Bath Iron Works Bath Iron Works in Bath, Maine, is one of America's premier naval shipbuilders and a major builder of guided-missile destroyers. Workers were exposed to asbestos-containing materials during warship construction from the 1940s through the 1970s.
Last verified: 2026-03-09Founded in 1884, Bath Iron Works has been a leading U.S. naval shipbuilder for over a century. During World War II the yard built destroyers and Liberty ships at a rapid pace. The company continues to operate today as a subsidiary of General Dynamics, building Arleigh Burke-class destroyers. Asbestos was a standard component in all vessels built at the yard through the 1970s.
Workers at Bath Iron Works installed asbestos-containing pipe insulation, boiler lagging, and gaskets in warships under construction. Welders and burners disturbed asbestos materials during fabrication and fitting work. Electricians pulled cables through asbestos-insulated spaces, and painters worked alongside insulators in confined below-deck compartments where asbestos dust accumulated.
The following job categories at Bath Iron Works had the highest risk of asbestos exposure:
Former Bath Iron Works employees have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis from workplace asbestos exposure. The yard's long history of naval construction means workers from multiple decades were affected. Legal claims from former employees have identified numerous asbestos product manufacturers whose materials were used at the facility.
Health information is based on established medical research on asbestos exposure. Asbestos is classified as a known human carcinogen by the National Cancer Institute, the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Consult a physician for medical advice specific to your situation.
Workers exposed to asbestos at Bath Iron Works may be entitled to compensation through asbestos trust funds, personal injury lawsuits, or veterans benefits. Mesothelioma patients and their families have recovered billions in compensation from companies that manufactured or used asbestos products.
3 asbestos trust funds have been identified as potentially related to exposure at this site. Many mesothelioma patients qualify to file claims with multiple trusts simultaneously.
Find Out If You QualifyWorkers who were employed at Bath Iron Works between 1940s–1970s may have been exposed to asbestos-containing materials. If you've been diagnosed with mesothelioma, lung cancer, or asbestosis, you may have legal options including trust fund claims and lawsuits.
Workers exposed to asbestos at Bath Iron Works may be eligible to file claims with the following trust funds:
Yes. Asbestos-containing insulation, gaskets, fireproofing, and cable insulation were standard materials in warships built at Bath Iron Works from the 1940s through the late 1970s.
Insulators, pipe fitters, welders, electricians, and general laborers had the highest exposure levels during ship construction, particularly those working in enclosed below-deck spaces.
Yes. Former Bath Iron Works employees diagnosed with mesothelioma, lung cancer, or asbestosis may be eligible for compensation through asbestos trust funds and personal injury claims against product manufacturers.
Bath Iron Works in Bath, ME is a documented asbestos exposure site. Workers in the naval destroyer & frigate construction industry were exposed to asbestos-containing materials from the 1940s through the 1970s. Former workers diagnosed with mesothelioma or other asbestos-related diseases may be eligible for compensation.
If you or a loved one worked at Bath Iron Works and have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, lung cancer, or asbestosis, our attorneys can help you explore your legal options. There is no cost, no pressure, and no obligation.
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