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Asbestos Exposure in Alabama Shipyards

Posted on: April 12, 2024 *Updated on: May 27, 2024

Asbestos exposure has been a significant concern in Alabama shipyards, particularly for workers and veterans involved in shipbuilding and repair activities. Asbestos was widely used in the shipbuilding industry until the late 20th century due to its resistance to heat, fire, and corrosion. Here are some of the key shipyards in Alabama where asbestos exposure has been a concern:

  1. Alabama Dry Dock & Shipyard Company (ADDSCO): Located in Mobile, this shipyard was one of the largest employers in Alabama during World War II. It was known for extensive use of asbestos in ship construction and repair, particularly before regulations limited asbestos use in the 1970s and 1980s.
  2. Avondale Shipyards: Although primarily located in Louisiana, Avondale Shipyards operated facilities that may have affected workers in Alabama through subcontracting and shared projects, contributing to the regional asbestos exposure concerns.
  3. Bender Shipbuilding & Repair Co., Inc.: This Mobile-based shipyard has been another site where asbestos exposure was likely, especially in tasks involving insulation, piping, and boiler work on ships.
  4. Bethlehem Steel Shipyard: This shipyard, part of a larger national network, engaged in activities similar to other shipyards that used asbestos-containing materials extensively, particularly in ship repair and overhaul.
  5. Gulf Ship Building Company: Located in Chickasaw, Alabama, this shipyard also contributed to asbestos exposure risks, particularly during its operations peak when asbestos use was rampant in ship construction and repair.

Today, the risk of asbestos exposure continues primarily during repair or retrofitting of older vessels constructed before asbestos use was restricted in the 1980s. Workers dealing with the removal of old asbestos insulation or renovation of old ships are at a higher risk of exposure. Safety regulations now require proper protective measures, including respirators and protective clothing, to minimize asbestos exposure risks during such activities.