Navy Submarines Asbestos Exposure Lawsuit

For decades, U.S. Navy submarines were constructed and maintained with extensive use of asbestos-based materials. Sailors, shipyard workers, and officers aboard these underwater vessels faced constant exposure to airborne asbestos fibers—especially in confined compartments. This exposure has led to thousands of cases of mesothelioma, asbestosis, and asbestos-related lung cancers among Navy veterans.

Our legal team helps Navy submarine veterans and their families seek financial compensation through asbestos lawsuits, trust fund claims, and VA benefits—with no upfront legal costs.

Read Articles about Navy Submarine Asbestos Exposure

Why Asbestos Was Used Heavily Aboard Submarines

Submarines required compact, heat-resistant, and fireproof materials due to limited space and extreme operational conditions. Asbestos was widely used for:

• Insulating steam lines, engine systems, and propulsion equipment

• Fireproofing electrical panels, control rooms, and missile compartments

• Protecting crew and equipment from thermal extremes

• Containing heat in torpedo rooms, reactors, and navigation areas

As a result, nearly every submarine compartment—especially below deck—was lined with asbestos-containing materials.

Submarine Classes Where Asbestos Was Heavily Used

These submarines were outfitted with tons of asbestos insulation in propulsion, habitability, and control areas.

Number of U.S. Service Members Exposed to Asbestos on Navy Submarines

Asbestos was widely used in U.S. Navy submarines for insulation of pipes, engines, electrical systems, and fireproofing to withstand harsh underwater environments. Submarine crews faced confined quarters where asbestos fibers could easily be inhaled during maintenance and operations.

Total Estimated Exposure: Over 150,000 U.S. Navy submariners served aboard asbestos-containing submarines, placing them at considerable risk for asbestos-related diseases.

Asbestos Exposure Areas on Navy Submarines

Engine & Reactor Rooms

• High-heat zones lined with asbestos wraps, insulation, and panels

• Sailors maintained asbestos-packed pumps, turbines, and heat exchangers

Torpedo & Missile Compartments

• Fireproofing with asbestos boards and insulation around launch equipment

• Tight quarters increased exposure during drills and maintenance

Navigation & Control Rooms

• Contained asbestos soundproofing and electrical insulation

• Electronics technicians exposed during wiring or upgrades

Crew Quarters & Galley

• Asbestos in flooring, pipe coverings, and vent systems

• Fibers traveled through ventilation into living spaces

Dry Dock Maintenance

• Overhauls and reactor refits disturbed massive amounts of asbestos

• Exposure during grinding, welding, pipework, and electrical replacements

Navy Submarine Personnel at High Risk of Asbestos Exposure

Common Asbestos Products Used on Navy Submarines

🔥 Boiler & Turbine Insulation

Use: Insulated high-pressure systems and steam generation units
Exposure: Maintenance and overhauls disturbed friable insulation in cramped areas

🔧 Pipe Lagging

Use: Wrapped around steam, coolant, and air pipes throughout sub compartments
Exposure: Cut and removed frequently, contaminating engine and berthing spaces

🧱 Fireproof Paneling

Use: Used to fireproof walls in torpedo, missile, and reactor areas
Exposure: Fibers released during impact, drilling, or equipment changes

⚙️ Gaskets & Seals

Use: Found in pumps, valves, compressors, and pipe joints
Exposure: Removal and replacement released dust directly at sailor’s faces

🪵 Floor Tiles & Deck Coverings

Use: Asbestos-laced tiles and adhesive under bunks, mess halls, and control rooms
Exposure: Cracked or removed tiles spread asbestos into living quarters

🧯 Fire-Resistant Gear

Use: Gloves, blankets, and aprons made from woven asbestos
Exposure: Handling and folding these items released harmful fibers

📦 Electrical Insulation

Use: Protected submarine wiring and switchboards from overheating
Exposure: Cut and stripped by electricians during upgrades or rewiring

🎨 Adhesives & Paints

Use: Contained asbestos for durability and heat resistance
Exposure: Sanding or prepping painted areas created clouds of dust

🌬️ Ventilation Duct Wraps

Use: Insulated ducts to prevent heat loss and fire
Exposure: Fibers circulated through the air when disturbed or aged

Long-Term Health Risks from Navy Submarine Asbestos Exposure

• Mesothelioma: Rare and fatal cancer of the lung lining

• Asbestosis: Lung scarring causing breathlessness and chronic illness

• Lung Cancer: Linked to past asbestos exposure even in non-smokers

• Pleural Thickening: Lung lining damage from repeated fiber exposure

The Navy’s Knowledge of Asbestos Dangers

By the 1930s, medical literature linked asbestos to fatal diseases.
Contractors and manufacturers failed to warn or protect service members.
Submarine crews were never informed about asbestos hazards during deployment.

Lawsuits Filed by Navy Submarine Veterans

Thousands of lawsuits have been filed by submarine veterans, holding corporations responsible for:

• Supplying defective and dangerous materials

• Concealing known health risks from the U.S. military

• Prioritizing profit over safety for service members

Navy Submarine Asbestos Settlements & Verdicts

Asbestos Manufacturers & Contractors Involved

• Johns-Manville

• Raybestos-Manhattan

• Owens Corning

• General Dynamics (submarine contractor)

• Westinghouse Electric (reactor systems)

• Babcock & Wilcox

• Eagle-Picher Industries

Navy Submarine Veterans & Asbestos Trust Funds

• Over $30 billion still available for victims

• Claims can be filed confidentially, with no court appearance

• Most submarine veterans qualify for multiple trust payouts

• Separate from VA benefits and may be pursued in parallel

VA Benefits for Navy Submarine Veterans with Mesothelioma

• 100% VA disability rating for service-related mesothelioma

• Monthly tax-free benefits (over $3,800/month)

• Full access to VA mesothelioma specialists and treatment

• Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) for surviving families

Navy Submarine Asbestos Lawsuit Process

1. Free Consultation
Review your diagnosis and military service history.

2. Investigation
Identify exposure sources, gather ship logs and records.

3. File Claims
Against manufacturers and asbestos trusts.

4. Settle or Proceed to Trial
Most cases resolve without trial. No legal fees unless you win.

Statute of Limitations

• Most states allow 2–3 years from diagnosis or date of death

• Trust fund claims often remain open after lawsuit windows close

• Don’t delay—early filing preserves your rights

Frequently Asked Questions (Navy Submarine Exposure)

Q. Were submariners warned about asbestos risks?
No. Nearly all were unaware of the danger during service.

Q. Can I file both VA and legal claims?
Yes. VA benefits are separate from legal claims against manufacturers.

Q. Can surviving families receive compensation?
Yes. Spouses and children may file wrongful death and trust fund claims.

Q. What if my submarine was later decommissioned?
You can still file based on your service and exposure, regardless of the ship’s current status.

Why Work with Mesothelioma Help Center

• 25+ years in Navy asbestos litigation

• Expert access to submarine schematics and exposure records

• Millions recovered for Navy submarine veterans

• Handle lawsuits and trust fund claims together

• No fee unless we win your case

Free Case Evaluation for Navy Submarine Veterans

If you or a loved one served aboard a U.S. Navy submarine and have been diagnosed with mesothelioma or another asbestos illness:

📞 Call 800.291.0963 for your free consultation today.

We’ll help you file on time, recover compensation, and hold asbestos companies accountable.