Brooklyn Navy Yard The Brooklyn Navy Yard in Brooklyn, New York, was one of the most prolific warship construction facilities in American history. Workers were massively exposed to asbestos during the construction of battleships, aircraft carriers, and other vessels from the 1940s until the yard's closure in 1966.
Last verified: 2026-03-09Established in 1801, the Brooklyn Navy Yard became one of the most important shipbuilding facilities during World War II, employing over 70,000 workers at its peak. The yard built legendary warships including the USS Missouri, USS Iowa, and USS Arizona. Asbestos was used in every aspect of ship construction. The Navy decommissioned the yard in 1966.
The massive scale of WWII production at Brooklyn Navy Yard meant that tens of thousands of workers handled asbestos materials simultaneously. Insulators applied asbestos pipe covering and boiler lagging in ships' engine rooms and throughout vessels. The speed of wartime construction meant minimal safety precautions, and workers routinely inhaled asbestos dust in enclosed ship compartments without respiratory protection.
The following job categories at Brooklyn Navy Yard had the highest risk of asbestos exposure:
Brooklyn Navy Yard has been linked to an extremely high incidence of mesothelioma and asbestos-related cancers among its former workers. The combination of a massive wartime workforce and uncontrolled asbestos exposure created thousands of victims. Many cases continue to be diagnosed decades after the yard's 1966 closure due to the disease's long latency period.
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 Brooklyn Navy Yard 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.
2 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 Brooklyn Navy Yard 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 Brooklyn Navy Yard may be eligible to file claims with the following trust funds:
If you were exposed to asbestos at Brooklyn Navy Yard and have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, these specialized treatment centers in New York may be able to help.
Yes. Asbestos was used extensively at the Brooklyn Navy Yard during ship construction and repair. Insulation, gaskets, fireproofing, and turbine wrapping all contained asbestos throughout the yard's operational history.
Insulators, pipe fitters, welders, riggers, and general laborers had the highest exposure, especially during the WWII production surge when over 70,000 workers built warships with asbestos-containing materials.
Yes. Former workers and their families may pursue compensation through asbestos trust funds and legal claims if they have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, lung cancer, or asbestosis from Brooklyn Navy Yard exposure.
Brooklyn Navy Yard in Brooklyn, NY is a documented asbestos exposure site. Workers in the naval shipbuilding & repair 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 Brooklyn Navy Yard 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.
Or call us 24/7: 1-800-400-1805
Sources:
