01. Submarines’ History
History of Submarines
Submarines are Navy ships capable of self-propelling underwater. They can collect intelligence, identify foreign vessels and attack enemy ships. Submarines can also help protect cargo ships and other vessels.
The U.S. Navy began constructing submarines in the early 1900s. By 1922, the Navy had started using asbestos in new submarines. Chrysotile and amosite were two asbestos types commonly used in submarine gaskets, insulation and packing.
During World War II, asbestos became an important material in ship construction. The mineral can withstand high temperatures and chemical corrosion. Its regular use in submarines continued for decades and led to asbestos exposure for many people.
Submarines’ History at a Glance
- Hull Classifications: Auxiliary submarines (AGSS), ballistic missile submarines (SSBN), guided-missile submarines (SSGN), radar picket submarines (SSR), submarines (SS), nuclear-powered submarines (SSN)
- Years of Operation: 1900 – Present
- Wartime Operations: World War I (WWI), World War II (WWII), Korean War, Vietnam War, Cold War
- Size of Ship: Approximately 300 – 560 feet long
- Noteworthy Ships: USS Argonaut, USS Seawolf, USS Tang, USS Triton
Submarines were built with asbestos until the late 1970s. Decades of asbestos use on submarines and in shipyards led to many asbestos diseases among Navy veterans. Today, military veterans make up approximately 30% of mesothelioma diagnoses.
Notable Submarines
Many notable submarines were constructed during World War II and the Cold War. These wars took place during the height of U.S. asbestos use. Eventually, the dangers of asbestos led to regulations restricting its use. But until then, the shipbuilding industry regularly used the mineral.
The USS Seawolf and the USS Triton were two notable submarines made with asbestos materials. Navy veterans who served on these or other vessels may have been exposed to asbestos. This exposure may lead to illnesses like asbestosis, lung cancer and mesothelioma.
USS Seawolf (SSN-575)
The USS Seawolf (SSN-575) was a nuclear submarine used throughout the Cold War. General Dynamics Electric Boat constructed the submarine in the early 1950s. The company constructed many submarines for the U.S. Navy.
General Dynamics Electric Boat used various asbestos materials to construct many of these ships and submarines. According to court records, the USS Seawolf contained many asbestos products, like gaskets and pumps.
Crew members who came into contact with these products are at risk of developing asbestos-related cancers. General Dynamics Electric Boat employees and shipbuilders who built and repaired the USS Seawolf may also face the same risks.
USS Triton (SSR(N)-586)
In 1959, the U.S. Navy commissioned the USS Triton (SSR(N)-586) as a radar picket submarine. At the time, it was the largest and most powerful submarine ever built.
It was later reclassified as an attack submarine (SSN-586). The vessel was the first submarine to travel fully underwater around the Earth.
The USS Triton was also constructed by General Dynamics Electric Boat. It contained various asbestos products, including gaskets, packing and insulation.
One service member testified that the ship contained asbestos products manufactured by several asbestos companies, including:
- Gaskets made by Crane Co., Durabla Manufacturing Company and Garlock Sealing Technologies
- Pumps made by Buffalo Pumps Inc.
- Steam traps made by Spirax Sarco Inc.
Many asbestos materials could be found in the engine room of the ship. Removing or replacing these materials could release asbestos dust into the air. Activities like these may have led to exposure for crew members aboard the USS Triton.
02. List of Submarines
Complete List of Submarines
Before the 1980s, many Navy submarines were constructed with asbestos materials. Widespread asbestos use caused exposure among many shipbuilders and crew members. Individuals who served aboard the submarines may be at risk of developing an asbestos-related illness.
03. Submarines & Asbestos
Asbestos Use on Submarines
Navy submarines were once built with a variety of asbestos products. For example, asbestos insulation was often used to protect pipes from steam and hot fluids.
Fires on submarines are a common concern, as it is difficult to evacuate them. Shipbuilders used asbestos on submarines to increase heat resistance and fireproof certain areas.
Asbestos-containing products frequently found on U.S. Navy submarines include:
- Adhesives
- Asbestos blankets
- Boilers
- Engines
- Flanges
- Gaskets
- Gloves
- Insulation
- Packing
- Paint
- Pipes
- Pumps
- Valves
Crew members were responsible for the installation, repair and removal of asbestos products. During these processes, asbestos fibers could become airborne. For example, machinists scraped, trimmed and fitted asbestos gaskets aboard ships. These activities may have led to asbestos exposure.
Work and sleeping quarters on submarines are tight and poorly ventilated. Some submarines also stayed underwater for months at a time. During these periods, asbestos dust could be sealed inside the ship. Small, poorly ventilated areas may increase the risk of asbestos exposure.
04. Asbestos Exposure on Submarines
Who Was at Risk of Asbestos Exposure on Submarines?
Navy personnel, shipyard workers and shipbuilders may have experienced occupational asbestos exposure from submarines. Individuals who worked with asbestos products frequently faced risks of inhaling or ingesting airborne fibers.
Asbestos exposure may lead to mesothelioma or other asbestos-related diseases. Trades that faced risks of asbestos exposure on submarines include:
- Boiler room workers
- Electricians
- Engine room workers
- Insulators
- Machinists
- Machinists’ mates
- Maintenance workers
- Mechanics
- Metal workers
- Navy personnel
- Painters
- Pipefitters
- Shipyard workers
- Welders
Laws and regulations now restrict asbestos use in submarine construction. But for decades, many submarines were built with materials that contained asbestos. Veterans may have been exposed in the past or still face exposure risks today on older ships.
This exposure may lead to serious health issues. Mesothelioma symptoms may take up to 50 years to present. As a result, many Navy veterans are diagnosed years after initial asbestos exposure.
05. Compensation Options
Compensation for People Exposed on Submarines
Navy veterans and shipbuilders who develop asbestos-related diseases may be eligible for compensation. Several legal paths may be available to asbestos victims and their loved ones, including:
Successful lawsuits often result in mesothelioma settlements. In other cases, they may result in compensation from a jury verdict. Attorneys at asbestos law firms can help clients pursue the most beneficial option for their case.
Navy veterans exposed to asbestos on submarines may also qualify for benefits through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). These benefits include financial assistance and medical care. At VA treatment centers, eligible veterans may receive specialized care from mesothelioma doctors.
