The military built U.S. Navy frigates with many asbestos-containing components. However, asbestos is also a known human carcinogen, and exposure to asbestos can cause a variety of serious health problems, including mesothelioma, a rare and aggressive cancer. The use of asbestos was widely used for insulation of pipes, boilers, electrical fixtures, and hull construction. Asbestos Exposure on Battleships | Mesothelioma Cancer Risk Many were decommissioned post-war and either converted to merchant marine vessels or sold as scrap. As a result of the asbestos exposure, former Navy personnel are at risk of developing asbestos-related illnesses. In addition to the ships U.S. Navy veterans worked on, every part of the shipyard facilities used products containing asbestos as well, including the: There was no safe place where shipyard workers could escape asbestos exposure during their service, putting them at a very high risk of developing asbestos-related diseases like mesothelioma, asbestosis, and lung cancer. There were a number of other jobs that often exposed service members on Navy ships to asbestos. By submitting, you agree to our privacy policy and terms of use. As a result, Navy personnel on board were exposed to asbestos dust. Veterans diagnosed with asbestos-related diseases are entitled to several different types of benefits from the VA, to include disability benefits, [and] health care benefits. The ship was later scrapped, and it was discovered that the ship contained asbestos. This aircraft carrier first powered by nuclear weapons was built in 1960. Only a small number of asbestos-containing products are found on navy ships today. Asbestos illness related to military service. Asbestos-related diseases like mesothelioma can take 10-50 years to develop, meaning many cases of mesothelioma in Navy veterans are only now being diagnosed. At the disposal of decommissioned ships today, there are still old asbestos products that have been linked to cancer. USS Helena (CA 75) fires main battery guns at Chongjin, North Korea in October 1950. Electricians on U.S. Navy ships were often exposed to asbestos because the material was used as insulation for electrical wiring in turbine generators, motor generators, motor controllers, and switchboards. The asbestos on these ships is contained and is not dangerous. If you worked on any of the naval vessels listed below and were exposed to asbestos, you may be entitled to compensation for your illness. Asbestos Fact Sheet. Disclaimer Terms of Use SMS Terms of Service Privacy Policy For Lawyers. Asbestos on Aircraft Carriers | Mesothelioma Cancer Risk As much as 15% of asbestos content is present in materials that have been declared free of the cancer-causing agent. By working with a mesothelioma law firm like Sokolove Law, you can get experienced legal help gathering the evidence necessary to prove your asbestos exposure and build a case against the manufacturers of the asbestos-containing products responsible for causing your illness. The National Archives is staffed to provide basic referencing services and cannot perform the research required for this topic. Every branch of the military used asbestos during the 20th century. For more information please see our privacy policy, terms of use, and disclaimer. If a veteran believes they were exposed to asbestos while serving in the military, we encourage them to call Mesothelioma Hope so that we can work together to help them file for VA benefits. Attorney Chris Guinn is a shareholder at Simmons Hanly Conroy. The Navy used the mineral because of its incombustibility, temperature resistance, light weight and strength. In 2327, Captain Narth took charge of the Ajax. Copyright 2003-2023 Sokolove Law, LLC. Asbestos Lawsuits | StateRecords.org Veterans may have been exposed to asbestos on U.S. Navy ships if asbestos-containing components like insulation were disturbed. Some areas of U.S. Navy ships used more asbestos than others. Family members could be exposed if they touched the clothes (such as while doing laundry).