Hawaii and Louisiana Shipyards and Asbestos Exposure

Posted on: April 15, 2024 *Updated on: May 27, 2024

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The shipyards in Hawaii and Louisiana have historically been significant sites for asbestos exposure, largely due to the extensive use of this hazardous material in shipbuilding and repair practices until the late 20th century.

Hawaii Shipyards and Asbestos Exposure:

The primary site of concern in Hawaii is the Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard located on the island of Oahu. Established in 1908, this shipyard has been a pivotal location for the U.S. Navy, servicing countless naval vessels. Asbestos was commonly used in shipyards for its heat resistance and insulating properties, particularly in ships’ insulation, boilers, and steam pipes. Workers at Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard were significantly exposed to asbestos, especially before 1980, which is the period when asbestos use was prevalent. Although regulations have reduced asbestos use, the risk remains for workers involved in the repair or dismantling of older ships that still contain asbestos materials.

Louisiana Shipyards and Asbestos Exposure:

Louisiana, with its extensive coastlines and river systems, has a rich history of shipyard activity. Shipyards in Louisiana, including several locations operated by Avondale Shipyards Inc. (in Baton Rouge, Westwego, Algiers, and New Orleans) as well as Bollinger Shipyard and Conrad Industries, have also been sites of significant asbestos exposure. These shipyards were engaged in building and repairing military and commercial vessels, many of which utilized asbestos until public and governmental pressure curtailed its use by the 1980s. Similar to Hawaii, workers involved in activities with older vessels at these sites are at risk of exposure to existing asbestos.

The workers most at risk included those who installed or maintained insulation, worked in engine rooms, repaired boilers, or were involved in the renovation or breaking apart of old ships. Asbestos-related diseases, such as mesothelioma, asbestosis, and lung cancer, can develop many years after initial exposure, making it a persistent health concern for those who worked at these shipyards during the height of asbestos use.

The ongoing risk at these sites, despite newer regulations and better protective measures, underscores the importance of continued vigilance and adherence to safety protocols to protect current workers from asbestos exposure.