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Asbestos Exposure in Virginia Shipyards

Posted on: April 17, 2024 *Updated on: May 27, 2024

Asbestos exposure in shipyards has been a significant health concern, particularly for veterans and workers in Virginia’s shipbuilding industry. Many shipyards used asbestos extensively until the late 1970s due to its heat-resistant properties, which were ideal for insulating boilers, pipes, and other equipment aboard ships.

Here’s a brief overview of the Virginia shipyards where asbestos exposure was reported:

  1. Colonna’s Shipyard (Norfolk) – This shipyard has been operational since 1875 and, like many others, used asbestos in shipbuilding and repair processes, particularly before the 1980s.
  2. Lyon Shipyard (Norfolk) – Established in 1928, Lyon Shipyard is known for its repair and industrial services. The presence of asbestos in older ships and equipment might have posed risks to workers.
  3. Naval Amphibious Base Little Creek (Virginia Beach) – This military base, which includes shipyard operations, likely used asbestos in its naval ships and construction materials.
  4. Newport News Shipbuilding – One of the most prominent shipyards in the country, it has been a significant site for building and repairing ships since 1886. Asbestos exposure has been a concern here, especially in older vessels.
  5. Norfolk Naval Shipyard (Portsmouth) – This historic shipyard, established in 1767, has seen extensive use of asbestos in shipbuilding and repair, posing a risk to workers throughout its operation.
  6. Norfolk Ship Repair Company (NORSHIPCO) – This facility is known for its ship repair services and also historically used asbestos in various capacities, primarily before stricter regulations were enforced.

Workers at these sites, especially those employed before newer safety regulations were implemented in the 1980s, were at a higher risk of asbestos exposure, which can lead to serious health issues such as mesothelioma, a type of lung cancer. Although safety measures have improved, the risk may still persist in handling older equipment or during demolition and renovation of old structures where asbestos was used.