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Historical Asbestos Exposure in New York Shipyards

Posted on: April 22, 2024 *Updated on: May 27, 2024

The shipyards in New York have historically been significant centers of naval and maritime activity, which unfortunately included exposure to asbestos, especially during the peak years of the 20th century. Asbestos was widely used in shipbuilding due to its heat-resistant properties, making it ideal for insulation, boilers, and other fireproofing applications. Here’s a closer look at the New York shipyards known for asbestos exposure:

  1. Bethlehem Steel Shipyard: Located in Staten Island, this shipyard was one of the largest and was active in building and repairing ships, especially during World War II. Workers at Bethlehem Steel were likely exposed to asbestos while working in ship construction and repair, as asbestos-containing materials were prevalent in nearly all parts of shipbuilding.
  2. Brooklyn Navy Yard: Operating from the early 1800s until its closure in 1966, the Brooklyn Navy Yard was a critical site for the construction of military vessels. Asbestos exposure was a significant risk for thousands of workers, particularly in roles involving the cutting, shaping, and installation of insulation and other asbestos materials.
  3. Caddell Dry Dock & Repair Company, Inc.: This facility continues to operate in Staten Island, providing repair and maintenance services to ships. Asbestos exposure risks at Caddell could involve working on older ships that still contain asbestos or through the remnants of older materials in the shipyard’s infrastructure.
  4. GMD Shipyard: Also situated in Brooklyn, this shipyard focuses on repairing and converting vessels. Like other shipyards, GMD Shipyard would have workers who potentially come into contact with asbestos, especially when dealing with vessels built before asbestos use was restricted in the 1980s.
  5. Todd Shipyards Corporation: This was one of the major shipbuilding companies in New York, located in Brooklyn. It was known for constructing and repairing a vast number of military and civilian ships. Workers were likely exposed to asbestos during these processes, particularly before the heightened awareness and regulation of asbestos in later years.

For workers at these shipyards, especially those employed before the 1980s, the risk of asbestos exposure was high, which could lead to asbestos-related diseases like mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis. Although safety regulations have improved, asbestos exposure can still be a concern in shipyards, particularly when dismantling or renovating older ships that contain asbestos materials.