Submarines and Asbestos

The U.S. Navy has relied on submarines for over 100 years. Unfortunately, many of the vessels contained asbestos when constructed. Submarines and asbestos have been responsible for many cases of mesothelioma and similar illnesses in navy veterans.

If you were diagnosed with mesothelioma, asbestos-related lung cancer, or asbestosis, you might be entitled to considerable compensation. Fill out our form to receive our free Financial Compensation Packet. Our packet is loaded with information on experienced mesothelioma attorneys in your area, how to file a claim for asbestos trust funds, how to get paid in 90 days, and more. 

About Submarines

Submarines are large navy vessels that operate fully submerged underwater. Submarines can travel and operate at depths of 1,600 feet.

Before World War I, submarines were primarily used by the military for anti-surface ship warfare. This continued when World War I started, making the submarine the most effective attack vessel.

Submarines sunk the RMS Lusitania during this time, and the incident is often referred to as the reason the U.S. entered into the war.

Submarines continued to play an important role during World War II. The U.S. Navy destroyed over 30 percent of the Japanese Navy’s vessels using submarines. This included a battleship, cruisers, and aircraft carriers.

A total of 314 submarines were used during World War II by the U.S. Navy. At least 52 of these submarines were lost during the war, yet the powerful vessels were also responsible for sinking 1,560 enemy ships.

Submarines and Asbestos

According to military documents and memos, asbestos was used extensively when constructing and repairing submarines.

Asbestos was used in military vessels starting in the 1920s, up until the late 1970s, when the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) placed strict regulations on its use.

The U.S. military chose to use asbestos and asbestos-containing products due to their ease of use, resistance to high temperatures and fires, and affordability.

Unfortunately, workers were exposed to harmful asbestos daily. Many people had to work in small spaces with poor ventilation aboard submarines while inhaling asbestos microscopic, odorless asbestos fibers.

Chrysotile asbestos and amosite asbestos were the main types used while constructing and repairing submarines. Asbestos was found in ceilings, pipes, flooring, gaskets, packing supplies, in torpedo rooms, and more.

Documentation of Asbestos Use in Submarines

Many sales orders, repair logs, documents, memos, and letters on file with the U.S. military confirmed that asbestos-containing products were purchased and used on submarines.

Two submarines, in particular, the USS Croaker and the USS Triton, were found to have excessive amounts of asbestos. Almost all of the other submarines created before the late 1970s were found to have unsafe levels of asbestos.

Veterans Are at a Heightened Risk of Mesothelioma

Today’s veterans who worked on or aboard submarines built before the late 1970s are at the highest risk of developing an asbestos-related illness. This includes people who worked at the shipyard, repaired submarines, replaced submarine parts, insulation workers, electricians, painters, and crew workers aboard submarines.

Anyone who worked in and around submarines is at risk of developing diseases such as malignant mesothelioma, asbestosis, and asbestos-related lung cancer.

It’s imperative to get regular medical checkups if you worked aboard submarines or helped repair or construct them.

Even people who didn’t work at shipyards or on submarines are at risk, such as spouses and children of Navy veterans.

Many veterans went home with asbestos fibers all over their clothes, in their hair, and on their skin. This, in turn, placed people in the family home at risk of developing asbestos illnesses from second-hand exposure.

Contact an asbestos law firm if you served on a submarine. You may be able to seek compensation for your medical expenses.

Additional Help and Resources for People Who Worked Aboard Submarines

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 or questions, contact us at 800-793-4540.