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The Coast Guard, Asbestos Exposure, and Mesothelioma Cancer
Page Reviewed and Edited by Mesothelioma Attorney Paul Danziger The U.S. Coast Guard has a long history of asbestos use. Asbestos on ships and in equipment exposed countless men and women. Those who served are at risk of developing mesothelioma and other asbestos illnesses.
If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, asbestos-related lung cancer, or asbestosis, you may be eligible for substantial compensation. There is currently over $30 billion in asbestos trust funds set up for victims of asbestos-related diseases. Fill out our form to get a free Financial Compensation Packet. You’ll learn about the experienced mesothelioma lawyers in your area, how to get paid in 90 days, how to file a claim for the asbestos trust funds, and more.
FREE Financial Compensation Packet
- Info on law firms that will recover your highest compensation
- Learn how to get paid in 90 days
- File for your share of $30 billion in trust funds
Free Financial Compensation Packet
- Info on law firms that will recover your highest compensation
- Learn how to get paid in 90 days
- File for your share of $30 billion in trust funds
Asbestos and the Coast Guard
Like the U.S. Navy, the Coast Guard operated ships built with large amounts of asbestos in many components. Coast Guard cutters, especially the larger destroyer-sized ships used for long-endurance missions at sea, used asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) in almost every component aboard.
Gaskets, insulation, steam pipes, boilers, and any part affected by high temperatures or friction contained varying amounts of asbestos on ships.
Even protective clothing worn by damage control parties to fight shipboard fires had asbestos fibers woven into their material. This was done to protect ships and crews from fires, especially at sea.
The Dangers of Asbestos
Asbestos minerals may have useful properties, but the tiny asbestos fibers and their toxic effects healthy make the minerals dangerous. Asbestos fibers can easily become airborne when disturbed by activities such as repairing or refitting a ship.
The fibers can enter the body either by being inhaled or swallowed. Over time, asbestos can build up in human tissue and cause tumors to form, triggering such diseases as asbestosis, asbestos-related lung cancer, and mesothelioma.
Again, similar to the Navy, the Coast Guard used asbestos in all its major vessels throughout much of the 20th Century. Many high-endurance cutters launched between 1939 and 1980 contained substantial amounts of ACMs, and many veterans were exposed to asbestos for extended periods.
Asbestos Use in Shore Installations
Although the Coast Guard is smaller than the Navy, it has a nationwide network of bases, air stations, headquarters, repair facilities, and administration buildings to support its sea and air assets. Some of these facilities are relatively new and were built with materials that don’t contain asbestos.
However, many Coast Guard shore installations date from as far back as the 1800s. Even those Coast Guard buildings renovated between 1915 and 1980 include asbestos materials.
Asbestos-based products, including flooring material, roof tiles, insulation, and even wiring, were used in berthing spaces, repair shops, barracks, dependent housing, and schools.
Under most conditions, asbestos is harmless if it’s left undisturbed. However, activities such as repairs or renovations stir up “friable” asbestos fibers and release them into the environment.
Coast Guard regulations now state that “(u)nprotected personnel shall not be exposed to airborne asbestos fiber concentrations greater than 0.1 fibers per cubic centimeter [0.1 f/cc) averaged over an eight-hour day.” Health experts have determined that exposures that exceed these levels pose serious health risks.
The Coast Guard also prohibits using ACMs except in cases where there are no satisfactory substitutes. This requirement applies to shipboard use and shore installations, and aircraft.
Examples of United States Coast Guard Locations Associated with Asbestos Use:
- Mt. Edgecumb Coast Guard barracks, Sitka, Alaska
- U.S. Coast Guard, Alameda, California
- U.S. Coast Guard, 12th District, San Francisco, California
- U.S. Coast Guard Yard, Curtis Bay, Baltimore, Maryland
- U.S. Coast Guard ET Shop/ CGES Warehouse Building # 105, San Juan, Puerto Rico
- U.S. Coast Guard, Mess Hall, Building 39, Alameda, California
- U.S. Coast Guard, Mess Hall, Building 9, Benicia, California
- U.S. Coast Guard, Pier 16, Long Beach, California
- U.S. Coast Guard, Terminal Island, California
- U.S. Coast Guard, Sebago Lake, Maine
- U.S. Coast Guard Air Station, Borinquen, Puerto Rico
- U.S. Coast Guard Air Station, San Francisco, California
- U.S. Coast Guard Air Station, St. Petersburg, Florida
- U.S. Coast Guard Navigation School, Groton, Connecticut
- U.S. Coast Guard, Gulfport, Mississippi
- U.S. Coast Guard, Loran-A Radar Station: Ocean Cape, Spruce Cape, and Biorka, Alaska
- U.S. Coast Guard Air Station, New York, New York
- U.S. Coast Guard Station, Tybee Island, Georgia
- U.S. Coast Guard Station, Islamorada, Florida
- U.S. Coast Guard Station, Panama City, Florida
- U.S. Coast Guard Station, Yankeetown, Florida
Legal Help and Additional Information
Remember to fill out our form to get your free Financial Compensation Packet, with information on experienced asbestos and mesothelioma lawyers in your area. Keep in mind that if you have mesothelioma, asbestos-related lung cancer, or asbestosis, you may be eligible for considerable compensation. For additional assistance, contact us at 800-793-4540.
FREE Financial Compensation Packet
- Info on law firms that will recover your highest compensation
- Learn how to get paid in 90 days
- File for your share of $30 billion in trust funds
Page Reviewed and Edited by Mesothelioma Attorney Paul Danziger
Paul Danziger grew up in Houston, Texas and earned a law degree from Northwestern University School of Law in Chicago. For over 25 years years he has focused on representing mesothelioma cancer victims and others hurt by asbestos exposure. Paul and his law firm have represented thousands of people diagnosed with mesothelioma, asbestosis, and lung cancer, recovering significant compensation for injured clients. Every client is extremely important to Paul and he will take every call from clients who want to speak with him. Paul and his law firm handle mesothelioma cases throughout the United States.