Texas Shipyards With Asbestos Exposure

Posted on: April 18, 2024 *Updated on: May 27, 2024

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Shipyards in Texas have historical significance due to their past use of asbestos, primarily in the mid-20th century when asbestos was a common material in ship construction and repair due to its resistance to fire, heat, chemical damage, and decay. Workers and military personnel serving in these shipyards prior to the 1980s, when regulations around asbestos use became more stringent, were at high risk of exposure. This exposure could lead to serious health issues, including asbestosis, mesothelioma, and other lung-related diseases.

Here is a brief overview of some of the Texas shipyards that have a history associated with asbestos exposure:

1. American Bridge Shipyard: This shipyard was involved in heavy marine construction and may have used asbestos extensively in its operations, particularly in shipbuilding and repair activities.
2. AMFELS Shipyard – Brownsville: Located in Brownsville, Texas, AMFELS (a subsidiary of Keppel Offshore & Marine) specializes in the construction and repair of large ocean-going vessels. Asbestos exposure could have been a risk particularly in older vessels or during the renovation of ships built when asbestos use was prevalent.
3. Barbas Cut Docks: As a key location for ship repairs and maintenance, workers at Barbas Cut Docks might have been exposed to asbestos, especially when dealing with older ships and materials that contained asbestos.
4. Bloodworth Shipyard: Specializing in shipbuilding and repair, this yard would likely have used asbestos in various ship components due to its heat-resistant properties, especially before the 1980s.
5. Brown Shipbuilding Company: Based in Houston, this shipyard was heavily involved in wartime ship production, especially during World War II, when asbestos use in ship construction was common for its durability and fireproofing qualities.
6. Consolidated Shipyard: Another site of significant shipbuilding and repair, where asbestos might have been commonly used in the construction and outfitting of ships.
7. Consolidated Steel Shipbuilding: This facility was similar in its operations to other major shipbuilding yards, with likely extensive use of asbestos-containing materials for shipbuilding and repairs.
8. Galveston Docks: Known for both commercial and military ship repair, the Galveston facilities would have handled many older ships with asbestos-containing materials.
9. Houston Shipyards: As a major center for shipbuilding and repair, asbestos exposure was likely a significant risk here, particularly in the mid-20th century.
10. Kane Shipbuilding: Involved in shipbuilding and potentially repair, this yard likely faced similar asbestos exposure issues as other shipyards of the time.
11. Naval Station Ingleside: Although primarily a naval facility, the presence of shipyard facilities means that naval personnel and shipyard workers could have been exposed to asbestos, especially before stricter regulations were implemented.
12. Orange Shipbuilding Company: This company was involved in the construction of ships where asbestos was commonly used in various applications, from insulation to fireproofing.
13. Port Adams Shipyard: As a ship repair and maintenance facility, the use of asbestos in older ships and materials would have been a concern.
14. Texas Boats of Freeport: Specializing in smaller boats and possibly some larger vessels, the use of asbestos in parts and repairs would be typical for the times when asbestos was a common material.
15. Todd Shipyards Corporation: With facilities across the United States, Todd Shipyards was one of the largest shipbuilding companies and used asbestos extensively across all aspects of ship construction and repair.

These shipyards represent significant parts of Texas’ industrial heritage but also highlight the industrial health risks associated with asbestos exposure, particularly for those who worked in these environments before the health impacts of asbestos were fully understood and regulated.