Use of Asbestos in Shipyards and its Repercussions
Posted on: April 11, 2024 *Updated on: May 27, 2024The use of asbestos in shipyards, especially in the construction and maintenance of naval and commercial vessels, is a significant chapter in the industrial history of the 20th century. Before the health risks associated with asbestos were fully understood and publicly acknowledged, its properties such as durability, heat resistance, and fireproofing made it seem ideal for shipbuilding. Ships and naval vessels, which are equipped with high-heat equipment like boilers, turbines, pumps, and incinerators, required materials that could withstand extreme temperatures and prevent fires, making asbestos a seemingly perfect choice.
Asbestos insulation was extensively used in ship walls and boiler rooms, covering pipes and linings to ensure they could endure high temperatures without risk of fire. However, the very nature of shipyard work—construction, maintenance, and repair—meant that asbestos-containing materials were frequently disturbed. Activities such as cutting, grinding, or replacing parts could release asbestos fibers into the air, making them breathable and posing serious health risks to workers. The confined spaces and poor ventilation below decks exacerbated these risks, as concentrated asbestos dust in such areas increased the likelihood of inhalation by shipyard workers.
From the 1930s through the 1980s, countless veterans and shipyard workers were exposed to asbestos, often without adequate protection or warning about the dangers. The consequences of this exposure may not become apparent until decades later, as asbestos-related diseases like mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis have long latency periods. Despite the decline in asbestos use following increased awareness and regulation, the legacy of its use persists. Shipyards across the United States still pose potential exposure risks, especially where older ships are involved or where asbestos-containing materials have not been fully remediated.
The recognition of these dangers led to stricter regulations and efforts to remove or encapsulate asbestos in many settings. However, the health impacts on those exposed during its peak use continue to be a significant concern, with legal and medical efforts ongoing to address the consequences faced by affected workers and their families. The story of asbestos in shipyards is a cautionary tale about the importance of understanding and managing industrial health risks.