A History of Navy Asbestos Exposure

For most of the 20th century, the Navy used tons of asbestos to fireproof and insulate ships. In fact, virtually all U.S. Navy ships used asbestos, and anyone exposed could develop dangerous cancers like mesothelioma later in life.

This history of Navy asbestos exposure spans decades, beginning in 1922 and running through the 1980s, with usage peaking during World War II. As a result, millions of U.S. Navy veterans were put in danger of exposure and serious cancers like mesothelioma.

• 

  “Navy vessels were using asbestos for so many components, like insulation, soundproofing, fireproofing, throughout most of the vessels that were produced into the 1980s.”

  – Major Jonathan Nelson (Ret), VA-accredited attorney & Marine Corps veteran

The Mesothelioma Veterans Center stands ready to support veterans now facing mesothelioma from Navy asbestos exposure. Our team can help you or your loved one pinpoint when, where, and how exposure occurred, pursue key VA benefits, treatments, and compensation.

Get our Free Veterans Packet to learn more about Navy asbestos exposure and how we may be able to help U.S. veterans like you.

Early Use of Asbestos in Navy Ships (1800s)

The rise of steam-powered battleships in the late 19th century occurred alongside the development of asbestos ship components.

The first patent for asbestos steam insulation was issued in 1828, and through the rest of the 1800s, key asbestos-containing products like lagging, gaskets, and packings, were developed — all of which would become staples of U.S. Navy ship production in the 20th century.

Early 20th Century U.S. Navy Asbestos Use (1922-1939)

For much of the 20th century, every branch of the U.S. military heavily used asbestos to insulate and fireproof barracks and all kinds of transportation — but none as much as the Navy.

Following World War I, the U.S. began officially mandating the use of asbestos aboard its vessels, starting with the construction of new submarines in 1922, according to The Ulster Medical Journal.

At the time, the risks of asbestos weren’t understood by the public. Instead, it was seen as an inexpensive and safe way to keep high-heat components like boilers well-insulated and functioning properly.

World War II Navy Asbestos Use (1941-1945)

As World War II drove the U.S. Navy to deploy thousands of battleships, aircraft carriers, and other vessels, asbestos use on Navy ships skyrocketed.

In fact, government mandates required the use of asbestos aboard all U.S. Navy ships, and an order from President Franklin Delano Roosevelt gave the military priority access to asbestos components through 1945.

Heavy asbestos exposure was common among Navy workers such as:

• Boiler technicians
• Insulators
• Longshoremen
• Machinist mates
• Pipefitters
• Shipyard workers

Nearly 4.3 million Americans worked in shipyards during World War II, and the yards were so clouded with asbestos dust that workers couldn’t see to the other end, per The New York Times. Of these employees, nearly 14 in every 1,000 died of asbestos-related cancer, as noted by The Virginian-Pilot.

If you or a loved one served in the U.S. Navy, you could have been exposed too. Call (877) 450-8973 for help accessing VA benefits, treatment, and compensation for mesothelioma.

Navy Asbestos Risks in the Korean and Vietnam Wars (1950-1975)

U.S. Navy veterans continued to suffer exposure to asbestos through Korea and Vietnam, as mandates requiring the use of asbestos aboard military vessels remained in place. Anyone serving could have been exposed, but those at the highest risk worked with asbestos every day.

For instance, Walter Twidwell worked directly with asbestos boilers through his 20-year Navy career, where he served in both Korea and Vietnam. Decades later, he developed mesothelioma.

• 

  “I was a boiler tender when I went aboard my first ship. I asked them what the material was made out of on the boilers and they told me asbestos. It didn’t kill anybody on the spot. It took years later to start catching up with us.”

  – Walter Twidwell, mesothelioma patient & U.S. Navy veteran

In 1973, the U.S. Navy started to phase out the use of some asbestos-containing materials aboard its ships. But, every vessel built before 1975 was believed to contain asbestos components like insulation, per the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). This amounts to over 3,300 U.S. Navy ships.

When Did the Navy Stop Using Asbestos? (1980s-Present)

In the late 1970s, the dangers of asbestos became publicly known, leading to major changes in the U.S. Navy’s use of asbestos.

By the late 1970s, the U.S. Navy was taking steps to limit the use of asbestos aboard its ships, and finally stopped using it altogether by the early 1980s.

It also began conducting major renovations throughout the 1980s to keep U.S. Navy veterans safe while serving. Only a very small handful of ships that were built when asbestos was in use are still active today.

However, many U.S. Navy veterans are still in danger of getting sick today because mesothelioma takes 10-50 years to form after asbestos exposure.

Get our Free Veterans Packet to learn how we can help you recover VA benefits, explore treatments, and pursue compensation for medical care if you’re a veteran with mesothelioma.

A History of Products Containing Asbestos on Navy Ships

During the mid-20th century, asbestos was used throughout virtually every U.S. Navy ship, helping to keep the ships durable and fireproof but putting those aboard in danger of life-threatening health issues like mesothelioma.

Asbestos could be found on Navy ships in:

• Adhesives
• Boilers
• Cables
• Caulk
• Engines
• Floor Tiles
• Gaskets
• Grinders
• Hulls
• Insulation
• Packing
• Paneling
• Piping
• Thermal materials
• Tubing
• Valves

If you served in the U.S. Navy decades ago and are now facing mesothelioma, you could have been exposed to asbestos but may not remember when, where, or how. We’re here to help

For questions about military asbestos exposure, mesothelioma VA benefits, and more, ask Major Nelson now. He has more than 20 years of legal and military experience and can help determine how you were exposed and which benefits you qualify for.

Supporting U.S. Navy Veterans Harmed by Asbestos

U.S. Navy veterans proudly served their country, putting their lives on the line to protect our nation's freedoms. These veterans deserve our respect and support, especially when facing an unanticipated mesothelioma diagnosis.

The Mesothelioma Veterans Center is the nation's leading resource for veterans impacted by this rare cancer. Our team of VA-accredited attorneys, registered nurses, and fellow U.S. veterans is ready to assist.

Work with us to get help:

• Determining your asbestos exposure
• Filing or increasing your VA benefits
• Finding medical and legal support

Get a Free Veterans Packet or call (877) 450-8973 now to learn more.