Navy Ships and Asbestos

The U.S. Navy used more than 300 asbestos products and parts on ships for several decades, from the 1930s to the early 1980s. Asbestos exposure was a real risk for anyone who served on or worked on these ships. Many Navy veterans and former shipyard workers are now at risk for mesothelioma.

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.

Why Did the U.S. Navy Use Asbestos on Ships?

Asbestos was used in numerous areas and places on ships. The toxic asbestos was so prevalent on ships that it was almost impossible for anyone who worked on or around vessels to avoid ingesting or inhaling the microscopic and colorless asbestos fibers.

The U.S. Navy and civilian shipbuilding companies used asbestos for its insulating properties. It was useful for protecting the ship and crew from heat and fire. Asbestos was also cheap and abundant and is lightweight, making it a perfect material for ship insulation.

Asbestos went into ships before its risks to human health were widely known. This lasted through the late 1970s to early 1980s.

Where Was Asbestos Used on Navy Ships?

Asbestos was in hundreds of components and materials on Navy ships. Some of the common areas and parts on ships that contained asbestos include:

• Gaskets
• Packing materials
• Vessel paneling
• Insulation
• Cables
• Valves
• Boilers
• Tubes
• Adhesives
• Capacitors
• Deck materials
• Firefighting and protection gear

Asbestos was found in nearly every area of the ship. Mess halls and crew living quarters had asbestos in wall and ceiling panels and flooring. High-temperature areas, like boiler, pump, and engine rooms, often contained the most asbestos.

Navy Veterans Most at Risk for Mesothelioma

Anyone who served in the Navy while ships contained so much asbestos is now at risk for developing mesothelioma. Working with or around asbestos in the cramped, poorly ventilated spaces on ships put Navy veterans at particular risk of inhaling asbestos fibers.

Some veterans had an increased risk of asbestos exposure and later illness based on the jobs they did while serving on ships. According to research, veterans in these roles have the highest rates of asbestos-related mortality:

• Machinist’s mates
• Boiler technicians
• Water tenders
• Fire control technicians

Also at risk were Navy and civilian workers in shipyards who built or repaired vessels with asbestos materials.

How Were Veterans Exposed to Asbestos on Navy Ships?

Asbestos exposure generally occurs in two ways: inhalation and ingestion. Asbestos materials easily shed tiny fibers that become part of the dust in the air and on surfaces. Anyone in the vicinity can unknowingly inhale or ingest them.

Many civilian industries used asbestos and put workers at risk, but sailors and officers on ships had even higher risks of asbestos exposure for several reasons:

• Hundreds of components on ships contained asbestos.
• Poor ventilation on ships meant asbestos fibers stayed in the air for a long time.
• Close quarters on ships made exposure more likely.
• Sailors lived and worked on ships for months at a time without a break from being around asbestos.

The Types of Navy Ships That Contain Asbestos

Asbestos was used on many different types of vessels of all sizes. Between 1930 and the 1970s, almost all military ships were built with tons of asbestos.

Auxiliary Ships

During World War I, auxiliary ships acted as recreational vessels. When World War II started, the military began building them to help with war efforts, such as stocking up other vessels with food, equipment, and supplies.

Aircraft Carriers

Aircraft carriers are war vessels sent out to recover aircraft at sea and launch aircraft from the sea. These vessels eliminated the need to use local military bases to launch planes.

Amphibious Ships

Amphibious ships are responsible for transporting troops, food, and other supplies while withstanding enemy attacks during the wars. These types of vessels also helped during crises in World War II and today, such as humanitarian efforts and disaster relief operations.

Battleships

Battleships are some of the most powerful vessels ever to exist. During the wars, these vessels kept soldiers safe and attacked enemies. It was the primary attack vessel during World War II.

Submarines

Although submarines date back to the 1800s, during World War II, these vessels played their most important role in finding and destroying enemy vessels.

Navy Cruisers 

Navy cruisers are warships that helped during the nation’s wars by providing air defense, combat, and shore raiding. Navy cruisers became the most powerful ships during World War II after battleships became obsolete.

Destroyers

Destroyers are high-endurance warships and the heaviest combat vessels in the United States. Destroyers were originally made to check on unattended ocean operations, but they turned into large guided ships with superior firing power after World War II.

Patrol Boats 

A patrol boat is a small vessel that served various purposes during World War I and II. Yet, their small size didn’t stop the military from using asbestos when constructing them. Numerous asbestos-containing products were used to build patrol boats, leading to veterans developing harmful diseases.

Frigates 

Frigates, larger than corvette vessels but smaller than cruisers, helped the military with submarine maritime enemies and protection during shipping (POS). Frigates were reclassified in 1975.

Minesweepers 

Minesweepers are small yet powerful vessels that help the military find and neutralize mines in the sea and help create safe water pathways for other military ships.

How Has Asbestos on Ships Affected Veterans?

Many studies have shown that those who served in the military, particularly the United States Navy, are at a high risk of developing an asbestos-related disease. More than 30% of all diagnosed cases of mesothelioma in the nation are from people who served in the Navy.

The period during World War II produced some of the highest numbers of vessels in history. Workers had to build and repair ships at high speed while keeping costs as low as possible.

Asbestos was chosen to be used in many vessel parts for its resistance to heat and fire and its affordability and ease of use.

In addition to building and repairing ships, shipyard workers were exposed to asbestos by building and repairing vessels. Asbestos fibers are thin, odorless, and easily become airborne. Once ingested, these fibers can lodge inside the body and are almost impossible to remove altogether.

Do Navy Ships Still Have Asbestos?

The military no longer uses asbestos in its vessels and has since taken precautions and removed many asbestos-containing products.

However, older vessels may still contain dangerous minerals, as safety issues become a significant concern when removing brittle, dried-out asbestos fibers.

Most current men and women serving in the Navy are not at high risk for asbestos exposure. The military knows where asbestos is and its risks. Service members should be trained and protected when working with or around asbestos materials.

Benefits and Legal Options for Veterans Exposed to Asbestos on Ships

Navy veterans who now have mesothelioma or other asbestos illnesses have options for seeking compensation or taking legal action.

VA Benefits

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) considers mesothelioma and other asbestos diseases to be disabilities. Veterans can apply for and receive benefits for these illnesses:

• Monthly Disability Compensation. The VA rates mesothelioma and asbestos lung cancer as 100% disabling. Qualifying veterans can receive full monthly disability payments for these diagnoses.
• Special Monthly Compensation. Veterans with disabilities who require special care in their homes are eligible to receive additional monthly compensation.
• Medical Care and Treatment. VA medical facilities offer specialist medical care for veterans with asbestos illnesses.
• Compensation for Dependents. Veterans with mesothelioma and dependents can get extra monthly compensation. Dependents may also qualify for compensation after the death of a veteran. The VA also offers families funeral benefits.

Lawsuits and Asbestos Claims

Veterans cannot file a lawsuit against the government or military. They can file a lawsuit against asbestos companies that supplied the Navy.

Many companies distributed several tons of asbestos to shipyards regularly before the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) placed strict regulations on its use.

Most of these asbestos suppliers knew and understood that asbestos was dangerous to humans, but instead of informing the public, they kept distributing it for profit.

Veterans can sue these companies, or if they went bankrupt, file a claim with an asbestos trust fund to seek compensation.

What Should I Do if I Was Exposed to Asbestos on a Navy Ship?

If you know or believe you may have been exposed to asbestos on a ship, talk to your doctor immediately. Getting a diagnosis early is essential for the best outcome from treatment.

Even if you don’t have symptoms or don’t have troubling symptoms, talk to your doctor about cancer screenings. Tell them about your past history with asbestos.

If you get diagnosed with an asbestos illness, talk to an asbestos lawyer to discuss your options. They can help you apply for VA benefits and make other claims to get compensation.

Additional Resources and Help For Shipbuilders and Veterans

If you’ve been diagnosed with mesothelioma, asbestos-related lung cancer, or asbestosis, it’s important to understand your choices, legal rights, and medical options. You may be entitled to compensation for mesothelioma treatments, lost wages, physical pain, emotional suffering, and much more. Don’t forget to fill out our form to get our free Financial Compensation Packet, filled with information on the experienced asbestos and mesothelioma attorneys in your area.