Fore River Shipyard Fore River Shipyard in Quincy, Massachusetts, was one of America's most productive shipbuilding facilities in the first half of the 20th century. Workers were exposed to asbestos during construction of battleships, aircraft carriers, and cruisers from the early 1900s through the 1960s.
Last verified: 2026-03-09Fore River Shipyard was founded in 1884 by Thomas Watson (Alexander Graham Bell's assistant) and became one of the most important naval shipyards in American history. The yard built the USS Lexington, USS Nevada, and numerous other capital ships. During WWII it was operated by Bethlehem Steel and produced destroyers, cruisers, and aircraft carriers. Asbestos was a primary construction material throughout the yard's history.
Workers at Fore River Shipyard handled asbestos-containing materials during every phase of ship construction. Insulators applied asbestos pipe covering and boiler lagging in engine rooms and throughout vessels. Boilermakers installed asbestos gaskets and seals. Riveters and welders worked alongside insulators in confined compartments where asbestos dust filled the air. The yard's long operational history means workers from multiple generations were exposed.
The following job categories at Fore River Shipyard had the highest risk of asbestos exposure:
Former Fore River Shipyard workers have experienced elevated rates of mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis. The Quincy/South Shore area of Massachusetts has one of the highest concentrations of mesothelioma cases in the country, largely attributed to the two shipyards that operated there. Workers exposed in the 1940s and 1950s continued to be diagnosed with asbestos diseases into the 2000s and beyond.
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 Fore River Shipyard 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 Fore River Shipyard between 1900s–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 Fore River Shipyard may be eligible to file claims with the following trust funds:
If you were exposed to asbestos at Fore River Shipyard 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, turbine wrapping, and fireproofing were standard construction materials at Fore River Shipyard throughout its operational history from the early 1900s through the 1960s.
Insulators, pipe fitters, boilermakers, riveters, and welders had the highest exposure levels due to working with asbestos materials in confined ship compartments during construction.
Yes. Former workers diagnosed with mesothelioma, lung cancer, or asbestosis from Fore River Shipyard asbestos exposure may be eligible for compensation through trust funds and legal claims against product manufacturers.
Fore River 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 1900s 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 Fore River Shipyard 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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