Brown Shipbuilding (Todd Houston Shipyard)

Brown Shipbuilding (Todd Houston Shipyard), located in Houston, Texas, produced many vessels for the military. Workers used and worked around asbestos, putting them at risk for exposure and later illnesses, including 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 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. 

Brown Shipbuilding History

The Brown Shipbuilding Company was created in 1942 for the sole purpose of building vessels for the U.S. Navy.

The idea of the new shipyard began in 1941 when the Navy asked brothers George R. Brown and Herman Brown to build four submarine chasers for the military.

Although the brothers had no prior shipbuilding experience, they did help build the Corpus Christi Naval Air Station. With $9 in funding from the Navy, they created Brown Shipbuilding in time to help with the efforts of World War II.

Once the submarine chasers were built, Brown shipbuilding continued to develop and deliver ships, including 61 destroyer escorts, 254 amphibious assault ships, and over 350 Navy warships in total.  

When World War II ended, the Todd Houston Shipbuilding Company bought Brown Shipbuilding.

Todd Houston Shipbuilding, also known as the Todd Houston Shipyard, closed its doors in 1985, and once again the shipyard went back to Brown and Root, where it was used as a ship construction and repair site until 2004.

One of the most famous vessels constructed at Brown Shipbuilding was the United States Coast Guard destroyer, the USS Vance.

Almost all destroyers during that time, including the USS Vance, contained asbestos materials, particularly in the insulation.

Brown Shipbuilding Asbestos

Prior to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) and Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) strict regulations on asbestos use in the late 1970s, most shipyards across the nation used asbestos.

At Brown Shipbuilding, asbestos in vessels was found in the walls, bulkheads, engine rooms, and covering pipes, gaskets, and furnaces. Power lines were also wrapped in asbestos-containing mix because of its excellent for resisting heat and fire.

Brown Shipbuilding workers were constantly inhaling asbestos-filled dust each day and for numerous years.

No Protective Gear

As with many other shipyards, Brown shipyard workers were not required to and did not wear protective gear while working. None of the workers were aware of the damage that could occur when inhaling asbestos fibers.

The U.S. Navy confirmed that shipyards across the nation used over 250 asbestos-containing products, many of which were used at Brown Shipbuilding.

Scientists estimate that in total, over 4 million shipyard workers were exposed to asbestos while working in shipyards during World War II alone.

Numerous workers from Brown Shipbuilding began developing life-threatening diseases, such as malignant mesothelioma, asbestos-related lung cancer, and asbestosis.

To make matters worse, many children and spouses of Brown Shipbuilding workers eventually developed asbestos-related diseases as well, via second-hand exposure to asbestos.

Most Brown Shipbuilding shipyard workers did not shower or change clothes before returning home. In turn, many children and spouses unknowingly inhaled asbestos via the worker’s clothing.

If you worked at Brown or Todd Shipyards during peak asbestos use, talk to a mesothelioma lawyer about your rights and legal options.

Additional Help and Resources for Asbestos Victims

If you’ve been injured by mesothelioma, asbestos-related lung cancer, or asbestosis, keep in mind that there is a good chance that you’ll qualify for considerable compensation. Remember to fill out our form to get your free Financial Compensation Packet, with information on experienced asbestos and mesothelioma lawyers in your area. If you have questions or need additional assistance, contact us at 800-793-4540.