Shipyard Workers

History and Background

The twentieth century saw the United States emerge onto the world stage as the strongest country economically and militarily. As the country rose in prominence, its navy and merchant fleets grew dramatically, mainly during the years of the two World Wars and during the Cold War arms race. There was a constant need for the newer ships with advanced technology that caused shipbuilding to become one of the most important industries during that century. In fact it is noted that during America's participation in World War II (1941-1945) shipbuilding was the nation's largest industry employing over 4 million people. While the need for ships has declined since the end of the Cold War, shipbuilding is still an important occupation that employs thousands of workers today in construction and maintenance.

There are many different occupations at the shipyards across America, from design work to construction and cleanup. Many different people do many different things. Until the mid 1970s asbestos was often used on ships as a form of insulation and fire-proofing material. As discussed below it is now known to be hazardous if its dust is inhaled. While it is not used much anymore, asbestos is still present on older vessels. As a result, practically anyone who worked in a shipyard could have been exposed to asbestos dust. Even the longshoremen who loaded products onto the ships could have been exposed as it was oftentimes these men who carried the insulation products on board.

Asbestos Usage in Shipyards

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that is extremely strong and is heat and fire-resistant making it nearly ideal as a form of insulation. It can also be mixed with other materials to form a compound that can be used in gaskets, as well as to seal pipes and valves. Often the compound came in a powder form that was made by mixing it with water. Creating the compound put asbestos dust in the air.

Asbestos was widely used during World War II and in the decades following it as insulation on boilers, steam pipes, hot water pipes and incinerators throughout most ships. The men and women who worked on the construction of any ship during that time could have been exposed to asbestos dust. The insulation would have to be cut and fitted as well as sanded down depending on the situation throwing asbestos particles into the air. The dangers associated with asbestos were relatively unknown at that time so there were few precautions taken. No workers wore respirators or masks and there are reports that during construction there were clouds of asbestos dust.

During that past 30 years there have been conscious efforts to reduce the amount of asbestos present on ships. It is no longer the major form of insulation that it once was. However, older ships that were constructed prior to the new regulations could possibly still contain asbestos products. Proper precautions should be taken during maintenance and decommissioning in order to ensure a safe environment. Asbestos is still found on many ships and anyone could still be exposed.