Portsmouth Naval Shipyard
Executive Summary
Historical records show that Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Kittery, Maine built 134 submarines between 1917 and 1971, exposing generations of workers to asbestos in the most hazardous conditions possible—confined submarine compartments with minimal ventilation.[1] A 1978 study revealed unusually high cancer rates at the facility, prompting a NIOSH investigation that confirmed sheet metal workers, electricians, and welders faced the highest exposure levels.[2] More than 350 buildings at the shipyard contained asbestos materials, and the facility's severe contamination led to EPA Superfund designation in 1994. Workers filed lawsuits against more than 25 asbestos manufacturers, establishing precedents for compensation claims that continue today.[3]
At-a-Glance
- Confined-space amplifier — Submarine compartments concentrated asbestos fibers at levels far exceeding open-air shipyard work
- 134 submarines in 52 years — Every vessel built between 1917 and 1971 became a concentrated exposure chamber for construction crews
- 25,000 peak workers — WWII workforce roughly 4 times larger than the current 6,500 employees, multiplying total exposure cases
- 350+ contaminated buildings — More on-site structures contained asbestos than many entire military bases
- 30-year Superfund cleanup — EPA listed Portsmouth in 1994 and did not delist until February 2024, underscoring the scale of contamination
- Nuclear submarine insulation — Reactor compartments required high-temperature asbestos wrapping, exposing overhaul crews to the most hazardous fiber types
- 3 highest-risk trades identified — NIOSH singled out sheet metal workers, electricians, and welders above all other occupations at the yard
- 25+ manufacturer defendants — Workers sued more asbestos product makers than at most comparable Navy facilities
- Secondary exposure documented — At least one family member died of mesothelioma from fibers carried home on a worker's clothing
- Still active today — Ongoing submarine overhauls mean legacy asbestos can still be disturbed during maintenance work
Key Facts
| Metric | Finding |
|---|---|
| Year Established | June 12, 1800 — oldest continuously operating U.S. Navy shipyard (225+ years) |
| Peak Workforce | 25,000 workers during World War II (1941-1945) |
| Submarines Constructed | 134 submarines built between 1917 and 1971, including USS L-8, the first submarine built at any U.S. Navy shipyard |
| WWII Production Record | 75+ submarines built; 31 submarines in 1944 alone; 4 launched in a single day (January 27, 1944) |
| Current Employment | 6,500+ federal employees; approximately 8,000 including contractors |
| EPA Superfund Status | Listed 1994, delisted February 2024 after 30 years of cleanup |
| NIOSH Cancer Finding | 1978 study confirmed unusually high cancer rates; sheet metal workers, electricians, and welders most affected |
| Asbestos-Contaminated Buildings | 350+ buildings contained asbestos-containing materials |
| Current Mission | Nuclear submarine overhaul and refueling (1971-present) |
| Manufacturer Litigation | Workers sued 25+ asbestos manufacturers for negligence |
| Notable Vessels | USS Albacore (revolutionary hull design), USS Swordfish (first nuclear sub at a government yard) |
| Last Submarine Built | USS Sand Lance (SSN-660), commissioned 1971 — last submarine built at any public shipyard |
Why Is Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Especially Dangerous for Asbestos Exposure?
Portsmouth Naval Shipyard presents unique asbestos exposure hazards because of its specialization in submarine construction. Unlike surface ships with larger compartments and natural ventilation, submarines are inherently confined spaces where asbestos fibers concentrate to dangerous levels.[4]
Why Submarine Work Was Especially Hazardous:
Workers building and maintaining submarines at Portsmouth faced exposure conditions far worse than typical shipyard work:
- No Escape from Airborne Fibers: Submarine compartments trap airborne particles with no natural ventilation
- Multiple Trades in Same Space: Electricians, pipefitters, welders, and insulators often worked simultaneously in confined areas, each disturbing asbestos materials
- Extended Exposure Duration: Workers spent entire 8-12 hour shifts inside contaminated hull sections
- High Asbestos Density: Nuclear submarines required extensive high-temperature insulation around reactor systems
The facility built 134 submarines over 52 years—each vessel essentially a concentrated asbestos exposure chamber. The 1978 NIOSH study confirmed these conditions resulted in elevated cancer rates among workers.[5]
| "Submarine workers at Portsmouth faced what we call 'amplified exposure'—the same asbestos materials used throughout the Navy, but in confined spaces that concentrated fiber levels far beyond what surface ship workers experienced. The epidemiological data confirms this: excess asbestosis deaths were concentrated among nuclear submarine workers." |
| — Paul Danziger, Founding Partner, Danziger & De Llano |
What Asbestos Products Were Used at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard?
Portsmouth Naval Shipyard used asbestos extensively throughout its 170-year history of submarine construction and repair. The U.S. Navy mandated asbestos use through military specifications that applied to all naval facilities.[6]
Navy-Mandated Specifications:
- Navy Spec 32-F-3 (1939): Required minimum 95% asbestos fiber content in felt insulation
- Navy Spec 32-M-1e (1941): Required at least 75% asbestos content in millboard
- 1922 Navy Rule: Made asbestos use required in submarines due to fire protection requirements in confined spaces
Documented Manufacturers and Products:
| Manufacturer | Products | Submarine Applications |
|---|---|---|
| Johns-Manville | Thermal insulation, asbestos cement, pipe covering, millboard | Throughout all submarines; Navy's primary supplier |
| John Crane | Gaskets (up to 40% crocidolite asbestos), seals, packing | Pumps, valves, shaft seals since 1920s |
| Garlock | Gaskets, packing, sealing products | Extensively used on WWII submarines |
| Eagle-Picher | Insulation cement, pipe covering, block insulation | Navy contractor since 1934 |
| Owens Corning | Kaylo insulation, fiberglass products | Building and vessel insulation |
| Pittsburgh Corning | Block insulation, pipe covering | Thermal barriers |
| Raybestos-Manhattan | Asbestos cloth, friction materials | Fire blankets, protective equipment |
Submarine-Specific Asbestos Applications:
- Reactor compartment insulation (nuclear submarines)
- Steam line and piping insulation throughout vessels
- Boiler room insulation (diesel submarines)
- Electrical systems with asbestos-insulated wiring
- Torpedo room equipment insulation
- Crew berthing area bulkheads and panels
- Maneuvering room control equipment[7]
Facility Building Contamination:
More than 350 buildings at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard contained asbestos-containing materials including:
- Wall and ceiling panels
- Flooring materials
- Structural insulation
- Fire barriers
Even "The Castle," the abandoned military prison that once held captured German boats during WWI, remains riddled with asbestos today.[8]
Which Workers Were Most Affected by Asbestos at Portsmouth?
The 1978 NIOSH investigation specifically identified the occupations with highest asbestos exposure at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard. The study found that sheet metal workers, electricians, and welders faced the highest exposure levels—though most workers at PNS faced significant asbestos exposure due to pervasive contamination throughout the facility.[9]
NIOSH-Identified Highest-Exposure Occupations:
Sheet Metal Workers — Identified as the highest exposure group:
- Installed ventilation ducts insulated with asbestos
- Cut and shaped asbestos-containing panels for bulkheads
- Worked with asbestos cement and adhesives
- Created confined space enclosures that trapped asbestos dust
Electricians — Among highest exposure occupations:
- Handled asbestos-insulated wiring throughout submarines
- Drilled through asbestos-containing bulkheads to run cables
- Installed electrical panels with asbestos backing
- Worked in confined electrical spaces with poor ventilation
Welders — Identified in highest exposure category:
- Used fire-resistant asbestos blankets and curtains
- Removed asbestos insulation to access welding points
- Heat from welding degraded nearby asbestos, releasing fibers
- Worked in confined submarine compartments with inadequate ventilation
Additional High-Risk Occupations:
- Insulators/Laggers: Direct handling of raw asbestos fibers, mixing cement, applying insulation
- Pipefitters/Plumbers: Asbestos gaskets, packing, pipe insulation in confined spaces
- Boilermakers: Steam boiler maintenance, nuclear reactor systems
- Machinists: Propulsion equipment surrounded by asbestos insulation
- Riggers (Navy Yard Riggers Local 745): ~100 members; moved equipment and materials
- Painters: Asbestos-containing marine paints, surface preparation
- Carpenters: Asbestos adhesives, floor tiles, ceiling panels
- Laborers: Material transport, cleanup operations[10]
| Secondary Exposure Warning: Family members of Portsmouth workers also developed asbestos diseases. One documented case: a daughter of an insulation worker developed malignant pleural mesothelioma after breathing asbestos fibers carried home on her father's work clothing. She eventually died from the disease. |
What Did Government Studies Find About Cancer Rates at Portsmouth?
Portsmouth Naval Shipyard is one of the most thoroughly studied facilities regarding occupational asbestos exposure, with multiple peer-reviewed epidemiological investigations confirming elevated disease rates.[11]
1978 Cancer Rate Study:
A study performed at PNS showed that cancer rates were unusually high at the shipyard, triggering federal intervention and the comprehensive NIOSH investigation that followed.
NIOSH Investigation Findings:
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health conducted detailed investigations that established:
- Sheet metal workers, electricians, and welders were exposed to the highest amount of asbestos
- Most workers at PNS faced asbestos exposure due to pervasive contamination
- The poor ventilation system resulted in asbestos dust continuously circulating throughout the air[12]
1988 Case-Control Study (American Journal of Epidemiology):
This landmark study provided critical evidence:
- Elevated odds ratios for asbestos exposure among lung cancer cases
- Elevated odds ratios for welding byproduct exposure
- After controlling for asbestos and welding histories, initial radiation risk estimates were reduced—revealing that asbestos, not radiation, was the primary cancer risk factor
2005 Follow-Up Study (Radiation Research):
The positive association between lung cancer risk and ionizing radiation observed previously was no longer present after adjusting for socioeconomic status, welding fume, and asbestos exposures. This conclusively demonstrated asbestos as the primary driver of lung cancer risk.
Critical Finding:
Excess asbestosis deaths were limited to radiation-monitored workers (those working on nuclear submarines). This finding indicates nuclear submarine workers faced the most intense asbestos exposure due to extensive high-temperature insulation requirements around reactor systems.[13]
| "The Portsmouth studies are remarkable because they isolated asbestos as the primary risk factor by controlling for other potential causes like radiation exposure. When researchers adjusted for asbestos, the radiation associations disappeared. This scientific evidence significantly strengthens workers' compensation claims." |
| — Rod De Llano, Founding Partner, Danziger & De Llano |
What Legal Actions Have Portsmouth Shipyard Workers Filed?
Portsmouth Naval Shipyard workers filed extensive litigation against asbestos manufacturers, creating substantial precedent for compensation claims.[14]
Mass Litigation Against Manufacturers:
Workers filed lawsuits against more than 25 asbestos manufacturers, claiming negligence leading to:
- Malignant mesothelioma
- Asbestos-related lung cancer
- Asbestosis
This litigation wave represented one of the largest mass tort actions involving a single federal facility.
Primary Defendant Companies:
| Company | Products at Portsmouth | Trust Status |
|---|---|---|
| Johns-Manville | Navy-spec insulation, cement, pipe covering | Trust established 1988 |
| John Crane | Gaskets (40% crocidolite asbestos), seals, packing | Frequently named defendant |
| Garlock | WWII gaskets and packing | Trust established 2018 (25% payment) |
| Eagle-Picher | Insulation (Navy contractor since 1934) | Trust established 1996 (33% payment) |
| Owens Corning | Kaylo insulation | Trust established 2006 (4.7% payment) |
| Pittsburgh Corning | Block insulation | Bankruptcy 2000 |
Comparable Shipyard Verdicts:
- $34.2 million (September 2025): Portland jury verdict against John Crane Inc. for shipyard worker mesothelioma
- $11.2 million: Verdict for WWII ship dismantling worker
- $1.9 million (2006): San Francisco verdict for Navy machinist against John Crane and Thorpe Insulation[15]
Which Trust Funds Can Portsmouth Shipyard Workers File With?
Workers exposed to asbestos at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard may file claims with multiple asbestos bankruptcy trust funds based on documented product exposure.[16]
Major Applicable Trust Funds:
| Trust Fund | Payment % | Portsmouth Connection |
|---|---|---|
| Johns-Manville Trust | Varies | Primary Navy supplier; extensive products at Portsmouth |
| Garlock Trust | 25% | WWII submarine gaskets extensively used |
| Eagle-Picher Trust | 33% | Navy contractor since 1934; submarine insulation |
| Owens Corning Trust | 4.7% | Kaylo insulation in buildings and vessels |
| Pittsburgh Corning Trust | Varies | Block insulation products |
| Raybestos-Manhattan Trust | Varies | Asbestos cloth, fire blankets |
Additional Potentially Applicable Trusts:
- Armstrong World Industries
- Celotex Corporation
- G-I Holdings/GAF
- Keene Corporation
- United States Gypsum
- Flexitallic Trust
- Babcock & Wilcox Trust
- Foster Wheeler Trust[17]
| Multiple Claims Strategy: Portsmouth workers typically have claims against many trusts because submarines contained products from numerous manufacturers. Experienced attorneys identify all applicable trusts to maximize total compensation through coordinated filing. |
What Is the Environmental Status of Portsmouth Naval Shipyard?
Portsmouth Naval Shipyard was an EPA Superfund site from 1994 until February 2024, when the facility was officially delisted after 30 years of extensive remediation.[18]
Superfund History:
- 1994: Added to EPA National Priorities List
- 1995: Superfund cleanup began following Federal Facilities Agreement
- 1995-2023: Extensive remediation including asbestos removal
- February 2024: EPA deleted Portsmouth from National Priorities List
- March 19, 2024: Official ceremony celebrating Superfund delisting
Contamination Documented:
The 278-acre facility suffered from severe contamination:
Asbestos Contamination:
- 350+ buildings contained asbestos materials
- Soil contamination from improper disposal
- Sediment contamination in surrounding waters
- Landfill areas with asbestos waste
Toxic Landfill (1945-1978):
25 acres of tidal flats were filled with hazardous waste including:
- Asbestos insulation
- Chromium-, lead-, and cadmium-plating sludge
- Volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
- Waste paint and solvents
- Mercury-contaminated materials[19]
Post-Delisting Status:
Despite EPA delisting, the Navy remains responsible for:
- Long-term monitoring
- Land use controls
- Five-year reviews with EPA oversight
- Deed restrictions at contaminated sites
The Superfund documentation provides permanent government verification of extensive asbestos contamination that supports workers' compensation claims.
What Is Portsmouth Naval Shipyard's Current Status?
Portsmouth Naval Shipyard remains fully operational as one of only four public naval shipyards in the United States.[20]
Current Operations:
- Nuclear submarine overhaul, repair, and refueling (since 1971)
- Attack submarine maintenance specialist
- 6,500+ federal employees; approximately 8,000 including contractors
- One of four remaining active U.S. Navy shipyards
No New Construction Since 1971:
Portsmouth stopped building new submarines after USS Sand Lance (SSN-660) was commissioned in 1971—the last submarine constructed at any public shipyard. Since then, the facility has focused exclusively on maintenance and overhaul.
Union Representation:
- IFPTE Local 4: Approximately 2,000 professional and technical employees
- Metal Trades Unions: Various craft unions for skilled trades
Ongoing Exposure Concerns:
While new asbestos installation ceased in the 1980s, workers may still encounter:
- Legacy materials during submarine overhauls
- Contaminated building materials during renovation
- Disturbed asbestos from aging facility infrastructure
Modern operations follow strict OSHA standards including respiratory protection, air monitoring, and medical surveillance for asbestos work.[21]
How Can Portsmouth Shipyard Workers and Families Get Help?
If you or a family member worked at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard between 1917 and 1990, you may have been exposed to asbestos and could be entitled to significant compensation. The extensive government documentation—including NIOSH studies and Superfund records—provides strong evidence for claims.[22]
| Important Time Limits: Maine has specific statutes of limitations for asbestos claims. Contact an experienced mesothelioma attorney as soon as possible to protect your legal rights. |
What to Do Next:
- Gather Employment Records: Collect any documentation of your work at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard including personnel records, security badges, union membership cards, or pay stubs
- Document Your Work History: Note which submarines you worked on, which shops you worked in, and which trades you worked alongside
- Obtain Medical Records: Get documentation of your diagnosis and any connection to asbestos exposure
- Contact Experienced Attorneys: Mesothelioma attorneys can identify all applicable trust funds and pursue maximum compensation
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of asbestos were used at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard?
Portsmouth used multiple types of asbestos including chrysotile (white), amosite (brown), and crocidolite (blue). Crocidolite — the most dangerous form — was found at concentrations up to 40% in gaskets supplied by John Crane. Navy specifications mandated asbestos content as high as 95% in some insulation products used throughout the facility.
How were submarine workers exposed differently than surface ship workers?
Submarine workers faced dramatically higher exposure because asbestos fibers had nowhere to disperse in sealed hull compartments. Surface ship workers had open decks and natural ventilation, but submarine builders spent 8-12 hour shifts in enclosed spaces where multiple trades simultaneously disturbed asbestos materials, creating cumulative fiber concentrations far above open-air levels.
Can family members of Portsmouth workers file compensation claims?
Yes. Secondary (take-home) exposure claims are recognized in Maine. At least one documented case at Portsmouth involved a worker's daughter who developed fatal malignant pleural mesothelioma from breathing asbestos fibers carried home on her father's clothing. Spouses, children, and other household members may have viable claims.
What is the deadline for filing an asbestos claim in Maine?
Maine has specific statutes of limitations for asbestos-related personal injury and wrongful death claims. Because mesothelioma can take 20 to 50 years to develop after exposure, the filing clock typically starts at diagnosis rather than at the date of exposure. Contact an attorney promptly after any asbestos-related diagnosis to preserve your rights.
Are current Portsmouth workers still at risk for asbestos exposure?
Yes, though at reduced levels. While new asbestos installation stopped in the 1980s, legacy materials remain in older buildings and inside submarines undergoing overhaul. Workers who disturb original insulation, pipe lagging, or bulkhead panels during maintenance can still release asbestos fibers. Modern OSHA protocols require respiratory protection and air monitoring for any work that may disturb asbestos.
Does the EPA Superfund delisting in 2024 affect compensation claims?
No. The 30-year Superfund designation (1994-2024) actually strengthens compensation claims because it created extensive government documentation of asbestos contamination across the 278-acre facility. Delisting means cleanup met EPA standards, but it does not eliminate the historical exposure record or reduce the Navy's long-term monitoring obligations.
What VA benefits are available to Portsmouth veterans with mesothelioma?
Veterans who served at Portsmouth or worked on submarines maintained there may qualify for VA disability compensation, VA healthcare, and dependency and indemnity compensation (DIC) for surviving spouses. Mesothelioma is presumptively connected to military asbestos exposure, which can simplify the VA claims process. Veterans may pursue both VA benefits and asbestos trust fund claims simultaneously.
How many asbestos trust funds can a Portsmouth worker file with?
Most Portsmouth workers can file with multiple trust funds because submarines contained asbestos products from numerous manufacturers. The six major trusts with documented Portsmouth connections include Johns-Manville, Garlock, Eagle-Picher, Owens Corning, Pittsburgh Corning, and Raybestos-Manhattan, plus at least eight additional potentially applicable trusts. An experienced attorney can identify every applicable trust to maximize total recovery.
Quick Statistics
- 225+ years of operations — Portsmouth is the oldest continuously operating U.S. Navy shipyard, founded June 12, 1800
- 52-year submarine production run — New construction spanned 1917 to 1971, ending with USS Sand Lance (SSN-660)
- 4 submarines launched in one day — January 27, 1944, a wartime production record
- 31 submarines in a single year — 1944 peak production during World War II
- 278-acre facility footprint — The entire site was subject to EPA Superfund investigation
- 25-acre toxic landfill — Tidal flats filled with asbestos, heavy metals, and VOCs from 1945 to 1978
- $34.2 million largest comparable verdict — Portland jury award (September 2025) against John Crane for shipyard worker mesothelioma
- 6 major trust funds with documented connections — Johns-Manville, Garlock, Eagle-Picher, Owens Corning, Pittsburgh Corning, and Raybestos-Manhattan
- 8+ additional trusts potentially applicable — Including Armstrong, Celotex, G-I Holdings, Keene, USG, Flexitallic, Babcock & Wilcox, and Foster Wheeler
- 20-50 year latency period — Mesothelioma can develop decades after last asbestos exposure at the shipyard
Get Help
If you or a family member worked at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, you may have been exposed to asbestos. Contact Danziger & De Llano at (855) 699-5441 for a free case review. Additional resources are available at Mesothelioma Lawyers Near Me and Mesothelioma.net.
Related Pages
- Norfolk Naval Shipyard
- Electric Boat
- Brooklyn Navy Yard
- Long Beach Naval Shipyard
- Hunters Point Naval Shipyard
- Insulation Workers
- Boilermakers
- Plumbers and Pipefitters
- Electricians
- Welders
References
- ↑ VA Asbestos Exposure, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
- ↑ Asbestos, CDC/NIOSH
- ↑ Asbestos Exposure in Navy Shipyards: Veteran Risks, Danziger & De Llano
- ↑ Asbestos, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
- ↑ Mesothelioma Risk: Shipyard, Oil & Construction Workers, Danziger & De Llano
- ↑ Learn About Asbestos, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
- ↑ Asbestos on Naval Ships: Hidden Risks for Service Members, Danziger & De Llano
- ↑ Shipyard Employment, CDC/NIOSH
- ↑ How We Handle Shipyard Mesothelioma Cases, Danziger & De Llano
- ↑ Mesothelioma Treatment (PDQ), National Cancer Institute
- ↑ Current Intelligence Bulletin 62: Asbestos Fibers, CDC/NIOSH
- ↑ Mesothelioma, National Cancer Institute
- ↑ Mesothelioma Settlements, Danziger & De Llano
- ↑ Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Basics - Asbestos Trusts, United States Courts
- ↑ How to File a VA Disability Claim, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
- ↑ Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, EPA Superfund Site Information
- ↑ Search Superfund Sites Where You Live, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
- ↑ OSHA Asbestos Standard for Construction, Occupational Safety and Health Administration
- ↑ 2024 VA Disability Compensation Rates, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs