> Asbestos Exposure > Occupational Exposure > Shipyard Workers

Shipyard Workers and Pleural Mesothelioma

Shipyard workers represent a population that has been significantly impacted by the hazards surrounding the naturally occurring mineral asbestos. Exposure to this toxic mineral has been proven to cause a rare form of cancer known as pleural mesothelioma. Throughout much of the 20th century, shipyards used asbestos-containing materials for the construction of ships because of its ability to fireproof and insulate areas on board.

Shipyard Workers and Asbestos Exposure

The use of asbestos was most prevalent during times of conflict as the rate of shipbuilding increased to strengthen military forces. Some of the ships that were typically built with asbestos-containing materials included battleships, aircraft carriers, cruisers, destroyers and submarines. If any of these vessels needed repairing or upgrading, there was a high risk for asbestos exposure because shipyard workers at the time did not wear preventative equipment.

During World War II and the Korean War, hundreds of thousands of shipyard workers were employed in order to keep up with the constant building and repairing of U.S. military ships. As a result, the shipyard industry has been largely affected by pleural mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases. Former shipyard workers from the 1950s, '60s and '70s may still be at risk of contracting pleural mesothelioma because the symptoms can take as long as 50 years to develop.

Areas aboard ships that commonly incorporated asbestos-containing materials included boiler rooms, sleeping quarters and areas that required insulation such as piping and walls. Gaskets and valves were also made with asbestos prior to the 1980s. If any of these materials were damaged or repaired, exposure to asbestos was likely to occur for those nearby. Occupations within the shipyard industry that carried a higher risk for asbestos exposure included welders, painters, machinists and others who made repairs dealing with insulation.

While asbestos is no longer used in shipyards for the construction of new vessels, workers who are involved in repairing older ships may still be at risk of being exposed. Protective gear should always be worn when asbestos is thought to be present. All former shipyard workers should consult with their physician about any previous history surrounding asbestos exposure.