Asbestos in Naval Shipyards

Shipyard workers and ship builders from World War II up through the 1980's were exposed heavily to dangerous asbestos based materials. Asbestos was thought of as ideal for use in ship building due to its corrosion resistance and ability to withstand high temperatures. Asbestos containing materials were used extensively as boiler room, pipe, and incinerator insullation. The toxic asbestos dust and fibers builds up around these and other areas of the ship that weren't adequately ventilated.

It was not only were the shipyard workers and ship builders that were exposed to dangerous amounts of asbestos, but the the crews of the ships and the longshoreman as well. In fact, many longshoremen were directly exposed to large amounts of of asbestos when they would load bundles of asbestos onto the ships. Prior to the 1980's, the dangers associated with asbestos were not known by these workers and no precautions were taken to prevent the inhalation of asbestos dust and fibers. Due to this lack of precaution, a large number of shipyard workers have a higher risk of contracting mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease.

According to a recent study by the Mt. Sinai School of Medicine, approximately 86% of shipyard workers with 20 years or more of experience have developed lung cancer or another asbestos lung disease. If you or a loved on have been diagnosed with mesothelioma or another asbestos related disease, seek medical help and consultation, then contact a mesothelioma attorney regarding your rights.