Norfolk Naval Shipyard Norfolk Naval Shipyard in Portsmouth, Virginia, is one of the oldest and largest naval shipyards in the United States. Workers were extensively exposed to asbestos-containing materials during ship construction and repair from the 1940s through the 1970s.
Last verified: 2026-03-09Founded in 1767, Norfolk Naval Shipyard became a critical facility during World War II and the Cold War. Asbestos was used extensively in ship insulation, boiler rooms, engine rooms, and throughout vessel construction. Thousands of workers handled asbestos-containing pipe covering, gaskets, packing materials, and fireproofing compounds daily. At its peak during WWII, the yard employed over 40,000 workers.
Workers at Norfolk Naval Shipyard encountered asbestos in virtually every area of ship construction and repair. Insulators applied asbestos-containing materials to pipes, boilers, and bulkheads. Pipe fitters cut and fitted asbestos gaskets and packing. The confined spaces of ship interiors concentrated airborne asbestos fibers to dangerous levels, exposing not only tradespeople but also helpers and laborers working nearby.
The following job categories at Norfolk Naval Shipyard had the highest risk of asbestos exposure:
Former Norfolk Naval Shipyard workers have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, lung cancer, asbestosis, and other asbestos-related diseases. Due to the 10–50 year latency period, many workers diagnosed today were exposed decades ago during their service at the yard. Studies have documented elevated rates of asbestos-related mortality among the yard's workforce.
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 Norfolk 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.
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 Norfolk 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 Norfolk Naval Shipyard may be eligible to file claims with the following trust funds:
If you were exposed to asbestos at Norfolk Naval Shipyard and have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, these specialized treatment centers in Virginia may be able to help.
Yes. Asbestos-containing insulation, gaskets, fireproofing, and other materials were used extensively at Norfolk Naval Shipyard from the 1940s through the late 1970s, particularly in ship construction and repair operations.
Insulators, pipe fitters, boilermakers, welders, and shipfitters had the highest exposure levels due to direct contact with asbestos-containing materials in confined ship spaces.
Yes. Workers exposed to asbestos at Norfolk Naval Shipyard who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, lung cancer, or asbestosis may be eligible to file claims against asbestos trust funds and pursue legal compensation.
Norfolk Naval Shipyard in Portsmouth, VA 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 Norfolk 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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