🔹 Asbestos Products Used on Navy Auxiliary Ships

Navy auxiliary ships—including supply ships, oilers, repair ships, hospital ships, and cargo vessels—used asbestos in hundreds of components because it resisted fire, heat, vibration, and corrosion. These products were installed during construction and repeatedly replaced during maintenance and overhauls, creating heavy airborne asbestos exposure for sailors and shipyard workers.

This article explains the main asbestos-containing products used on Navy auxiliary ships and how each created exposure.

🧱 Insulation and Lagging

• Boiler insulation – Thick asbestos blankets and cement wrapped boilers to control heat; cracked and shed fibers during operation and cleaning.
• Pipe lagging – Asbestos cloth and cement covered steam and hot-water lines; cutting and scraping released heavy dust.
• Tank insulation – Fuel and chemical tanks used asbestos to control temperature; repairs disturbed friable material.
• Duct insulation – Ventilation ducts were lined with asbestos; vibration caused fibers to flake off.

🧯 Fireproofing Materials

• Spray-on fireproofing – Asbestos coatings sprayed on walls and ceilings; deteriorated over time and released fibers.
• Fireproof boards – Asbestos panels used in bulkheads and decks; cutting and drilling created dust.
• Fire curtains and blankets – Woven asbestos used near engines and workshops; frayed with use.
• Heat shields – Asbestos sheets placed near hot machinery; cracked under heat.

🔌 Electrical and Wiring Products

• Asbestos-coated wiring – Fire-resistant wire insulation released fibers when cut or replaced.
• Switchgear panels – Backed with asbestos boards; drilling and removal created dust.
• Control panels – Fireproof linings contained asbestos; flaked during upgrades.
• Cable wraps – Asbestos sleeves around cables shed fibers from vibration.

⚙️ Gaskets, Packing, and Seals

• Valve gaskets – Made from asbestos; scraping old gaskets released fibers.
• Flange seals – Asbestos sheets cut into shapes; trimming created dust.
• Pump packing – Asbestos rope packing shed fibers during replacement.
• Expansion joints – Used asbestos cloth that broke apart with age.

🛠️ Machinery and Mechanical Components

• Turbine insulation – Asbestos wrapped turbines to control heat; removal released fibers.
• Generator housings – Fireproofed with asbestos materials that flaked over time.
• Pump insulation – Asbestos coverings deteriorated during repairs.
• Compressor linings – Fire-resistant asbestos materials crumbled with vibration.

🚢 Boilers and Steam System Products

• Boiler cement – Asbestos mixed into cement for sealing; mixing and scraping released fibers.
• Steam pipe wrap – Asbestos cloth wrapped pipes; cutting and replacement created dust.
• Valve insulation covers – Removable asbestos jackets shed fibers when handled.
• Steam traps – Contained asbestos gaskets that released fibers during servicing.

🧰 Cargo and Workshop Equipment

• Winch and crane brakes – Used asbestos friction materials that released dust when worn.
• Hoist systems – Asbestos brake pads shed fibers during operation.
• Workshop ovens and furnaces – Insulated with asbestos materials.
• Repair tools – Used asbestos gloves and cloths that deteriorated.

🛏️ Living and Work Space Materials

• Wall panels – Asbestos boards behind paint and paneling.
• Ceiling tiles – Contained asbestos for fire resistance.
• Floor tiles and adhesives – Asbestos released during removal or sanding.
• Bedding and curtains – Sometimes treated with asbestos for fire safety.

🌬️ Ventilation and Air Systems

• Duct lining – Asbestos used to prevent fire spread.
• Air handling units – Contained asbestos insulation.
• Filter housings – Fireproofed with asbestos panels.
• Fan motor insulation – Used asbestos to resist heat.

These systems spread fibers shipwide.

🧠 Why These Products Caused Heavy Exposure

• Many products were friable and crumbled easily
• Heat and vibration broke materials down
• Repairs required cutting and scraping
• Overhauls removed large quantities at once
• Protective gear was rarely provided

Exposure happened repeatedly over years of service.

❓ Asbestos Products on Auxiliary Ships – FAQs

Were all products clearly labeled?
No. Many sailors never knew they were handling asbestos.

Did products release fibers only when damaged?
No. Aging and vibration also released fibers.

Were newer ships safer?
Only ships built after asbestos phase-out had lower risk.

Did shipyard work increase exposure?
Yes. Overhauls created the heaviest dust.

⚖️ How an Asbestos Lawyer Can Get You Compensation

An asbestos lawyer uses product records to prove exposure.

An asbestos lawyer will:

• Identify asbestos products used on your ship
• Match products to manufacturers
• Link your duties to those products
• Work with doctors to confirm disease
• File lawsuits and trust fund claims

📞 Get Help Now

If you worked around asbestos products on a Navy auxiliary ship and later developed mesothelioma, lung cancer, or another asbestos-related disease, you may be entitled to compensation.

You may qualify for:

• Lawsuit settlements or verdicts
• Asbestos trust fund payments
• VA disability and survivor benefits

There is no upfront cost.

📞 Call now for a free, confidential case consultation:
800.291.0963