For decades, the U.S. Navy relied heavily on asbestos because of its heat resistance, durability, and low cost. Almost every major Navy vessel built between the 1930s and the late 1980s—including destroyers, carriers, battleships, cruisers, submarines, and amphibious ships—contained asbestos materials in dozens of areas.
This beginner-friendly guide explains why asbestos was used on Navy ships, where it was commonly installed, the exposure risks sailors faced, and how asbestos was eventually phased out.
Whether you are a researcher, a Navy veteran, or simply curious about the navy ship asbestos history, this article provides a clear and easy-to-understand overview.
1. Why the Navy Used Asbestos on Ships
During the early and mid-20th century, the U.S. Navy adopted asbestos as a standard material for shipbuilding. There were three main reasons:
1. Heat Resistance
Warships contain large machinery spaces—including boilers, engines, and turbines—that reach extremely high temperatures. Asbestos insulation prevented overheating and reduced the risk of fires.
2. Fireproofing
The Navy valued asbestos because it did not burn. In a war environment, the ability to control fire was crucial. Asbestos was used:
- around electrical systems
- in fireproof panels
- inside bulkheads
- in damage control equipment
3. Durability and Affordability
Asbestos was cheap, widely available, and could withstand moisture, saltwater, heat, and vibration—making it ideal for marine environments.
Because of these advantages, asbestos became one of the most commonly used shipbuilding materials during World War II and the Cold War.
2. Where Asbestos Was Found on Navy Ships
Understanding how asbestos was used on Navy vessels helps explain how exposure occurred. In most cases, asbestos was installed anywhere heat, fire, or friction were concerns.
Engine Rooms and Boiler Rooms
The engine room was the highest-risk area. Sailors working here were more likely to encounter:
- pipe insulation
- steam line wraps
- boiler lagging
- turbine insulation
- asbestos gaskets
These systems generated intense heat, and asbestos served as a protective barrier.
Mechanical and Electrical Areas
Many mechanical systems included asbestos-based products, such as:
- valves and pumps
- wiring insulation
- motor housings
- thermal blankets
These materials helped control temperature and prevented electrical fires.
Ship Decks and Living Quarters
Though levels were lower, asbestos also appeared in:
- floor tiles
- wallboard
- ceiling tiles
- adhesives and cements
- acoustic insulation
Damaged flooring or aging ceiling panels often released asbestos fibers into shared spaces.
Firefighting Systems and Damage Control Equipment
Asbestos was built into:
- fire-resistant suits
- fireproof curtains
- fire doors
- emergency insulation blankets
These items were designed to protect sailors—but unfortunately, they also shed asbestos fibres over time.
3. Common Asbestos Products Used on Navy Ships
The U.S. Navy employed more than 300 asbestos-containing materials. Some of the most widely used included:
- asbestos insulation on warships
- asbestos pipe coverings
- boiler insulation
- gaskets, packing, and seals
- asbestos rope and cloth
- brake pads and clutch linings
- non-slip deck coating
- adhesives and bonding compounds
Many of these items were handled frequently by sailors, especially those working in mechanical roles.
4. Which Navy Jobs Had the Highest Asbestos Risk?
Not all sailors were exposed equally. Some job ratings faced significantly higher risk due to their close, daily work with asbestos materials.
High-Risk Ratings
- Boiler Technicians
- Machinist’s Mates
- Hull Maintenance Technicians
- Pipefitters
- Firemen
- Electrician’s Mates
- Shipfitters
- Enginemen
- Damage Controlmen
These sailors often worked in confined ship spaces where asbestos dust collected and circulated.
Moderate-Risk Ratings
- Deck crews
- Aviation support roles
- Supply and logistics
- Administrative roles aboard ships
Even sailors not directly handling asbestos could be exposed through shared air systems or during ship repairs.
5. How Sailors Were Exposed to Asbestos
Exposure happened mainly when asbestos-containing materials were disturbed through:
- drilling
- cutting
- removing insulation
- repairing pipes
- sanding flooring
- grinding gaskets
- ship overhauls in shipyards
When disturbed, asbestos releases microscopic fibers that can remain in the air for hours. Sailors often inhaled these fibers without knowing.
Long-Term Health Risks
Asbestos exposure is linked to:
- asbestosis (lung scarring)
- pleural disease
- lung cancer
- mesothelioma (a rare cancer)
These diseases can take decades to appear, which is why many Navy veterans only develop symptoms years later.
6. When Was Asbestos Removed from Navy Ships?
The Navy did not eliminate asbestos immediately. Instead, removal occurred slowly over several decades.
Timeline of Phase-Out
- 1970s: Initial safety warnings and partial restrictions
- Late 1970s–1980s: Reduction in new installations during shipbuilding
- 1990s–2000s: Many older ships decommissioned or renovated
- Today: Asbestos is no longer used in new Navy ships
Even now, some older vessels that remain in reserve fleets may still contain asbestos materials, though they are generally sealed and monitored.
7. How to Identify Asbestos on Old Navy Ships
Because many ships were built with asbestos, sailors and researchers sometimes want to understand where it might still be present. Common indicators include:
- white or grey pipe insulation
- chalky or cloth-wrapped thermal lagging
- square or 9×9 vinyl floor tiles
- fireproof panels or doors
- thick gasket materials
However, asbestos cannot be identified by sight alone. Laboratory testing is the only definitive method.
8. Frequently Asked Questions
Did all Navy ships use asbestos?
Almost every major U.S. Navy vessel built before the late 1980s contained some level of asbestos.
Were submarines affected?
Yes—submarines had extensive asbestos insulation because of confined engine spaces.
Did ship repair yards have higher risk?
Absolutely. Repairing or removing asbestos materials created heavy dust exposure.
Are modern Navy ships asbestos-free?
New construction standards prohibit asbestos use.
Conclusion
Asbestos played a major role in Navy ship construction for more than fifty years. It made warships safer from fire, stronger against heat, and cheaper to operate—but it also created hidden risks for thousands of sailors. Understanding the navy ship asbestos history, exposure pathways, and common asbestos materials helps veterans and families learn how and why asbestos was used aboard naval vessels.
