Asbestos in the Coast Guard

Where Do Coast Guardsmen Encounter Asbestos?

The risks of asbestos exposure in the Coast Guard are essentially the same as those of the Navy. This is because of the prevalence of the use of asbestos in shipbuilding.

The Coast Guard doesn’t have as many cases of mesothelioma as the Navy, but it’s important to keep in mind that their branch is about 1/10 the size of the Navy. Regardless, those who worked in the shipyards constructing vessels and veterans aboard ships were defenseless against the dangers of asbestos.

During the war, ship production increased substantially to support the war effort, which meant asbestos production also increased substantially.

Furthermore, Coast Guard vessels were often modified into warships, posing a threat of asbestos exposure during modification.

Ships

The prevalence of asbestos in ships lasted until the federal government began regulating asbestos in the 1980s. An estimated 300 different asbestos products were used in all military branches up to this time, mostly in ships. Some uses of asbestos on Coast Guard ships include:

• Insulation
• Electrical wiring and equipment
• Pipes and pipe fittings
• Valves
• Ropes
• Deck coating material
• Flooring material
• Engine and boiler rooms

The Coast Guard has some of the oldest vessels in the world. Cutters are the largest ships in the Coast Guard. They are to the Coast Guard what aircraft carriers are to the Navy. The term “cutter” used to describe small sailing ships used for fast, additional support.

Cutters are also the only vessel in the Coast Guard with a permanently assigned crew.

Also, more asbestos was used in cutters than other ships in the Coast Guard because of their size.

Other vessels in the Coast Guard that most likely contained asbestos are:

• Lifeboats
• Response boats
• Utility boast
• Long Range Interceptors
• Short Range Interceptors
• Transportable Port Security Boats

Occupational Risk: Shipyard Workers

Shipyard workers had high levels of occupational exposure, and as a result, have a high incidence of mesothelioma.

Curtis Bay Coast Guard Yard

The Coast Guard operates its own shipyard in Baltimore, Maryland. Veterans who were stationed at the Curtis Bay Coast Guard Yard have a significantly higher risk of developing mesothelioma than other Coast Guard veterans. Serving as the only industrial shipyard and repair center for the Coast Guard, the Curtis Bay Yard has been in operation since 1899.

A report on workers and veterans who worked in the shipyard showed a significant increase in mesothelioma and other lung diseases. It was attributed to asbestos exposure in the yard.

How Can Coast Guardsmen Take Action?

Those whose occupation involved the building or maintenance of ships have the highest risk of developing mesothelioma.

Curtis Bay Coast Guard Yard

Coast Guard veterans who were diagnosed with mesothelioma as a result of asbestos exposure during active duty service are entitled to benefits from the Office of Veterans Affairs. They may also file a claim against the companies responsible for manufacturing the asbestos products used by the Coast Guard.

Our VA-accredited claims agent, LCDR Carl Jewett, has been the catalyst for many veterans to get their VA benefits and more. Commander Jewett explains how you can get access to treatment and benefits for veterans in our free Veteran’s Support Guide.