⚓ Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service (WAVES) Asbestos Exposure

WAVES (Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service) were established in 1942 as part of the U.S. Navy’s WWII expansion. WAVES took on critical roles in administration, communications, and technical service—often on naval bases and near shipyards where asbestos was heavily used. While they were not assigned to combat vessels, many WAVES were exposed to asbestos through their work environments, housing, and laundering of contaminated uniforms.

WAVES worked in offices and training centers adjacent to shipyards where vessels were built and overhauled. These facilities contained aging insulation, ceiling tiles, and piping materials filled with friable asbestos. Many WAVES also lived in Navy housing units constructed with asbestos flooring, wall panels, and pipe insulation. Others handled uniforms worn by Navy servicemen who worked aboard asbestos-laden ships—creating a secondary route of exposure.

Why Asbestos Was Present Around WAVES

Naval operations heavily relied on asbestos for heat resistance, especially in support buildings.

• Navy base offices with asbestos ceiling panels

• Training classrooms lined with pipe insulation

• Mess halls and barracks with ACM flooring and siding

• Uniforms coated with asbestos from shipboard duty

• Proximity to dry docks and ship overhaul yards

WAVES were often unaware of the fiber exposure risks they faced daily.

Locations Where WAVES Faced Asbestos Exposure

Even non-combat roles often meant regular exposure to airborne asbestos.

Estimated Number of WAVES Exposed to Asbestos

Total Estimated Exposure: Over 9,500 WAVES may have been exposed.

Asbestos Exposure Areas Around WAVES

Base Offices and Classrooms

• Ceilings and ducts insulated with asbestos panels

• Wiring and heating systems wrapped in ACMs

Barracks and Housing

• Floors made of asbestos tiles

• Pipe insulation degraded over time in shared living quarters

Shipyard Proximity

• Asbestos dust traveled from nearby ship repairs

• Airborne particles entered shared buildings

Uniform Laundering

• Cleaned asbestos-laden Navy uniforms by hand or machine

• Released fibers during shaking, folding, or sorting

WAVES Roles with Highest Asbestos Exposure

Common Asbestos Sources Near WAVES

• Ceiling Tiles – Found in administrative buildings and classrooms

• Flooring – Vinyl asbestos tile used in Navy housing and barracks

• Pipe Insulation – ACM lagging wrapped around steam and water lines

• Wallboards and Ducts – Used for fireproofing and soundproofing

• Contaminated Uniforms – Carried asbestos from ship decks and engine rooms

Long-Term Health Risks for WAVES

• Mesothelioma – Often diagnosed decades later from base exposure

• Asbestosis – Lung scarring and chronic breathing problems

• Lung Cancer – Elevated risk with long-term asbestos inhalation

• Pleural Thickening – Reduces lung function, causes chest pain

Lawsuits Filed by WAVES and Their Families

• Former WAVES diagnosed with mesothelioma in later life

• Lawsuits tied to Navy base housing and laundry duty exposure

• Family members filed wrongful death claims

• Exposure during WWII and Cold War–era assignments

Sample WAVES Asbestos Exposure Settlements

Companies Linked to Asbestos in WAVES Environments

• Johns-Manville – Barracks insulation, pipe wrap

• U.S. Gypsum – ACM wall and ceiling boards

• Raybestos-Manhattan – Brake linings on nearby Navy vehicles

• Owens Corning – Steam pipe insulation in base housing

• Armstrong – Asbestos flooring tiles in Navy facilities

Asbestos Trust Funds for WAVES and Families

• Over $30 billion available from asbestos trust funds

• Claims range from $300,000 to over $600,000

• No cost to file—most cases settled without court

• Trust payouts do not affect VA benefits

VA Benefits for WAVES With Asbestos Illness

• Monthly disability compensation up to $3,800/month

• Free medical care at VA hospitals for asbestos illnesses

• Survivor benefits for spouses and dependents

• Records from WAVES service qualify for claims

Filing a WAVES Asbestos Lawsuit or Trust Claim

1. Get a formal diagnosis of mesothelioma or related illness

2. Gather service and medical records from WAVES duty

3. Contact a lawyer experienced in military asbestos cases

4. File a trust claim or lawsuit—many resolve in months

Statute of Limitations

• Injury Claims: 2–3 years from diagnosis date

• Wrongful Death: 2–3 years from date of death

• Trust Claims: Varies—most remain open to WAVES

WAVES Asbestos Exposure FAQs

Q: I wasn’t near ships—could I still be exposed?
Yes. WAVES were exposed in housing, offices, and during uniform cleaning.

Q: My loved one passed away—can I still file?
Yes. Survivors can pursue wrongful death lawsuits and trust claims.

Q: Is it expensive to start a claim?
No. Most firms charge nothing unless they win the case for you.

Q: What do I need to prove exposure?
Service records, medical diagnosis, and any base assignments help your claim.

Speak With a WAVES Asbestos Advocate

📞 Call 800.291.0963 for a free, confidential consultation.
If you or a loved one served in WAVES and developed mesothelioma or asbestos-related disease, help is available.