Bethlehem Steel Shipyard Quincy Bethlehem Steel Shipyard in Quincy, Massachusetts, was a major warship and commercial vessel construction facility. Workers were extensively exposed to asbestos during construction of aircraft carriers, cruisers, and merchant ships from the 1940s through the yard's closure in 1986.
Last verified: 2026-03-09Originally the Fore River Shipbuilding Company (which operated nearby), Bethlehem Steel acquired the Quincy yard and expanded it into one of the East Coast's largest shipbuilding facilities. During WWII the yard built aircraft carriers, destroyers, and landing ships. Post-war production included commercial tankers and naval vessels. Asbestos was used in all vessel types throughout the yard's history until its closure in 1986.
Workers at the Bethlehem Steel Quincy yard installed and removed asbestos-containing insulation on boilers, steam lines, and turbines in every class of ship built at the facility. Boilermakers and pipe fitters handled asbestos gaskets and packing daily. The wartime production surge meant that workers labored around the clock with minimal safety precautions, maximizing their asbestos exposure in confined engine rooms and boiler spaces.
The following job categories at Bethlehem Steel Shipyard Quincy had the highest risk of asbestos exposure:
Former Bethlehem Steel Quincy workers have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis at elevated rates. The South Shore area of Massachusetts has seen high numbers of asbestos-related disease cases linked to the yard. Bethlehem Steel's bankruptcy led to the establishment of an asbestos trust fund to compensate injured workers.
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 Bethlehem Steel Shipyard Quincy 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 Bethlehem Steel Shipyard Quincy between 1940s–1960s 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 Bethlehem Steel Shipyard Quincy may be eligible to file claims with the following trust funds:
If you were exposed to asbestos at Bethlehem Steel Shipyard Quincy and have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, these specialized treatment centers in Massachusetts may be able to help.
Yes. Asbestos-containing pipe insulation, boiler lagging, gaskets, and fireproofing were used extensively at the Bethlehem Steel Quincy yard in warships and commercial vessels built from the 1940s through the 1980s.
Insulators, pipe fitters, boilermakers, and welders had the highest exposure due to handling asbestos-containing materials in confined ship compartments during construction and repair work.
Yes. Former workers diagnosed with mesothelioma, lung cancer, or asbestosis may file claims against asbestos trust funds, including the Bethlehem Steel trust, and pursue legal compensation from other responsible manufacturers.
Bethlehem Steel Shipyard in Quincy, MA is a documented asbestos exposure site. Workers in the naval & commercial shipbuilding industry were exposed to asbestos-containing materials from the 1940s through the 1960s. Former workers diagnosed with mesothelioma or other asbestos-related diseases may be eligible for compensation.
If you or a loved one worked at Bethlehem Steel Shipyard Quincy 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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