Military Ships and Asbestos Exposure

Navy servicemembers faced asbestos exposure aboard military ships

Navy and other military personnel have proudly served our nation, from the crews serving aboard the first U.S. vessels to modern-day military ships with state-of-the-art technology protecting international waters. Tragically, thousands of the veterans who served on these missions are now contending with diseases they contracted through their exposure to asbestos, a mineral classified by government health agencies as a cancer-causing substance.

Background: Asbestos and the military
As late as the 1970s, asbestos was used in virtually every area aboard military ships, causing entire crews to face daily exposure to airborne fibers and dust. Crew members who worked below decks—commonly referred to as “snipes”—were among the most heavily exposed. Asbestos cement, insulation materials and other asbestos-containing materials (ACM) were used in ship boiler rooms, engine rooms and the pump room. Our firm has spoken with many Navy veterans who recalled scraping and sweeping dust and other asbestos-contaminated debris and applying new asbestos insulation materials in these areas aboard ship.

The pipes that traversed the ceilings on Navy ships were also covered with asbestos insulation, including those in crew quarters. Vibrations on these ships would cause asbestos to flake from the pipes on to bunks, exposing crew members who never personally applied or removed asbestos to secondhand exposure to the carcinogen. Other areas where asbestos materials were used included the ship magazines and powder rooms, exposing gunners and gunners mates to asbestos dust and fibers both during daily exercises and in combat situations.

Even on land, when military ships were brought into dry dock for repairs, military and civilian base employees faced exposure to asbestos when insulation materials were stripped from inside the ship hulls, boilers and other areas.

Military veterans and mesothelioma
Many military veterans who filled important roles on military ships, only to later be diagnosed with mesothelioma, are unaware they have options for assistance. While veterans aren't able to sue the military, they may apply for benefits involving asbestos diseases to the department of Veteran Affairs (VA).

They may also bring legal action against the corporations that manufactured and sold the asbestos that caused their mesothelioma or other lung ailment. In fact, many of these companies are still in business today, making them liable for compensating veterans harmed by their products.

Get Help From Weitz & Luxenberg
If you or a family member has been diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease, our attorneys may be able to help you to seek justice. Please complete the form on this page for a free and confidential review of your potential asbestos lawsuit or request a free copy of our Asbestos Sourcebook.

A Weitz & Luxenberg representative will contact you as soon as possible.