Historical Asbestos Exposure in Ohio Shipyard


The American Shipbuilding Company, originally based in Cleveland, Ohio, and later operating in Lorain, was a prominent entity in the U.S. shipbuilding industry, especially noted for its operations on the Great Lakes. This company, active from the late 19th century through the 20th century, played a significant role during times of war by producing various ships, some of which were crucial for military logistics.

However, like many industrial operations of its era, the American Shipbuilding Company extensively used asbestos in its shipbuilding processes, primarily for its heat resistance and insulating properties. Asbestos was commonly found in materials like insulation for boilers, pipes, turbines, and also in cement, plaster, and paint used on ships. This pervasive use of asbestos placed thousands of shipyard workers at significant risk for asbestos exposure, potentially leading to serious health issues including mesothelioma, a form of cancer primarily associated with asbestos exposure.

The risks were particularly pronounced from the 1930s to the 1980s, a period during which asbestos use was rampant in the shipbuilding industry across the United States. The workers at the American Shipbuilding Company, along with others in similar industries, were likely to be exposed to asbestos fibers, especially when handling materials that contained asbestos during the construction and repair of ships.

As awareness of the health hazards associated with asbestos grew, and following the decline of industrial manufacturing in regions like Ohio, many former workers began experiencing health complications attributed to their past asbestos exposure. Consequently, there have been numerous cases and settlements concerning asbestos-related illnesses among former employees of the American Shipbuilding Company​.

For more detailed historical and legal context on this issue, additional information can be found on the history of the American Shipbuilding Company on Wikipedia and various legal and health resources related to asbestos exposure and mesothelioma.