Asbestos Exposure in Rhode Island Shipyards
Posted on: April 21, 2024 *Updated on: May 27, 2024In Rhode Island, both Naval Station Newport and Quonset Point Naval Station have been sites where military and civilian workers may have been exposed to asbestos, particularly those who worked there before the 1980s. Asbestos, a hazardous material commonly used in shipbuilding for its heat resistance and insulation properties, was prevalent in numerous components of naval ships. Workers involved in the construction, renovation, or demolition of ships at these shipyards would likely have encountered asbestos in insulation, piping, and many other ship parts.
Despite reductions in asbestos use after the health risks became widely acknowledged, the potential for exposure persists, especially when dealing with older vessels that still contain asbestos materials. Continued vigilance and appropriate safety measures are essential to protect current workers from asbestos exposure at these historical shipyard sites in Rhode Island.