Asbestos Exposure in Shipyards

There are certain occupations that increase one's risk of asbestos exposure. Shipyard workers who served between World War II and the Korean War were very likely exposed to asbestos. The material was ideal for use in shipbuilding because of its ability to resist corrosion and high temperatures. It has been used as insulation for boilers, incinerators, hot water pipes and steam pipes. The asbestos dust tended to build up around these areas and other inadequately ventilated parts of the ship, which led to human exposure aboard vessels. For more information on where asbestos could be found on ships, please fill out the form on the right to receive an informative packet.

Not only the shipbuilders, but the crews of those ships and the longshoreman (those who load the ships) were heavily exposed to asbestos as well. In fact, before the 1980s, many longshoremen probably even loaded bundles of asbestos onto ships. Before that time, the health risk associated with asbestos was not known by these workers and no special precautions were taken to prevent inhalation. Because of this, many shipyard workers run an increased risk of developing mesothelioma or other asbestos-related illnesses.

A study conducted at the Mt. Sinai School of Medicine found that 86 percent of shipyard workers with 20 or more years of experience developed asbestos-related lung disease or lung cancer. If you have ever worked in a shipyard or on an old ship and feel you may have been exposed to asbestos, it is important that you discuss it with your physician. As with any type of cancer, mesothelioma is most easily treated when it is caught as early as possible.

For more information about veterans' rights or how to file an asbestos-related VA claim, please call 800-615-2270 or fill out this form to receive a comprehensive information packet on all issues surrounding asbestos exposure and resulting diseases.

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