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Navy & Maritime Ships with AsbestosThe U.S. Navy, as well as the commercial maritime industry, made extensive use of asbestos and asbestos-containing materials in the construction and renovation of its ships. Researchers note that at one time or another, the number of hazardous products used in Navy vessels reached nearly 300. All shipbuilders were constantly in danger of inhaling asbestos fibers, but it was those workers who tore apart old ships for repair or refurbishment that were at the greatest risk for developing an asbestos-related disease. Once again, the tragedy of mesothelioma is compounded by the knowledge that when so many U.S. service persons and shipyard workers gave so much of themselves they rewarded with the development of a pathology caused only by the asbestos they worked with everyday. The mobilization of the U.S. work force during World War II is the greatest example of the dedication and patriotism of Americans. We have even dubbed this generation of men and women the “Greatest Generation” in acknowledgement of their service and their sacrifice. As industrial workers, shipbuilders and repairers and other maritime professionals, soldiers, and future veterans dedicated themselves to defend the country and to provide for its security, they were working with asbestos, an enemy as deadly as the soldiers we were all fighting against. The longer and the harder they worked, the more they were exposed to asbestos and the potential development of asbestos-related diseases, such as mesothelioma and lung cancer. Naval records for asbestos-containing materials used in shipyards, ship construction or ship repairs still exist and are used in investigating mesothelioma, asbestosis and asbestos cases. Military specifications have helped to identify many asbestos-containing products for veterans’ asbestos claims, including (but not limited to):
Enlisted veterans exposed to asbestos may include (but are not limited to):
One of the most tragic facts about asbestos-related injuries is that U.S. veterans were disproportionately exposed and are now disproportionately suffering from the diseases associated with asbestos exposure. The wide variety of occupations of the victims of asbestos disease proves that no one was immune – even family members have been afflicted. Although fire and engine rooms were most commonly associated with asbestos disease, no place aboard Navy ships was safe, including sleeping quarters, mess halls, and navigation rooms, due to asbestos in pipes. Thousands were exposed to asbestos while working at shipyards and dry docks. |
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