Philadelphia Naval Shipyard Philadelphia Naval Shipyard was one of the largest and most active naval shipyards in the United States. Workers at the facility were extensively exposed to asbestos during warship construction and overhaul from the 1940s through the 1970s.
Last verified: 2026-03-09Founded in 1801, Philadelphia Naval Shipyard was the first federal naval shipyard in the United States. During World War II the yard employed over 40,000 workers and produced 53 ships. The facility built aircraft carriers, battleships, and cruisers, all of which used asbestos-containing materials throughout their construction. The yard closed in 1996 under the BRAC process.
Workers at Philadelphia Naval Shipyard handled asbestos-containing insulation, gaskets, and fireproofing materials daily. Below-deck work on aircraft carriers and battleships exposed workers to high concentrations of airborne asbestos fibers in poorly ventilated spaces. Insulators applied and removed asbestos pipe covering, while boilermakers and pipe fitters cut asbestos gaskets and packing materials.
The following job categories at Philadelphia Naval Shipyard had the highest risk of asbestos exposure:
Thousands of former Philadelphia Naval Shipyard workers have developed mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis. The yard's large workforce and decades of asbestos use created one of the highest concentrations of asbestos-related disease in the northeastern United States. Many workers were not warned about asbestos dangers until the late 1970s.
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 Philadelphia Naval 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 Philadelphia Naval Shipyard 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 Philadelphia Naval Shipyard may be eligible to file claims with the following trust funds:
If you were exposed to asbestos at Philadelphia Naval Shipyard and have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, these specialized treatment centers in Pennsylvania may be able to help.
Yes. Asbestos-containing materials were used throughout Philadelphia Naval Shipyard in pipe insulation, boiler lagging, gaskets, valve packing, and fireproof panels during ship construction and repair for decades.
Insulators, pipe fitters, boilermakers, sheet metal workers, and welders had the highest exposure levels, particularly those working in confined engine rooms and boiler rooms aboard ships.
Yes. Former workers diagnosed with mesothelioma, asbestosis, or lung cancer from asbestos exposure at Philadelphia Naval Shipyard may be eligible for compensation through trust funds and legal claims.
Philadelphia Naval Shipyard in Philadelphia, PA is a documented asbestos exposure site. Workers in the naval shipbuilding & repair 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 Philadelphia Naval 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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