Asbestos in the Navy
Exposure to asbestos in the Navy may have led to mesothelioma diagnoses that have been documented as far back as the 1930s. Because asbestos was as an inexpensive, effective and thought to be safe form of insulation that is both heat and fire retardant, asbestos in the Navy was commonly utilized for much of the twentieth century.
How Were Veterans Exposed to Asbestos in the Navy
Exposure to asbestos in the Navy has been well documented, even by the U.S. Government itself. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs states that “several million people employed in U.S. shipyards and U.S. Navy Veterans were exposed to chrysotile asbestos products” while building military ships during World War II. Even after the war, and until new safety regulations were introduced in the early 1970s, the use of asbestos in the Navy was common.
A number of ships, aircraft carriers, battleships, cruisers, destroyers, and submarines that were built using asbestos in the Navy for use during this time contain bulkhead systems, insulation, ceiling tiles, fire-resistant sheets, boilers, electrical fixtures, steam pipes, and many other products that contain asbestos fibers.
Occupations Exposed to Asbestos in the Navy
There are certain naval occupations that were at the highest risk for asbestos exposure. They include:
- Boilerman
- Boiler Tender
- Electrician's Mate
- Engine Mechanic
- Fireman
- Gunner/Sailors
- Machinist Mate
- Seabee
- Shipfitter
Military housing built prior to 1982 almost certainly was built with asbestos-containing products as well. People who lived or worked near commercial shipyards or military shipyards were at risk as well.
Pursuing a Lawsuit if You Were Exposed to Asbestos in the Navy
If you or a loved one were exposed to asbestos in the Navy and have since been diagnosed with mesothelioma, there may be legal options worth pursuing. Navy veterans who pursue a lawsuit will not be suing the Navy, but rather the manufacturers that produced and sold asbestos products used on ships. In fact, the US Navy may be able to provide records that prove your exposure to asbestos in the US Navy actually occurred.
Speak to an asbestos attorney at Sokolove Law today to learn more about your rights regarding a potential mesothelioma claim, if you or a loved one were exposed to asbestos in the US Navy.