handle your claim properly.
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The Mesothelioma Center at Asbestos.com has provided patients and their loved ones the most updated and reliable information on mesothelioma and asbestos exposure since 2006.
Our team of Patient Advocates includes a medical doctor, a registered nurse, health services administrators, veterans, VA-accredited Claims Agents, an oncology patient navigator and hospice care expert. Their combined expertise means we help any mesothelioma patient or loved one through every step of their cancer journey.
More than 30 contributors, including mesothelioma doctors, survivors, health care professionals and other experts, have peer-reviewed our website and written unique research-driven articles to ensure you get the highest-quality medical and health information.
My family has only the highest compliment for the assistance and support that we received from The Mesothelioma Center. This is a staff of compassionate and knowledgeable individuals who respect what your family is experiencing and who go the extra mile to make an unfortunate diagnosis less stressful. Information and assistance were provided by The Mesothelioma Center at no cost to our family.LashawnMesothelioma patient’s daughter
Munz, A. (2024, June 17). Shipyard Workers and Asbestos. Asbestos.com. Retrieved July 27, 2024, from https://www.asbestos.com/occupations/shipyard-workers/
Munz, Aaron. "Shipyard Workers and Asbestos." Asbestos.com, 17 Jun 2024, https://www.asbestos.com/occupations/shipyard-workers/.
Munz, Aaron. "Shipyard Workers and Asbestos." Asbestos.com. Last modified June 17, 2024. https://www.asbestos.com/occupations/shipyard-workers/.
The Mesothelioma Center at Asbestos.com has provided patients and their loved ones the most updated and reliable information on mesothelioma and asbestos exposure since 2006.
Our team of Patient Advocates includes a medical doctor, a registered nurse, health services administrators, veterans, VA-accredited Claims Agents, an oncology patient navigator and hospice care expert. Their combined expertise means we help any mesothelioma patient or loved one through every step of their cancer journey.
More than 30 contributors, including mesothelioma doctors, survivors, health care professionals and other experts, have peer-reviewed our website and written unique research-driven articles to ensure you get the highest-quality medical and health information.
My family has only the highest compliment for the assistance and support that we received from The Mesothelioma Center. This is a staff of compassionate and knowledgeable individuals who respect what your family is experiencing and who go the extra mile to make an unfortunate diagnosis less stressful. Information and assistance were provided by The Mesothelioma Center at no cost to our family.LashawnMesothelioma patient’s daughter
Munz, A. (2024, June 17). Shipyard Workers and Asbestos. Asbestos.com. Retrieved July 27, 2024, from https://www.asbestos.com/occupations/shipyard-workers/
Munz, Aaron. "Shipyard Workers and Asbestos." Asbestos.com, 17 Jun 2024, https://www.asbestos.com/occupations/shipyard-workers/.
Munz, Aaron. "Shipyard Workers and Asbestos." Asbestos.com. Last modified June 17, 2024. https://www.asbestos.com/occupations/shipyard-workers/.
The Mesothelioma Center at Asbestos.com has provided patients and their loved ones the most updated and reliable information on mesothelioma and asbestos exposure since 2006.
Our team of Patient Advocates includes a medical doctor, a registered nurse, health services administrators, veterans, VA-accredited Claims Agents, an oncology patient navigator and hospice care expert. Their combined expertise means we help any mesothelioma patient or loved one through every step of their cancer journey.
More than 30 contributors, including mesothelioma doctors, survivors, health care professionals and other experts, have peer-reviewed our website and written unique research-driven articles to ensure you get the highest-quality medical and health information.
My family has only the highest compliment for the assistance and support that we received from The Mesothelioma Center. This is a staff of compassionate and knowledgeable individuals who respect what your family is experiencing and who go the extra mile to make an unfortunate diagnosis less stressful. Information and assistance were provided by The Mesothelioma Center at no cost to our family.LashawnMesothelioma patient’s daughter
Munz, A. (2024, June 17). Shipyard Workers and Asbestos. Asbestos.com. Retrieved July 27, 2024, from https://www.asbestos.com/occupations/shipyard-workers/
Munz, Aaron. "Shipyard Workers and Asbestos." Asbestos.com, 17 Jun 2024, https://www.asbestos.com/occupations/shipyard-workers/.
Munz, Aaron. "Shipyard Workers and Asbestos." Asbestos.com. Last modified June 17, 2024. https://www.asbestos.com/occupations/shipyard-workers/.
The Mesothelioma Center at Asbestos.com has provided patients and their loved ones the most updated and reliable information on mesothelioma and asbestos exposure since 2006.
Our team of Patient Advocates includes a medical doctor, a registered nurse, health services administrators, veterans, VA-accredited Claims Agents, an oncology patient navigator and hospice care expert. Their combined expertise means we help any mesothelioma patient or loved one through every step of their cancer journey.
More than 30 contributors, including mesothelioma doctors, survivors, health care professionals and other experts, have peer-reviewed our website and written unique research-driven articles to ensure you get the highest-quality medical and health information.
My family has only the highest compliment for the assistance and support that we received from The Mesothelioma Center. This is a staff of compassionate and knowledgeable individuals who respect what your family is experiencing and who go the extra mile to make an unfortunate diagnosis less stressful. Information and assistance were provided by The Mesothelioma Center at no cost to our family.LashawnMesothelioma patient’s daughter
Munz, A. (2024, June 17). Shipyard Workers and Asbestos. Asbestos.com. Retrieved July 27, 2024, from https://www.asbestos.com/occupations/shipyard-workers/
Munz, Aaron. "Shipyard Workers and Asbestos." Asbestos.com, 17 Jun 2024, https://www.asbestos.com/occupations/shipyard-workers/.
Munz, Aaron. "Shipyard Workers and Asbestos." Asbestos.com. Last modified June 17, 2024. https://www.asbestos.com/occupations/shipyard-workers/.
The Mesothelioma Center at Asbestos.com has provided patients and their loved ones the most updated and reliable information on mesothelioma and asbestos exposure since 2006.
Our team of Patient Advocates includes a medical doctor, a registered nurse, health services administrators, veterans, VA-accredited Claims Agents, an oncology patient navigator and hospice care expert. Their combined expertise means we help any mesothelioma patient or loved one through every step of their cancer journey.
More than 30 contributors, including mesothelioma doctors, survivors, health care professionals and other experts, have peer-reviewed our website and written unique research-driven articles to ensure you get the highest-quality medical and health information.
My family has only the highest compliment for the assistance and support that we received from The Mesothelioma Center. This is a staff of compassionate and knowledgeable individuals who respect what your family is experiencing and who go the extra mile to make an unfortunate diagnosis less stressful. Information and assistance were provided by The Mesothelioma Center at no cost to our family.LashawnMesothelioma patient’s daughter
Munz, A. (2024, June 17). Shipyard Workers and Asbestos. Asbestos.com. Retrieved July 27, 2024, from https://www.asbestos.com/occupations/shipyard-workers/
Munz, Aaron. "Shipyard Workers and Asbestos." Asbestos.com, 17 Jun 2024, https://www.asbestos.com/occupations/shipyard-workers/.
Munz, Aaron. "Shipyard Workers and Asbestos." Asbestos.com. Last modified June 17, 2024. https://www.asbestos.com/occupations/shipyard-workers/.
The Mesothelioma Center at Asbestos.com has provided patients and their loved ones the most updated and reliable information on mesothelioma and asbestos exposure since 2006.
Our team of Patient Advocates includes a medical doctor, a registered nurse, health services administrators, veterans, VA-accredited Claims Agents, an oncology patient navigator and hospice care expert. Their combined expertise means we help any mesothelioma patient or loved one through every step of their cancer journey.
More than 30 contributors, including mesothelioma doctors, survivors, health care professionals and other experts, have peer-reviewed our website and written unique research-driven articles to ensure you get the highest-quality medical and health information.
My family has only the highest compliment for the assistance and support that we received from The Mesothelioma Center. This is a staff of compassionate and knowledgeable individuals who respect what your family is experiencing and who go the extra mile to make an unfortunate diagnosis less stressful. Information and assistance were provided by The Mesothelioma Center at no cost to our family.LashawnMesothelioma patient’s daughter
Munz, A. (2024, June 17). Shipyard Workers and Asbestos. Asbestos.com. Retrieved July 27, 2024, from https://www.asbestos.com/occupations/shipyard-workers/
Munz, Aaron. "Shipyard Workers and Asbestos." Asbestos.com, 17 Jun 2024, https://www.asbestos.com/occupations/shipyard-workers/.
Munz, Aaron. "Shipyard Workers and Asbestos." Asbestos.com. Last modified June 17, 2024. https://www.asbestos.com/occupations/shipyard-workers/.
The Mesothelioma Center at Asbestos.com has provided patients and their loved ones the most updated and reliable information on mesothelioma and asbestos exposure since 2006.
Our team of Patient Advocates includes a medical doctor, a registered nurse, health services administrators, veterans, VA-accredited Claims Agents, an oncology patient navigator and hospice care expert. Their combined expertise means we help any mesothelioma patient or loved one through every step of their cancer journey.
More than 30 contributors, including mesothelioma doctors, survivors, health care professionals and other experts, have peer-reviewed our website and written unique research-driven articles to ensure you get the highest-quality medical and health information.
My family has only the highest compliment for the assistance and support that we received from The Mesothelioma Center. This is a staff of compassionate and knowledgeable individuals who respect what your family is experiencing and who go the extra mile to make an unfortunate diagnosis less stressful. Information and assistance were provided by The Mesothelioma Center at no cost to our family.LashawnMesothelioma patient’s daughter
Munz, A. (2024, June 17). Shipyard Workers and Asbestos. Asbestos.com. Retrieved July 27, 2024, from https://www.asbestos.com/occupations/shipyard-workers/
Munz, Aaron. "Shipyard Workers and Asbestos." Asbestos.com, 17 Jun 2024, https://www.asbestos.com/occupations/shipyard-workers/.
Munz, Aaron. "Shipyard Workers and Asbestos." Asbestos.com. Last modified June 17, 2024. https://www.asbestos.com/occupations/shipyard-workers/.
The Mesothelioma Center at Asbestos.com has provided patients and their loved ones the most updated and reliable information on mesothelioma and asbestos exposure since 2006.
Our team of Patient Advocates includes a medical doctor, a registered nurse, health services administrators, veterans, VA-accredited Claims Agents, an oncology patient navigator and hospice care expert. Their combined expertise means we help any mesothelioma patient or loved one through every step of their cancer journey.
More than 30 contributors, including mesothelioma doctors, survivors, health care professionals and other experts, have peer-reviewed our website and written unique research-driven articles to ensure you get the highest-quality medical and health information.
My family has only the highest compliment for the assistance and support that we received from The Mesothelioma Center. This is a staff of compassionate and knowledgeable individuals who respect what your family is experiencing and who go the extra mile to make an unfortunate diagnosis less stressful. Information and assistance were provided by The Mesothelioma Center at no cost to our family.LashawnMesothelioma patient’s daughter
Munz, A. (2024, June 17). Shipyard Workers and Asbestos. Asbestos.com. Retrieved July 27, 2024, from https://www.asbestos.com/occupations/shipyard-workers/
Munz, Aaron. "Shipyard Workers and Asbestos." Asbestos.com, 17 Jun 2024, https://www.asbestos.com/occupations/shipyard-workers/.
Munz, Aaron. "Shipyard Workers and Asbestos." Asbestos.com. Last modified June 17, 2024. https://www.asbestos.com/occupations/shipyard-workers/.
The Mesothelioma Center at Asbestos.com has provided patients and their loved ones the most updated and reliable information on mesothelioma and asbestos exposure since 2006.
Our team of Patient Advocates includes a medical doctor, a registered nurse, health services administrators, veterans, VA-accredited Claims Agents, an oncology patient navigator and hospice care expert. Their combined expertise means we help any mesothelioma patient or loved one through every step of their cancer journey.
More than 30 contributors, including mesothelioma doctors, survivors, health care professionals and other experts, have peer-reviewed our website and written unique research-driven articles to ensure you get the highest-quality medical and health information.
My family has only the highest compliment for the assistance and support that we received from The Mesothelioma Center. This is a staff of compassionate and knowledgeable individuals who respect what your family is experiencing and who go the extra mile to make an unfortunate diagnosis less stressful. Information and assistance were provided by The Mesothelioma Center at no cost to our family.LashawnMesothelioma patient’s daughter
Munz, A. (2024, June 17). Shipyard Workers and Asbestos. Asbestos.com. Retrieved July 27, 2024, from https://www.asbestos.com/occupations/shipyard-workers/
Munz, Aaron. "Shipyard Workers and Asbestos." Asbestos.com, 17 Jun 2024, https://www.asbestos.com/occupations/shipyard-workers/.
Munz, Aaron. "Shipyard Workers and Asbestos." Asbestos.com. Last modified June 17, 2024. https://www.asbestos.com/occupations/shipyard-workers/.
The Mesothelioma Center at Asbestos.com has provided patients and their loved ones the most updated and reliable information on mesothelioma and asbestos exposure since 2006.
Our team of Patient Advocates includes a medical doctor, a registered nurse, health services administrators, veterans, VA-accredited Claims Agents, an oncology patient navigator and hospice care expert. Their combined expertise means we help any mesothelioma patient or loved one through every step of their cancer journey.
More than 30 contributors, including mesothelioma doctors, survivors, health care professionals and other experts, have peer-reviewed our website and written unique research-driven articles to ensure you get the highest-quality medical and health information.
My family has only the highest compliment for the assistance and support that we received from The Mesothelioma Center. This is a staff of compassionate and knowledgeable individuals who respect what your family is experiencing and who go the extra mile to make an unfortunate diagnosis less stressful. Information and assistance were provided by The Mesothelioma Center at no cost to our family.LashawnMesothelioma patient’s daughter
Munz, A. (2024, June 17). Shipyard Workers and Asbestos. Asbestos.com. Retrieved July 27, 2024, from https://www.asbestos.com/occupations/shipyard-workers/
Munz, Aaron. "Shipyard Workers and Asbestos." Asbestos.com, 17 Jun 2024, https://www.asbestos.com/occupations/shipyard-workers/.
Munz, Aaron. "Shipyard Workers and Asbestos." Asbestos.com. Last modified June 17, 2024. https://www.asbestos.com/occupations/shipyard-workers/.
A mesothelioma lawyer who specializes in asbestos litigation reviewed the content on this page to ensure it is legally accurate.
Please read our editorial guidelines to learn more about our content creation and review process.
Yvonne Waterman, Ph.D., is the founder of the European Asbestos Forum and a specialist in asbestos litigation. Waterman has worked to build a global network of professionals fighting for a future without asbestos exposure and disease.
A mesothelioma lawyer who specializes in asbestos litigation reviewed the content on this page to ensure it is legally accurate.
Please read our editorial guidelines to learn more about our content creation and review process.
Yvonne Waterman, Ph.D., is the founder of the European Asbestos Forum and a specialist in asbestos litigation. Waterman has worked to build a global network of professionals fighting for a future without asbestos exposure and disease.
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