Asbestos Exposure on Battleships

About Asbestos on Battleships

Asbestos is a cheap and resilient mineral that was used heavily in construction, military barracks, and naval ships. When asbestos is disturbed during ship repairs and renovations, its fibers can become airborne and unknowingly breathed in or swallowed by anyone nearby.

These asbestos fibers can get stuck in the body, damaging healthy tissue and causing tumors to form over time. This put military service members at risk of developing mesothelioma and other serious diseases 10-50 years later.

Did You Know?

Approximately one-third of all mesothelioma cases were caused by asbestos exposure in the U.S. Navy or shipyards.

People who repaired ship parts, like boiler tenders and welders, were directly exposed to asbestos during their work in the Navy. And because battleships have poor ventilation, everyone on board could have faced indirect exposure.

Key Facts for Asbestos on Battleships

Uses: Insulation, fireproofing, anti-corrosion, and soundproofing
Locations: Battleship interiors and exteriors, boilers, pipes, gaskets, valves, and pumps
Types of battleships: Used in all battleships from the early 1900s to the 1980s
Asbestos-caused illnesses: Asbestosis, lung cancer, mesothelioma, and other health issues
Exposure risk: Areas where maintenance work was being carried out and throughout the battleship when asbestos fibers became airborne

If you or someone you love was diagnosed with an asbestos-related illness from working on a Navy ship, download our Free Veterans Compensation Guide. In it, you’ll learn more about your options and see if you qualify for mesothelioma payouts.

Why Did the U.S. Navy Use Asbestos on Battleships?

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that’s highly resistant to heat, sound, and water. It’s also versatile and cheap, making it an attractive choice for protecting and insulating many products and structures in the 20th century throughout the military.

This was especially true in shipbuilding, where battleships were heavily exposed to the elements. Asbestos protected the ship’s components from damage and reduced the likelihood of hazards such as electrical fires and leaks.

The U.S. Navy used asbestos for its resilience but didn’t know the harm it could cause to humans. Manufacturers knew the health risks of asbestos exposure and refused to warn the U.S. Navy.

By the time government authorities learned about the dangers of asbestos, it was too late. Thousands of dedicated service members had been exposed, many of whom would develop life-threatening illnesses.

Who Was Exposed to Asbestos on Battleships?

Those who worked directly with asbestos-containing products were at the highest risk of exposure.

Navy members with the highest risk of asbestos exposure were:

Boilermakers
Fire control technicians and firefighters
Machinist’s mates
Pipefitters
Shipyard workers

But the many other people at risk included:

Electricians
Engine room technicians
Gunnery technicians
Hull maintenance specialists
Instrument technicians
Insulators and painters
Mechanics
Panel installers
Plumbers
Sonar technicians
Tile setters
Water tenders
Weapons specialists
Welders and steel fabricators

Workers and Navy military service members who were exposed to asbestos during their service don’t have to fight their illness alone. Many Navy veterans have successfully filed legal claims against the manufacturers of asbestos-containing products.

Let our team help you determine your eligibility for financial compensation. Contact us to learn more and get started.

Where Was Asbestos Used in Battleships?

Asbestos was found in all areas of U.S. Navy ships, from the exterior to the inner workings. However, areas that required greater protection from fire, heat, sound, or water had higher levels than other areas.

Battleship areas where asbestos use was common include:

Boiler rooms
Control rooms and mess areas
Electrical panels and wiring areas
Engine rooms
Maintenance workshops
Pipe coverings, systems, and insulation areas
Pump and valve areas

List of Battleships That Used Asbestos

Because of a government mandate, asbestos was used on every Navy ship built from the early 1900s. U.S. Navy records report that the USS Iowa contained almost 500 tons of insulation, up to 90% of which was made with asbestos.

Battleships with confirmed asbestos use include:

USS Alabama
USS Arizona
USS Arkansas
USS California
USS Colorado
USS Delaware
USS Florida
USS Idaho
USS Indiana
USS Iowa
USS Kansas
USS Maryland
USS Massachusetts
USS Michigan
USS Minnesota
USS Mississippi
USS Missouri
USS Nevada
USS New Hampshire
USS New Jersey
USS New Mexico
USS New York
USS North Carolina
USS North Dakota
USS Oklahoma
USS Pennsylvania
USS South Carolina
USS South Dakota
USS Tennessee
USS Texas
USS Utah
USS Vermont
USS Washington
USS West Virginia
USS Wisconsin
USS Wyoming

Don’t see your ship listed? Use our search tool to find the ship(s) you served on.

Financial Compensation for Victims of Asbestos on Battleships

If you’re a veteran with mesothelioma, you are not alone in battling this illness. You may have multiple options for financial compensation to help cover your medical treatment and living expenses.

Compensation options may include:

VA benefits: The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers healthcare, disability, and funeral benefits for veterans with asbestos-related diagnoses. Veterans with mesothelioma typically qualify for 100% disability payouts worth $4,044.91 per month in 2025. Our team can help you file your VA benefits claim.
Asbestos trust fund payouts: Asbestos trust funds were set up by bankrupt manufacturing companies to make sure affected people could access compensation for years to come. Today, over $30 billion is sitting in these trust funds for families like yours.
Mesothelioma lawsuits: Personal injury and wrongful death settlements result in an average of $1 million to $1.4 million to pay for treatment and other costs.

Mesothelioma Settlements for Navy Veterans and Families

Many U.S. veterans and their families have chosen to pursue legal action after being diagnosed with mesothelioma. Because treatment can cost over $400,000 each year, financial compensation can help veterans get the medical care they need while protecting their family’s future.

Nearly all asbestos lawsuits settle out of court, and a skilled mesothelioma attorney at our partner law firm, Simmons Hanly Conroy, will do all the heavy lifting in your case.

Veterans who file a lawsuit are doing so against the negligent manufacturers of asbestos-containing products — not the U.S. military.

Notable settlements secured by our partner law firm include:

$1.59 million for an Iowa Navy veteran with pleural mesothelioma from serving as a gunner’s mate on the USS Alabama
$1.55 million for a Navy veteran from Illinois who developed mesothelioma after spending time as a quartermaster on the USS Mount Olympus and USS Wyoming
$1.23 million for a Wisconsin Navy veteran with pleural mesothelioma who did shipyard work on the USS New Jersey and other naval ships
$1.1 million for a Navy machinist mate from Ohio who worked on the USS Wisconsin and later developed pleural mesothelioma
$1.57 million for a Florida naval operator who served on the USS Wyoming and later developed mesothelioma

People who were exposed secondhand, such as those who breathed in asbestos dust from a family member’s clothing, may also be eligible to file a claim.

Our partner law firm may be able to get settlements like these for your family, too. Find out if you’re eligible for financial compensation by getting a Free Case Review today.

We Can Help Navy Veterans Exposed to Asbestos on Battleships

No one deserves to develop an asbestos-related disease, especially U.S. Navy veterans who served their country with deep courage and commitment.

Our brave American veterans signed up for service, not sickness. They have the right to seek treatment and compensation for the damage caused by corporate negligence.

The team at Mesothelioma Hope can help you:

Find a doctor to start treatment
File for disability benefits or find a VA health care center
Understand your compensation options

Call (866) 608-8933 or download our Free Veterans Compensation Guide to get started.

Asbestos on Battleships FAQs

Does the Navy still use asbestos in its ships?

No, the Navy doesn’t use asbestos in new ships. Once the dangers were known, there was an effort to move away from asbestos use in the military.

That said, Navy veterans who served on battleships could still be at risk of mesothelioma today. This is because it takes 10 to 50 years for mesothelioma to form after asbestos exposure.

Can you sue the Navy for exposure to asbestos on battleships?

Sort of. If you were exposed to asbestos during your service in the U.S. Navy, you can pursue legal action for compensation. However, you’ll be suing the companies that made the asbestos products rather than the military.

A specialized mesothelioma lawyer can help you understand who you’ll be taking legal action against and what to expect.

Can you get VA disability benefits for asbestos exposure?

Yes, you can get VA disability benefits if you became sick after being exposed to asbestos during your Navy service. Diseases like mesothelioma are taken very seriously and can get you full disability benefits, which pay out $4,044.91 a month in 2025.

What was asbestos used for in the Navy?

The Navy used asbestos to help keep battleships and other vessels fireproof, insulated, and durable.

Navy service members did not know that asbestos could lead to life-threatening health problems like mesothelioma since manufacturers hid the health risks.