Asbestos On Navy Ships

Tons of Asbestos Used

Literally tons of asbestos insulating materials were used on all classes of U.S. Navy vessels–ranging from battleships to destroyers to submarines and auxiliary vessels, to name just a few. These products included asbestos pads, felt and cloth to asbestos pipe covering and cement to asbestos gaskets and packing. Until the 1980s, a Navy ship's machinery and piping would be covered with asbestos insulation from stem to stern.

Throughout the life of the ship, these asbestos materials would be removed and replaced dozens or hundreds of times. Each time, huge numbers of toxic asbestos fibers would be released into the surrounding air.

Shipyard workers involved in the construction, repair, and overhaul of Navy ships were exposed to the asbestos dust released from these materials. Likewise, Navy seamen of all ranks were exposed to the asbestos dust as they operated and maintained these vessels at sea and in port. These ships were their jobsites as well as places they called home while at sea and on duty.

Battleships

According to the Navy's insulation schedules, each Iowa Class Battleship contained almost 465 tons of thermal insulation. By weight, over 85% of this thermal insulation contained asbestos. Shipyard workers who built and overhauled these battleships and Navy seamen who served on them were exposed to the asbestos dust generated from this massive amount of asbestos insulation.

Destroyers

Destroyers were an integral part of the Navy's forces during World War II and continue until today to be the "work horses" of the fleet. They are fast warships that work as part of a larger fleet, typically in a carrier battle group. They are sometimes referred to as "Tin Cans" because of their relatively thin steel hulls. During World War II, the Navy built over 330 destroyers. These classes of ships played a crucial role in the overall war effort. They also contained many tons of asbestos insulating products.

Submarines

World War II submarines were driven by diesel engines. To recharge their batteries, these submarines needed to surface often and were limited in the time they spent submerged. Even though these submarines did not have high pressure steam boilers, many asbestos insulating products were installed in these diesel submarines. The diesel exhaust piping and joints on the two diesel engines typically had insulating pads made of asbestos cloth filled with long fiber asbestos, then sewed and quilted with asbestos twine. The hot and cold fluid pipes, flanges, valves and fittings used asbestos insulating felt sheathed with asbestos paper and lagged with asbestos cloth. The hot machinery and heaters throughout these boats were insulated with the same asbestos products.

Auxiliary Ships

Hundreds of additional ships are needed to support the fleet of fighting ships. These are known as auxiliary ships. An auxiliary ship is a naval ship. Although they are not primary combatants, they are extremely vital. Large navies like the US fleet require a large fleet of auxiliaries to support of ships as they sail far from their home ports. Auxiliaries are involved in such operations as replenishment, transport, repair and research.

Steam driven auxiliaries used asbestos insulation to insulate the piping, machinery and equipment aboard. Likewise, diesel driven auxiliaries used asbestos to insulate the diesel exhaust piping and joints. The hot and cold fluid pipes, flanges, valves and fittings used asbestos insulating felt sheathed with asbestos paper and lagged with asbestos cloth.