Written By: Camryn Keeble
Asbestos on Navy Minesweepers
U.S. Navy minesweepers are specialized ships designed to locate and clear mines from shipping lanes, harbors, and other areas of strategic importance. Mines pose a serious threat and can be deployed by enemy forces or can be left over from previous conflicts. Unfortunately, minesweepers are known to contain asbestos, a cancer-causing mineral, in various capacities.
Reviewed By
Retired LCDR Carl Jewett
VA-Accredited Claims Agent
Reviewed By
Retired LCDR Carl Jewett
VA-Accredited Claims Agent
Dangers of Asbestos on Navy Minesweepers
Navy minesweepers were built to withstand intense seas and warfare. During construction, these specialized vessels required durable and long-lasting materials. However, one of the primary materials used by Navy shipbuilders was asbestos, a cancer-causing material. Asbestos is known to cause different types of cancer, and it is the only known cause of a rare cancer called mesothelioma.
The cancer-causing material can be found in many Navy ships built before the 1980s. Asbestos was used for its heat resistance and durability. Components containing asbestos can be found in condensers, main engines, HPACs, engine rooms and boilers, insulation of pipes and electrical equipment, turbines, valve packing material, gaskets, deck tiles, ductwork, and more.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) significantly regulated the use of asbestos in the 1980s, so ships built today have little asbestos. However, veterans who served aboard minesweepers and other Navy ships were likely exposed to asbestos. Exposure to asbestos while on active duty is referred to as military asbestos exposure, which is a very common occurrence.
If you are a Navy veteran who served on one of these ships, you may have been exposed to asbestos on your minesweeper. Contact our VA-Accredited Claims Agent, retired LCDR Carl Jewett, to find out more information or for assistance filing your VA claim.
About Navy Minesweepers
Minesweepers have played an essential role in the United States Navy, ensuring the safe passage of naval vessels through mine-infested waters during wartime and peacetime operations. These specialized ships are designed to detect, locate, and neutralize various naval mines, protecting the fleet from potential threats.
Their primary mission is the detection, neutralization, and clearance of mines for the safe passage of the U.S. Navy and allied forces. During peacetime, minesweepers, with their shallow drafts and maneuverability, are well-suited for coastal patrol and surveillance missions. They have also proved useful in search and rescue and disaster relief missions.
Sources & Author
- USS Excel (MSO-439) underway off San Diego, California (USA), on 14 December 1985 . Wikimedia Commons. Retrieved from: https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=2983912. Accessed: 09/05/2023.
AI Summary of Asbestos on Navy Minesweepers
Many Navy minesweepers, type of ships designed to locate and clear dangerous mines from surrounding waters, were built during a time when asbestos was widely used for its heat resistance and durability. These ships played an important role in protecting naval vessels and personnel during wartime and peacetime by ensuring safe passage in potentially mined waters. However, the materials used in their construction, including asbestos, have led to health concerns for those who served aboard these ships. Asbestos was incorporated into various parts of the ships, such as engine rooms, boilers, insulation, gaskets, and electrical components, due to its ability to withstand high temperatures and harsh conditions. Unfortunately, this also meant that many veterans may have been exposed to this hazardous substance during their service.
Asbestos exposure is linked to several serious illnesses, with mesothelioma being the most well known. Mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive cancer that affects the lining of the lungs, abdomen, or heart. Because asbestos was a common material used on Navy ships built before the 1980s, veterans who served on minesweepers and other vessels from that era could have inhaled asbestos fibers unknowingly. Once inhaled, these fibers can remain in the body for years, slowly causing damage that can lead to cancer. The risks associated with asbestos are well documented, and understanding this history is important for veterans who may now be experiencing health issues related to their service. It is also important to note that regulations introduced in the 1980s significantly reduced asbestos use in shipbuilding, so ships built after that period contained less or no asbestos.
If you are a Navy veteran who served on a minesweeper or similar vessel, and you are experiencing health issues, it is important to know that support and resources are available. Many veterans have been able to seek compensation and medical care through the Department of Veterans Affairs. Understanding the history of asbestos use aboard these ships can help you make informed decisions about your health and benefits. Assistance from VA-credited claims agents, who are familiar with service-related exposures, can help you navigate the process. Remember, you do not need to face this alone, and support is available to help you access the benefits you deserve.