Navigating the Perilous Waters: Asbestos Exposure in U.S. Shipyards and the Quest for Health Safety

The Historical Context of Asbestos Use in Shipyards Asbestos, renowned for its heat resistance and insulating properties, became an integral component in ship construction and repair, especially for insulating steam pipes and boilers. The application of asbestos in various forms—whether as insulation mattresses, cement-like materials, or spray-on fireproofing—exposed not just the insulators but also bystanders to significant levels of asbestos fibers. Workforce Dynamics and Exposure Levels The shipyard workforce experienced dramatic fluctuations over the years, peaking during World War II when shipbuilding emerged as the United States’ largest manufacturing industry.