Shipyard Workers and Asbestos

How Are Shipyard Workers Exposed to Asbestos?

Shipyard workers were exposed to asbestos when cutting, drilling, handling and sanding materials that contained the mineral. Such activities released dust with asbestos fibers into the air, which the workers then inhaled. Fibers also traveled through the air and on workers’ clothes to other areas, exposing additional workers.

Any exposure increased the risk of workers developing mesothelioma. Historically, many shipbuilding components used asbestos. Engine gaskets and seals, fireproofing materials, and pipe insulation relied on asbestos for its strength and fire resistance. The mineral is also resistant to corrosion, so it was widely used in equipment subject to ocean water and other corrosive environments. 

Shipyards themselves also contributed to occupational exposure. Yard equipment and buildings frequently used asbestos panels. 

Commercial ships may contain up to 10 tons of asbestos-containing materials, while U.S. Navy vessels may contain up to 900 tons of ACMs. Although regulations reduced the use of the toxic mineral in ships, a 2021 survey of vessels highlighted that over 55% of in-service vessels and 50% of all new builds contain asbestos materials.

Asbestos Products Associated with Shipyard Workers

Shipyards widely used insulation, gaskets, seals, brake components, cement and other materials containing asbestos throughout most of the 20th century. Prior to 1975, the U.S. Navy relied heavily on asbestos materials throughout its vessels. Shipbuilders used asbestos throughout engine rooms, sleeping quarters and boiler rooms.

A 1975 regulation reduced its use when suitable alternative materials were available. In 1979 an amendment encouraged the removal of some asbestos insulation materials. However, because of the long latency period for mesothelioma and other asbestos-related health issues, workers exposed before these regulations are still developing diseases now.

Adhesives

Different types of asbestos adhesives were used to create seals and make repairs throughout ships.

Bedding

The filler used to stuff mattresses contained asbestos as a fireproofing material. Shipyard workers who built sleeping quarters were exposed to this material.

Cables

Asbestos was added to cables, including wire cables, to make them stronger and salt-resistant.

Cement

Asbestos cement was a popular material in the construction of shipyards. Corrugated asbestos sheets were used to construct the walls and roofs of shipyard buildings.

Hydraulic Assemblies

Hydraulic assemblies and pumps contained asbestos insulation and packing material.

Insulation

Spray-on asbestos insulation and pipe wrap covering were the two most common forms of asbestos insulation on ships. Insulation was also found in the form of block insulation and packing material used on pumps, valves and boilers.

Gaskets and Valves

Amosite asbestos was the fiber of choice for marine gaskets and valves because it withstood salt corrosion.

Paint and Coatings

Asbestos paint and coatings covered ships because they provided an effective layer of fireproofing. Deck covering material contained asbestos for its strength, added texture and fire resistance.

Panels

Heat paneling containing asbestos was used throughout ships to create fireproof walls and barriers.

Pumps

Asbestos insulation was common in and around pumps, and it had to be repaired frequently because of wear and tear.

Textiles

Asbestos-containing textiles and fabrics were used to make sails for ships and fireproof blankets that were used in shipyards to put out fires and prevent burns.

While manufacturers have phased asbestos out of most products now, workers may still encounter it in older construction materials lingering in shipyards today. Because of such widespread use, many shipyard workers were exposed and at risk of developing asbestos-related illnesses. 

Manufacturers of Products Shipyard Workers Use

Johns-Manville was one of the largest manufacturers of asbestos-containing materials for the shipbuilding industry. Other major ACM manufacturers include Burnham Holdings, Foster Wheeler and Pryor Giggey Co. 

Many of the companies that produce ACMs attempted to shift the blame for shipyard asbestos exposure to the U.S. Navy. Because of laws protecting the Navy from asbestos lawsuits, many shipyard workers who develop mesothelioma instead hold asbestos manufacturers liable for the disease. Courts have found numerous civil shipyard owners and operators liable for asbestos-related diseases. 

Shaun Bigbie

Verified Asbestos.com Survivor

Mesothelioma Survivor Recounts Family Exposure in Shipyards

Shaun Bigbie’s father worked at the Ford Motor Company in Norfolk, Virginia. He had also worked at the Norfolk Naval Shipyard in Portsmouth, Virginia. Both are known for a high risk of asbestos exposure. Shaun tells us that he also worked at both locations where his father had worked. This could mean that he and his father have shared occupational asbestos exposure or primary exposure histories.

Shaun Bigbie

Verified Asbestos.com Survivor

Read Shaun’s Story

Shipyard Workers & Asbestos-Related Diseases

An additional study published in March 2024 highlighted that 92.2% of analyzed asbestos-related disease cases were within the shipbuilding sector. Mesothelioma accounted for more than 15% of the cases. Other common asbestos-related diseases noted include asbestosis, pleural plaques and asbestos-related lung cancer.

The connection between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma is very well established. Multiple studies dating back decades conclusively prove the link. Researchers are currently working to uncover the mechanisms behind its development. A 2020 Translational Lung Cancer Research report showed a connection between genetic predisposition to cancer and mesothelioma development after asbestos exposure.

Shipyard Workers and Asbestos Safety Measures

Occupational Safety and Health Administration standard 29 CFR part 1915 addresses asbestos handling in shipyards. It places responsibility for worker safety squarely on employers. Standard 29 CFR part 1915 requires notification of other employees at an asbestos work site. It also establishes environmental controls and requirements for personal protective equipment.

In addition to preventative measures, the standard also establishes long-term practices. Employers must provide medical screening for employees whose exposure exceeds established limits. They must also keep detailed records of exposure monitoring for at least 30 years. 

Compensation for Shipyard Workers Exposed to Asbestos

Many shipyard workers have successfully filed for compensation for asbestos-related illnesses. Former shipyard workers who develop mesothelioma or other asbestos-related health issues may be eligible to file personal injury lawsuits or asbestos trust fund claims. Family members of individuals who died from an asbestos-related disease may qualify to file a wrongful death claim.

Many of the asbestos lawsuits have involved Navy veterans. The Federal Tort Claims Act passes liability to private contractors by allowing the U.S. government to escape liability for its role. In May 2024, a judge ruled against a U.S. government request for dismissal of a wrongful death case the family of a Navy veteran’s wife filed after she died from mesothelioma. 

When considering filing, it’s important to work with a mesothelioma attorney with prior success securing compensation for veterans and shipyard workers. This area of asbestos litigation is complex, so make sure to find an expert to handle your claim properly.

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