Shipyard Exposure Index - Revision history

MesotheliomaSupport: Add SEO block, worker exposure bridge paragraph, fix list formatting

2026-03-03T20:27:52Z

Add SEO block, worker exposure bridge paragraph, fix list formatting

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:27, 3 March 2026
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	--- Page Content ---		--- Page Content ---
			{{#seo:
			\|title=Shipyard Asbestos Exposure: U.S. Naval & Commercial Shipyards, Worker Risks & Compensation
			\|description=Comprehensive index of 25+ U.S. shipyards with documented asbestos exposure. Covers 4.5 million WWII workers, high-risk trades, exposure sources, and compensation pathways for shipyard workers with mesothelioma.
			\|keywords=shipyard workers mesothelioma, shipyard asbestos exposure, mesothelioma shipyard workers, mesothelioma shipyards, naval shipyard asbestos, shipyard workers asbestos, shipyard mesothelioma claims, shipyard asbestos compensation, shipyards and mesothelioma
			\|author=Larry Gates, Veterans Advocate
			\|published_time=2026-03-03
			}}
	= Shipyard Exposure Index =		= Shipyard Exposure Index =

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	American shipyards employed millions of workers during the 20th century, with peak employment during World War II and the Cold War. Asbestos was used extensively in ship construction, repair, and overhaul operations from the 1930s through the 1980s, creating one of the largest occupational exposure cohorts in U.S. history.		American shipyards employed millions of workers during the 20th century, with peak employment during World War II and the Cold War. Asbestos was used extensively in ship construction, repair, and overhaul operations from the 1930s through the 1980s, creating one of the largest occupational exposure cohorts in U.S. history.

			Shipyard workers face mesothelioma rates significantly higher than the general population. Insulators, pipefitters, boilermakers, and electricians worked in confined below-deck spaces where airborne asbestos fiber concentrations routinely exceeded safe exposure limits by 100 times or more. Because mesothelioma has a latency period of 20 to 50 years, workers exposed during the WWII shipbuilding surge and Cold War-era naval operations are still being diagnosed today.<ref name="nps_shipbuilding" /> Every Navy vessel built between the 1930s and mid-1980s contained asbestos in over 300 distinct applications — from pipe insulation and boiler lagging to gaskets, fireproofing panels, and adhesive compounds — and no shipyard provided respiratory protection or warned workers of the hazard during this period.

	''Documented shipyard facilities: 25+''		''Documented shipyard facilities: 25+''
	''Peak combined employment: 1.5+ million workers (WWII)''		''Peak combined employment: 1.5+ million workers (WWII)''
			''Estimated total workers exposed: 4.5+ million (WWII era alone)''
	''Primary exposure period: 1940-1980''		''Primary exposure period: 1940-1980''
	''Asbestos applications per vessel: 300+ distinct uses''		''Asbestos applications per vessel: 300+ distinct uses''
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	* [[Occupational Exposure Index]] — Complete occupation database		* [[Occupational Exposure Index]] — Complete occupation database
	* [[Veterans Benefits]] — Military shipyard workers		* [[Veterans Benefits]] — Military shipyard workers
	* [[Navy Ships Asbestos Database]] — Vessel-specific exposure* [[Secondary Exposure]] — Family member exposure from work clothes		* [[Navy Ships Asbestos Database]] — Vessel-specific exposure
			* [[Secondary Exposure]] — Family member exposure from work clothes

	----		----

MesotheliomaSupport: Added 5-question FAQ section for FAQPage schema coverage

2026-02-21T22:31:53Z

Added 5-question FAQ section for FAQPage schema coverage

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:31, 21 February 2026
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	----		----

			== Frequently Asked Questions ==

			=== How were shipyard workers exposed to asbestos? ===

			Shipyard workers were exposed to asbestos through direct handling of insulation materials, proximity to insulation installation and removal, and work in confined shipboard spaces where airborne asbestos fibers accumulated to concentrations exceeding safe limits by 100 times or more. Over 300 distinct asbestos-containing products were used aboard U.S. Navy ships between the 1930s and mid-1980s, and no shipyard provided respiratory protection or hazard warnings during this period.<ref name="nps_shipbuilding" />

			=== Which shipyard trades had the highest asbestos exposure? ===

			Insulators and laggers who handled raw asbestos materials daily faced the most extreme exposure, followed by boilermakers working in confined boiler spaces, pipefitters installing and removing pipe insulation, and ship scalers performing surface preparation in enclosed compartments. Electricians, machinists, welders, and sheet metal workers also faced very high exposure levels due to their proximity to asbestos-containing materials throughout the vessel.

			=== How many workers were affected by asbestos in U.S. shipyards? ===

			An estimated 4.5 million workers passed through U.S. shipyard employment during World War II alone, with peak nationwide employment exceeding 1.5 million at the war's height. The Brooklyn Navy Yard employed 70,000 workers at peak, while Kaiser's seven shipyards employed approximately 90,000.<ref name="bny_heritage" /><ref name="construction_physics" /> Shipyard asbestos exposure continued through the Cold War era until the 1980s, affecting millions more workers across naval and commercial facilities.

			=== What compensation is available for shipyard workers with mesothelioma? ===

			Shipyard workers diagnosed with mesothelioma may recover compensation through multiple channels: asbestos bankruptcy trust funds established by former manufacturers, personal injury lawsuits against solvent defendants, VA disability benefits for military-connected service, and state workers' compensation programs. Many shipyard workers recover between $500,000 and $1,500,000 or more through combined trust fund claims and litigation, depending on the number of identified asbestos product exposures and employment documentation.

			=== What documents do I need to file a shipyard asbestos claim? ===

			Successful shipyard asbestos claims require documentation of employment dates through pay stubs, tax records, or union records; job classifications including trade, rating, and department; specific vessels worked on distinguishing between repair and new construction; and evidence of asbestos contact through products used, removal work performed, and confined space assignments. Records can be obtained from the National Personnel Records Center, Social Security Administration, union locals, state workers' compensation offices, and shipyard personnel departments that maintain historical files.

	== Related Resources ==		== Related Resources ==

MesotheliomaSupport: Added WWII production scale section with NPS, Construction Physics, Brooklyn Navy Yard references

2026-02-21T05:51:31Z

Added WWII production scale section with NPS, Construction Physics, Brooklyn Navy Yard references

Show changes

MesotheliomaSupport: Internal linking: added 1 wiki links

2026-02-20T21:02:20Z

Internal linking: added 1 wiki links

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:02, 20 February 2026
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	= Shipyard Exposure Index =		= Shipyard Exposure Index =

	'''Comprehensive database of U.S. naval and commercial shipyards with documented asbestos exposure, workforce statistics, and compensation claim guidance.'''		'''Comprehensive database of U.S. naval and commercial shipyards with documented [[Asbestos Exposure\|asbestos exposure]], workforce statistics, and compensation claim guidance.'''

	American shipyards employed millions of workers during the 20th century, with peak employment during World War II and the Cold War. Asbestos was used extensively in ship construction, repair, and overhaul operations from the 1930s through the 1980s, creating one of the largest occupational exposure cohorts in U.S. history.		American shipyards employed millions of workers during the 20th century, with peak employment during World War II and the Cold War. Asbestos was used extensively in ship construction, repair, and overhaul operations from the 1930s through the 1980s, creating one of the largest occupational exposure cohorts in U.S. history.

MesotheliomaSupport: Bot edit

2026-01-19T20:41:54Z

Bot edit

MesotheliomaSupport: Fix broken table syntax

2026-01-16T00:00:48Z

Fix broken table syntax

← Older revision		Revision as of 00:00, 16 January 2026
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	! Shipyard !! Location !! Peak Employment !! Operational Period !! Profile		! Shipyard !! Location !! Peak Employment !! Operational Period !! Profile
	\|-		\|-
	\| '''Brooklyn Navy Yard''' \|\| Brooklyn, NY \|\| 70,000 (1944) \|\| 1801-1966 \|\| [[Brooklyn Navy Yard\|View Profile]]\|-		\| '''Brooklyn Navy Yard''' \|\| Brooklyn, NY \|\| 70,000 (1944) \|\| 1801-1966 \|\| [[Brooklyn Navy Yard\|View Profile]]
	\| '''Boston Naval Shipyard''' \|\| Boston, MA \|\| 50,000 (1943) \|\| 1800-1974 \|\| [[Boston Naval Shipyard\|View Profile]]\|-		\|-
	\| '''Charleston Naval Shipyard''' \|\| Charleston, SC \|\| 26,000 (1943) \|\| 1901-1996 \|\| [[Charleston Naval Shipyard\|View Profile]]\|-		\| '''Boston Naval Shipyard''' \|\| Boston, MA \|\| 50,000 (1943) \|\| 1800-1974 \|\| [[Boston Naval Shipyard\|View Profile]]
	\| '''Hunters Point Naval Shipyard''' \|\| San Francisco, CA \|\| 18,000 (1945) \|\| 1941-1974 \|\| [[Hunters Point Naval Shipyard\|View Profile]]\|-		\|-
	\| '''Long Beach Naval Shipyard''' \|\| Long Beach, CA \|\| 8,000 \|\| 1943-1997 \|\| [[Long Beach Naval Shipyard\|View Profile]]\|-		\| '''Charleston Naval Shipyard''' \|\| Charleston, SC \|\| 26,000 (1943) \|\| 1901-1996 \|\| [[Charleston Naval Shipyard\|View Profile]]
	\| '''Mare Island Naval Shipyard''' \|\| Vallejo, CA \|\| 46,000 (1945) \|\| 1854-1996 \|\| [[Mare Island Naval Shipyard\|View Profile]]\|-		\|-
	\| '''Norfolk Naval Shipyard''' \|\| Portsmouth, VA \|\| 43,000 (1943) \|\| 1767-Present \|\| [[Norfolk Naval Shipyard\|View Profile]]\|-		\| '''Hunters Point Naval Shipyard''' \|\| San Francisco, CA \|\| 18,000 (1945) \|\| 1941-1974 \|\| [[Hunters Point Naval Shipyard\|View Profile]]
	\| '''Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard''' \|\| Honolulu, HI \|\| 24,000 (1944) \|\| 1908-Present \|\| [[Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard\|View Profile]]\|-		\|-
	\| '''Philadelphia Naval Shipyard''' \|\| Philadelphia, PA \|\| 40,000 (1944) \|\| 1801-1996 \|\| [[Philadelphia Naval Shipyard\|View Profile]]\|-		\| '''Long Beach Naval Shipyard''' \|\| Long Beach, CA \|\| 8,000 \|\| 1943-1997 \|\| [[Long Beach Naval Shipyard\|View Profile]]
	\| '''Portsmouth Naval Shipyard''' \|\| Kittery, ME \|\| 25,000 (1943) \|\| 1800-Present \|\| [[Portsmouth Naval Shipyard\|View Profile]]\|-		\|-
	\| '''Puget Sound Naval Shipyard''' \|\| Bremerton, WA \|\| 32,000 (1945) \|\| 1891-Present \|\| [[Puget Sound Naval Shipyard\|View Profile]]\|-		\| '''Mare Island Naval Shipyard''' \|\| Vallejo, CA \|\| 46,000 (1945) \|\| 1854-1996 \|\| [[Mare Island Naval Shipyard\|View Profile]]
	\| '''Washington Navy Yard''' \|\| Washington, DC \|\| Historic \|\| 1799-Present \|\| [[Washington Navy Yard\|View Profile]]\|-		\|-
	\| '''Newport News Shipbuilding''' \|\| Newport News, VA \|\| 31,000 \|\| 1886-Present \|\| [[Newport News Shipbuilding\|View Profile]]\|}		\| '''Norfolk Naval Shipyard''' \|\| Portsmouth, VA \|\| 43,000 (1943) \|\| 1767-Present \|\| [[Norfolk Naval Shipyard\|View Profile]]
			\|-
			\| '''Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard''' \|\| Honolulu, HI \|\| 24,000 (1944) \|\| 1908-Present \|\| [[Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard\|View Profile]]
			\|-
			\| '''Philadelphia Naval Shipyard''' \|\| Philadelphia, PA \|\| 40,000 (1944) \|\| 1801-1996 \|\| [[Philadelphia Naval Shipyard\|View Profile]]
			\|-
			\| '''Portsmouth Naval Shipyard''' \|\| Kittery, ME \|\| 25,000 (1943) \|\| 1800-Present \|\| [[Portsmouth Naval Shipyard\|View Profile]]
			\|-
			\| '''Puget Sound Naval Shipyard''' \|\| Bremerton, WA \|\| 32,000 (1945) \|\| 1891-Present \|\| [[Puget Sound Naval Shipyard\|View Profile]]
			\|-
			\| '''Washington Navy Yard''' \|\| Washington, DC \|\| Historic \|\| 1799-Present \|\| [[Washington Navy Yard\|View Profile]]
			\|-
			\| '''Newport News Shipbuilding''' \|\| Newport News, VA \|\| 31,000 \|\| 1886-Present \|\| [[Newport News Shipbuilding\|View Profile]]
			\|}

	----		----
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	! Shipyard !! Location !! Notable Production !! Profile		! Shipyard !! Location !! Notable Production !! Profile
	\|-		\|-
	\| '''Kaiser Shipyards''' \|\| Richmond, Portland, Vancouver \|\| Liberty Ships, Victory Ships \|\| [[Kaiser Shipyards\|View Profile]]\|-		\| '''Kaiser Shipyards''' \|\| Richmond, Portland, Vancouver \|\| Liberty Ships, Victory Ships \|\| [[Kaiser Shipyards\|View Profile]]
	\| '''Avondale Shipyard''' \|\| New Orleans, LA \|\| Commercial, Military \|\| [[Avondale Shipyard\|View Profile]]\|-		\|-
	\| '''Alabama Dry Dock and Shipbuilding''' \|\| Mobile, AL \|\| Liberty Ships, Repair \|\| [[Alabama Dry Dock and Shipbuilding\|View Profile]]\|-		\| '''Avondale Shipyard''' \|\| New Orleans, LA \|\| Commercial, Military \|\| [[Avondale Shipyard\|View Profile]]
	\| '''Bath Iron Works''' \|\| Bath, ME \|\| Destroyers, Cruisers \|\| [[Bath Iron Works\|View Profile]]\|-		\|-
	\| '''Bethlehem Shipbuilding''' \|\| Multiple Locations \|\| Diverse Naval/Commercial \|\| [[Bethlehem Shipbuilding\|View Profile]]\|-		\| '''Alabama Dry Dock and Shipbuilding''' \|\| Mobile, AL \|\| Liberty Ships, Repair \|\| [[Alabama Dry Dock and Shipbuilding\|View Profile]]
	\| '''Electric Boat''' \|\| Groton, CT \|\| Submarines \|\| [[Electric Boat\|View Profile]]\|-		\|-
	\| '''Fore River Shipyard''' \|\| Quincy, MA \|\| Battleships, Carriers \|\| [[Fore River Shipyard\|View Profile]]\|-		\| '''Bath Iron Works''' \|\| Bath, ME \|\| Destroyers, Cruisers \|\| [[Bath Iron Works\|View Profile]]
	\| '''Ingalls Shipbuilding''' \|\| Pascagoula, MS \|\| Destroyers, Amphibious \|\| [[Ingalls Shipbuilding\|View Profile]]\|-		\|-
	\| '''New York Shipbuilding Corporation''' \|\| Camden, NJ \|\| Aircraft Carriers \|\| [[New York Shipbuilding Corporation\|View Profile]]\|-		\| '''Bethlehem Shipbuilding''' \|\| Multiple Locations \|\| Diverse Naval/Commercial \|\| [[Bethlehem Shipbuilding\|View Profile]]
	\| '''Tampa Bay Shipbuilding''' \|\| Tampa, FL \|\| Commercial Vessels \|\| [[Tampa Bay Shipbuilding\|View Profile]]\|-		\|-
	\| '''Todd Shipyards''' \|\| Multiple Locations \|\| Repair, Construction \|\| [[Todd Shipyards\|View Profile]]\|}		\| '''Electric Boat''' \|\| Groton, CT \|\| Submarines \|\| [[Electric Boat\|View Profile]]
			\|-
			\| '''Fore River Shipyard''' \|\| Quincy, MA \|\| Battleships, Carriers \|\| [[Fore River Shipyard\|View Profile]]
			\|-
			\| '''Ingalls Shipbuilding''' \|\| Pascagoula, MS \|\| Destroyers, Amphibious \|\| [[Ingalls Shipbuilding\|View Profile]]
			\|-
			\| '''New York Shipbuilding Corporation''' \|\| Camden, NJ \|\| Aircraft Carriers \|\| [[New York Shipbuilding Corporation\|View Profile]]
			\|-
			\| '''Tampa Bay Shipbuilding''' \|\| Tampa, FL \|\| Commercial Vessels \|\| [[Tampa Bay Shipbuilding\|View Profile]]
			\|-
			\| '''Todd Shipyards''' \|\| Multiple Locations \|\| Repair, Construction \|\| [[Todd Shipyards\|View Profile]]
			\|}

	----		----

MesotheliomaSupport: Remove coming soon text - all pages now exist

2026-01-15T23:52:46Z

Remove coming soon text - all pages now exist

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:52, 15 January 2026
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	! Shipyard !! Location !! Peak Employment !! Operational Period !! Profile		! Shipyard !! Location !! Peak Employment !! Operational Period !! Profile
	\|-		\|-
	\| '''Brooklyn Navy Yard''' \|\| Brooklyn, NY \|\| 70,000 (1944) \|\| 1801-1966 \|\| [[Brooklyn Navy Yard\|View Profile]] ~~''(coming soon)''~~		\| '''Brooklyn Navy Yard''' \|\| Brooklyn, NY \|\| 70,000 (1944) \|\| 1801-1966 \|\| [[Brooklyn Navy Yard\|View Profile]]\|-
	\|-		\| '''Boston Naval Shipyard''' \|\| Boston, MA \|\| 50,000 (1943) \|\| 1800-1974 \|\| [[Boston Naval Shipyard\|View Profile]]\|-
	\| '''Boston Naval Shipyard''' \|\| Boston, MA \|\| 50,000 (1943) \|\| 1800-1974 \|\| [[Boston Naval Shipyard\|View Profile]] ~~''(coming soon)''~~		\| '''Charleston Naval Shipyard''' \|\| Charleston, SC \|\| 26,000 (1943) \|\| 1901-1996 \|\| [[Charleston Naval Shipyard\|View Profile]]\|-
	\|-		\| '''Hunters Point Naval Shipyard''' \|\| San Francisco, CA \|\| 18,000 (1945) \|\| 1941-1974 \|\| [[Hunters Point Naval Shipyard\|View Profile]]\|-
	\| '''Charleston Naval Shipyard''' \|\| Charleston, SC \|\| 26,000 (1943) \|\| 1901-1996 \|\| [[Charleston Naval Shipyard\|View Profile]] ~~''(coming soon)''~~		\| '''Long Beach Naval Shipyard''' \|\| Long Beach, CA \|\| 8,000 \|\| 1943-1997 \|\| [[Long Beach Naval Shipyard\|View Profile]]\|-
	\|-		\| '''Mare Island Naval Shipyard''' \|\| Vallejo, CA \|\| 46,000 (1945) \|\| 1854-1996 \|\| [[Mare Island Naval Shipyard\|View Profile]]\|-
	\| '''Hunters Point Naval Shipyard''' \|\| San Francisco, CA \|\| 18,000 (1945) \|\| 1941-1974 \|\| [[Hunters Point Naval Shipyard\|View Profile]] ~~''(coming soon)''~~		\| '''Norfolk Naval Shipyard''' \|\| Portsmouth, VA \|\| 43,000 (1943) \|\| 1767-Present \|\| [[Norfolk Naval Shipyard\|View Profile]]\|-
	\|-		\| '''Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard''' \|\| Honolulu, HI \|\| 24,000 (1944) \|\| 1908-Present \|\| [[Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard\|View Profile]]\|-
	\| '''Long Beach Naval Shipyard''' \|\| Long Beach, CA \|\| 8,000 \|\| 1943-1997 \|\| [[Long Beach Naval Shipyard\|View Profile]] ~~''(coming soon)''~~		\| '''Philadelphia Naval Shipyard''' \|\| Philadelphia, PA \|\| 40,000 (1944) \|\| 1801-1996 \|\| [[Philadelphia Naval Shipyard\|View Profile]]\|-
	\|-		\| '''Portsmouth Naval Shipyard''' \|\| Kittery, ME \|\| 25,000 (1943) \|\| 1800-Present \|\| [[Portsmouth Naval Shipyard\|View Profile]]\|-
	\| '''Mare Island Naval Shipyard''' \|\| Vallejo, CA \|\| 46,000 (1945) \|\| 1854-1996 \|\| [[Mare Island Naval Shipyard\|View Profile]] ~~''(coming soon)''~~		\| '''Puget Sound Naval Shipyard''' \|\| Bremerton, WA \|\| 32,000 (1945) \|\| 1891-Present \|\| [[Puget Sound Naval Shipyard\|View Profile]]\|-
	\|-		\| '''Washington Navy Yard''' \|\| Washington, DC \|\| Historic \|\| 1799-Present \|\| [[Washington Navy Yard\|View Profile]]\|-
	\| '''Norfolk Naval Shipyard''' \|\| Portsmouth, VA \|\| 43,000 (1943) \|\| 1767-Present \|\| [[Norfolk Naval Shipyard\|View Profile]] ~~''(coming soon)''~~		\| '''Newport News Shipbuilding''' \|\| Newport News, VA \|\| 31,000 \|\| 1886-Present \|\| [[Newport News Shipbuilding\|View Profile]]\|}
	\|-
	\| '''Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard''' \|\| Honolulu, HI \|\| 24,000 (1944) \|\| 1908-Present \|\| [[Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard\|View Profile]] ~~''(coming soon)''~~
	\|-
	\| '''Philadelphia Naval Shipyard''' \|\| Philadelphia, PA \|\| 40,000 (1944) \|\| 1801-1996 \|\| [[Philadelphia Naval Shipyard\|View Profile]] ~~''(coming soon)''~~
	\|-
	\| '''Portsmouth Naval Shipyard''' \|\| Kittery, ME \|\| 25,000 (1943) \|\| 1800-Present \|\| [[Portsmouth Naval Shipyard\|View Profile]] ~~''(coming soon)''~~
	\|-
	\| '''Puget Sound Naval Shipyard''' \|\| Bremerton, WA \|\| 32,000 (1945) \|\| 1891-Present \|\| [[Puget Sound Naval Shipyard\|View Profile]] ~~''(coming soon)''~~
	\|-
	\| '''Washington Navy Yard''' \|\| Washington, DC \|\| Historic \|\| 1799-Present \|\| [[Washington Navy Yard\|View Profile]] ~~''(coming soon)''~~
	\|-
	\| '''Newport News Shipbuilding''' \|\| Newport News, VA \|\| 31,000 \|\| 1886-Present \|\| [[Newport News Shipbuilding\|View Profile]] ~~''(coming soon)''~~
	\|}

	----		----
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	! Shipyard !! Location !! Notable Production !! Profile		! Shipyard !! Location !! Notable Production !! Profile
	\|-		\|-
	\| '''Kaiser Shipyards''' \|\| Richmond, Portland, Vancouver \|\| Liberty Ships, Victory Ships \|\| [[Kaiser Shipyards\|View Profile]] ~~''(coming soon)''~~		\| '''Kaiser Shipyards''' \|\| Richmond, Portland, Vancouver \|\| Liberty Ships, Victory Ships \|\| [[Kaiser Shipyards\|View Profile]]\|-
	\|-		\| '''Avondale Shipyard''' \|\| New Orleans, LA \|\| Commercial, Military \|\| [[Avondale Shipyard\|View Profile]]\|-
	\| '''Avondale Shipyard''' \|\| New Orleans, LA \|\| Commercial, Military \|\| [[Avondale Shipyard\|View Profile]] ~~''(coming soon)''~~		\| '''Alabama Dry Dock and Shipbuilding''' \|\| Mobile, AL \|\| Liberty Ships, Repair \|\| [[Alabama Dry Dock and Shipbuilding\|View Profile]]\|-
	\|-		\| '''Bath Iron Works''' \|\| Bath, ME \|\| Destroyers, Cruisers \|\| [[Bath Iron Works\|View Profile]]\|-
	\| '''Alabama Dry Dock and Shipbuilding''' \|\| Mobile, AL \|\| Liberty Ships, Repair \|\| [[Alabama Dry Dock and Shipbuilding\|View Profile]] ~~''(coming soon)''~~		\| '''Bethlehem Shipbuilding''' \|\| Multiple Locations \|\| Diverse Naval/Commercial \|\| [[Bethlehem Shipbuilding\|View Profile]]\|-
	\|-		\| '''Electric Boat''' \|\| Groton, CT \|\| Submarines \|\| [[Electric Boat\|View Profile]]\|-
	\| '''Bath Iron Works''' \|\| Bath, ME \|\| Destroyers, Cruisers \|\| [[Bath Iron Works\|View Profile]] ~~''(coming soon)''~~		\| '''Fore River Shipyard''' \|\| Quincy, MA \|\| Battleships, Carriers \|\| [[Fore River Shipyard\|View Profile]]\|-
	\|-		\| '''Ingalls Shipbuilding''' \|\| Pascagoula, MS \|\| Destroyers, Amphibious \|\| [[Ingalls Shipbuilding\|View Profile]]\|-
	\| '''Bethlehem Shipbuilding''' \|\| Multiple Locations \|\| Diverse Naval/Commercial \|\| [[Bethlehem Shipbuilding\|View Profile]] ~~''(coming soon)''~~		\| '''New York Shipbuilding Corporation''' \|\| Camden, NJ \|\| Aircraft Carriers \|\| [[New York Shipbuilding Corporation\|View Profile]]\|-
	\|-		\| '''Tampa Bay Shipbuilding''' \|\| Tampa, FL \|\| Commercial Vessels \|\| [[Tampa Bay Shipbuilding\|View Profile]]\|-
	\| '''Electric Boat''' \|\| Groton, CT \|\| Submarines \|\| [[Electric Boat\|View Profile]] ~~''(coming soon)''~~		\| '''Todd Shipyards''' \|\| Multiple Locations \|\| Repair, Construction \|\| [[Todd Shipyards\|View Profile]]\|}
	\|-
	\| '''Fore River Shipyard''' \|\| Quincy, MA \|\| Battleships, Carriers \|\| [[Fore River Shipyard\|View Profile]] ~~''(coming soon)''~~
	\|-
	\| '''Ingalls Shipbuilding''' \|\| Pascagoula, MS \|\| Destroyers, Amphibious \|\| [[Ingalls Shipbuilding\|View Profile]] ~~''(coming soon)''~~
	\|-
	\| '''New York Shipbuilding Corporation''' \|\| Camden, NJ \|\| Aircraft Carriers \|\| [[New York Shipbuilding Corporation\|View Profile]] ~~''(coming soon)''~~
	\|-
	\| '''Tampa Bay Shipbuilding''' \|\| Tampa, FL \|\| Commercial Vessels \|\| [[Tampa Bay Shipbuilding\|View Profile]] ~~''(coming soon)''~~
	\|-
	\| '''Todd Shipyards''' \|\| Multiple Locations \|\| Repair, Construction \|\| [[Todd Shipyards\|View Profile]] ~~''(coming soon)''~~
	\|}

	----		----
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	* '''Crane Co.''' — Valves with asbestos packing		* '''Crane Co.''' — Valves with asbestos packing

	→ '''[[Asbestos Products Database\|View Complete Products List]]''' ~~''(coming soon)''~~		→ '''[[Asbestos Products Database\|View Complete Products List]]'''

	----		----

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	* [[Occupational Exposure Index]] — Complete occupation database		* [[Occupational Exposure Index]] — Complete occupation database
	* [[Veterans Benefits]] — Military shipyard workers		* [[Veterans Benefits]] — Military shipyard workers
	* [[Navy Ships Asbestos Database]] — Vessel-specific exposure ~~''(coming soon)''~~		* [[Navy Ships Asbestos Database]] — Vessel-specific exposure* [[Secondary Exposure]] — Family member exposure from work clothes
	* [[Secondary Exposure]] — Family member exposure from work clothes

	----		----

MesotheliomaSupport: Created page with "= Shipyard Exposure Index = '''Comprehensive database of U.S. naval and commercial shipyards with documented asbestos exposure, workforce statistics, and compensation claim guidance.''' American shipyards employed millions of workers during the 20th century, with peak employment during World War II and the Cold War. Asbestos was used extensively in ship construction, repair, and overhaul operations from the 1930s through the 1980s, creating one of the largest occupatio..."

2026-01-13T15:58:55Z

Created page with "= Shipyard Exposure Index = '''Comprehensive database of U.S. naval and commercial shipyards with documented asbestos exposure, workforce statistics, and compensation claim guidance.''' American shipyards employed millions of workers during the 20th century, with peak employment during World War II and the Cold War. Asbestos was used extensively in ship construction, repair, and overhaul operations from the 1930s through the 1980s, creating one of the largest occupatio..."

New page

= Shipyard Exposure Index =

'''Comprehensive database of U.S. naval and commercial shipyards with documented asbestos exposure, workforce statistics, and compensation claim guidance.'''

American shipyards employed millions of workers during the 20th century, with peak employment during World War II and the Cold War. Asbestos was used extensively in ship construction, repair, and overhaul operations from the 1930s through the 1980s, creating one of the largest occupational exposure cohorts in U.S. history.

''Documented shipyard facilities: 25+''
''Peak combined employment: 1.5+ million workers (WWII)''
''Primary exposure period: 1940-1980''
''Asbestos applications per vessel: 300+ distinct uses''

----

== How Shipyard Workers Were Exposed ==

Asbestos was used in virtually every shipboard system:

* '''Insulation''' — Pipe covering, boiler lagging, turbine wrapping
* '''Fireproofing''' — Bulkhead panels, deck underlayment, cable coating
* '''Gaskets''' — Valve packing, flange seals, pump components
* '''Structural''' — Adhesives, cements, caulking compounds

Workers in all shipyard trades faced exposure, but those in engine rooms, boiler spaces, and insulation work faced the highest concentrations—often exceeding safe limits by 100x or more.

----

== Naval Shipyards ==

U.S. Navy shipyards conducted construction, repair, and overhaul of naval vessels. These facilities operated under federal authority and maintained detailed employment records now available through FOIA requests.

{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%;"
|-
! Shipyard !! Location !! Peak Employment !! Operational Period !! Profile
|-
| '''Brooklyn Navy Yard''' || Brooklyn, NY || 70,000 (1944) || 1801-1966 || [[Brooklyn Navy Yard|View Profile]] ''(coming soon)''
|-
| '''Boston Naval Shipyard''' || Boston, MA || 50,000 (1943) || 1800-1974 || [[Boston Naval Shipyard|View Profile]] ''(coming soon)''
|-
| '''Charleston Naval Shipyard''' || Charleston, SC || 26,000 (1943) || 1901-1996 || [[Charleston Naval Shipyard|View Profile]] ''(coming soon)''
|-
| '''Hunters Point Naval Shipyard''' || San Francisco, CA || 18,000 (1945) || 1941-1974 || [[Hunters Point Naval Shipyard|View Profile]] ''(coming soon)''
|-
| '''Long Beach Naval Shipyard''' || Long Beach, CA || 8,000 || 1943-1997 || [[Long Beach Naval Shipyard|View Profile]] ''(coming soon)''
|-
| '''Mare Island Naval Shipyard''' || Vallejo, CA || 46,000 (1945) || 1854-1996 || [[Mare Island Naval Shipyard|View Profile]] ''(coming soon)''
|-
| '''Norfolk Naval Shipyard''' || Portsmouth, VA || 43,000 (1943) || 1767-Present || [[Norfolk Naval Shipyard|View Profile]] ''(coming soon)''
|-
| '''Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard''' || Honolulu, HI || 24,000 (1944) || 1908-Present || [[Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard|View Profile]] ''(coming soon)''
|-
| '''Philadelphia Naval Shipyard''' || Philadelphia, PA || 40,000 (1944) || 1801-1996 || [[Philadelphia Naval Shipyard|View Profile]] ''(coming soon)''
|-
| '''Portsmouth Naval Shipyard''' || Kittery, ME || 25,000 (1943) || 1800-Present || [[Portsmouth Naval Shipyard|View Profile]] ''(coming soon)''
|-
| '''Puget Sound Naval Shipyard''' || Bremerton, WA || 32,000 (1945) || 1891-Present || [[Puget Sound Naval Shipyard|View Profile]] ''(coming soon)''
|-
| '''Washington Navy Yard''' || Washington, DC || Historic || 1799-Present || [[Washington Navy Yard|View Profile]] ''(coming soon)''
|-
| '''Newport News Shipbuilding''' || Newport News, VA || 31,000 || 1886-Present || [[Newport News Shipbuilding|View Profile]] ''(coming soon)''
|}

----

== Commercial Shipyards ==

Private shipyards built vessels for commercial shipping, the Merchant Marine, and military contracts. Many operated under Emergency Shipbuilding Program contracts during WWII.

{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%;"
|-
! Shipyard !! Location !! Notable Production !! Profile
|-
| '''Kaiser Shipyards''' || Richmond, Portland, Vancouver || Liberty Ships, Victory Ships || [[Kaiser Shipyards|View Profile]] ''(coming soon)''
|-
| '''Avondale Shipyard''' || New Orleans, LA || Commercial, Military || [[Avondale Shipyard|View Profile]] ''(coming soon)''
|-
| '''Alabama Dry Dock and Shipbuilding''' || Mobile, AL || Liberty Ships, Repair || [[Alabama Dry Dock and Shipbuilding|View Profile]] ''(coming soon)''
|-
| '''Bath Iron Works''' || Bath, ME || Destroyers, Cruisers || [[Bath Iron Works|View Profile]] ''(coming soon)''
|-
| '''Bethlehem Shipbuilding''' || Multiple Locations || Diverse Naval/Commercial || [[Bethlehem Shipbuilding|View Profile]] ''(coming soon)''
|-
| '''Electric Boat''' || Groton, CT || Submarines || [[Electric Boat|View Profile]] ''(coming soon)''
|-
| '''Fore River Shipyard''' || Quincy, MA || Battleships, Carriers || [[Fore River Shipyard|View Profile]] ''(coming soon)''
|-
| '''Ingalls Shipbuilding''' || Pascagoula, MS || Destroyers, Amphibious || [[Ingalls Shipbuilding|View Profile]] ''(coming soon)''
|-
| '''New York Shipbuilding Corporation''' || Camden, NJ || Aircraft Carriers || [[New York Shipbuilding Corporation|View Profile]] ''(coming soon)''
|-
| '''Tampa Bay Shipbuilding''' || Tampa, FL || Commercial Vessels || [[Tampa Bay Shipbuilding|View Profile]] ''(coming soon)''
|-
| '''Todd Shipyards''' || Multiple Locations || Repair, Construction || [[Todd Shipyards|View Profile]] ''(coming soon)''
|}

----

== Shipyard Occupations ==

All shipyard workers faced asbestos exposure, but certain trades experienced the highest concentrations:

=== Extreme Exposure Trades ===
* '''Insulators/Laggers''' — Direct asbestos handling daily
* '''Boilermakers''' — Confined space boiler work
* '''Pipefitters''' — Pipe insulation installation/removal
* '''Ship Scalers''' — Surface preparation in enclosed spaces

=== Very High Exposure Trades ===
* '''Electricians''' — Wire insulation, panel work
* '''Machinists''' — Engine room equipment
* '''Welders''' — Heat shielding, cutting through insulation
* '''Sheet Metal Workers''' — Ductwork, ventilation systems

=== High Exposure Trades ===
* '''Carpenters''' — Bulkhead installation, finishing
* '''Painters''' — Surface preparation, coatings
* '''Riggers''' — General construction support
* '''Laborers''' — Cleanup, material handling

→ '''[[Occupational Exposure Index|View Complete Occupation Database]]'''

----

== Documenting Your Shipyard Employment ==

Successful claims require documentation of:

# '''Employment dates''' — Pay stubs, tax records, union records
# '''Job classifications''' — Trade, rating, department
# '''Specific vessels''' — Ships worked on, repair vs. new construction
# '''Asbestos contact''' — Products used, removal work, confined spaces

=== Record Sources ===

* '''National Personnel Records Center''' — Federal employment verification
* '''Social Security Administration''' — Employment history
* '''Union Records''' — Local union membership, job dispatches
* '''State Workers' Compensation''' — Prior injury claims
* '''Shipyard Personnel Offices''' — Some maintain historical records

→ '''[[Evidence Preservation|View Evidence Documentation Guide]]'''

----

== Asbestos Products Used in Shipyards ==

Documented asbestos-containing products used in shipyard operations:

* '''Johns Manville''' — Pipe insulation, block insulation
* '''Owens Corning''' — Fiberglass/asbestos insulation products
* '''Pittsburgh Corning''' — Unibestos block insulation
* '''Eagle-Picher''' — Thermal insulation products
* '''Garlock''' — Gaskets, packing materials
* '''Crane Co.''' — Valves with asbestos packing

→ '''[[Asbestos Products Database|View Complete Products List]]''' ''(coming soon)''

----

== Compensation Pathways ==

Shipyard workers may recover compensation through multiple channels:

* '''[[Asbestos Trust Funds]]''' — Bankruptcy trusts of former manufacturers
* '''[[Settlement Values by State|Personal Injury Lawsuits]]''' — Against solvent defendants
* '''[[Veterans Benefits]]''' — For military service connection
* '''Workers' Compensation''' — State programs (varies by jurisdiction)

Many shipyard workers recover $500,000 to $1,500,000+ through combined trust fund claims and litigation.

----

== Related Resources ==

* [[Occupational Exposure Index]] — Complete occupation database
* [[Veterans Benefits]] — Military shipyard workers
* [[Navy Ships Asbestos Database]] — Vessel-specific exposure ''(coming soon)''
* [[Secondary Exposure]] — Family member exposure from work clothes

----

[[Category:Shipyards]]
[[Category:Index Pages]]
[[Category:Exposure Documentation]]

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:41, 19 January 2026
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	{\| class="wikitable" style="width:100%;"		{\| class="wikitable" style="width:100%;"
	\|-		\|-
	! Shipyard !! Location !! Peak Employment !! Operational Period ~~!! Profile~~		! Shipyard !! Location !! Peak Employment !! Operational Period
	\|-		\|-
	\| '''Brooklyn Navy Yard''' \|\| Brooklyn, NY \|\| 70,000 (1944) \|\| 1801-1966 ~~\|\| [[Brooklyn Navy Yard\|View Profile]]~~		\| '''[[Brooklyn Navy Yard]]''' \|\| Brooklyn, NY \|\| 70,000 (1944) \|\| 1801-1966
	\|-		\|-
	\| '''Boston Naval Shipyard''' \|\| Boston, MA \|\| 50,000 (1943) \|\| 1800-1974 ~~\|\| [[Boston Naval Shipyard\|View Profile]]~~		\| '''[[Boston Naval Shipyard]]''' \|\| Boston, MA \|\| 50,000 (1943) \|\| 1800-1974
	\|-		\|-
	\| '''Charleston Naval Shipyard''' \|\| Charleston, SC \|\| 26,000 (1943) \|\| 1901-1996 ~~\|\| [[Charleston Naval Shipyard\|View Profile]]~~		\| '''[[Charleston Naval Shipyard]]''' \|\| Charleston, SC \|\| 26,000 (1943) \|\| 1901-1996
	\|-		\|-
	\| '''Hunters Point Naval Shipyard''' \|\| San Francisco, CA \|\| 18,000 (1945) \|\| 1941-1974 ~~\|\| [[Hunters Point Naval Shipyard\|View Profile]]~~		\| '''[[Hunters Point Naval Shipyard]]''' \|\| San Francisco, CA \|\| 18,000 (1945) \|\| 1941-1974
	\|-		\|-
	\| '''Long Beach Naval Shipyard''' \|\| Long Beach, CA \|\| 8,000 \|\| 1943-1997 ~~\|\| [[Long Beach Naval Shipyard\|View Profile]]~~		\| '''[[Long Beach Naval Shipyard]]''' \|\| Long Beach, CA \|\| 8,000 \|\| 1943-1997
	\|-		\|-
	\| '''Mare Island Naval Shipyard''' \|\| Vallejo, CA \|\| 46,000 (1945) \|\| 1854-1996 ~~\|\| [[Mare Island Naval Shipyard\|View Profile]]~~		\| '''[[Mare Island Naval Shipyard]]''' \|\| Vallejo, CA \|\| 46,000 (1945) \|\| 1854-1996
	\|-		\|-
	\| '''Norfolk Naval Shipyard''' \|\| Portsmouth, VA \|\| 43,000 (1943) \|\| 1767-Present ~~\|\| [[Norfolk Naval Shipyard\|View Profile]]~~		\| '''[[Norfolk Naval Shipyard]]''' \|\| Portsmouth, VA \|\| 43,000 (1943) \|\| 1767-Present
	\|-		\|-
	\| '''Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard''' \|\| Honolulu, HI \|\| 24,000 (1944) \|\| 1908-Present ~~\|\| [[Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard\|View Profile]]~~		\| '''[[Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard]]''' \|\| Honolulu, HI \|\| 24,000 (1944) \|\| 1908-Present
	\|-		\|-
	\| '''Philadelphia Naval Shipyard''' \|\| Philadelphia, PA \|\| 40,000 (1944) \|\| 1801-1996 ~~\|\| [[Philadelphia Naval Shipyard\|View Profile]]~~		\| '''[[Philadelphia Naval Shipyard]]''' \|\| Philadelphia, PA \|\| 40,000 (1944) \|\| 1801-1996
	\|-		\|-
	\| '''Portsmouth Naval Shipyard''' \|\| Kittery, ME \|\| 25,000 (1943) \|\| 1800-Present ~~\|\| [[Portsmouth Naval Shipyard\|View Profile]]~~		\| '''[[Portsmouth Naval Shipyard]]''' \|\| Kittery, ME \|\| 25,000 (1943) \|\| 1800-Present
	\|-		\|-
	\| '''Puget Sound Naval Shipyard''' \|\| Bremerton, WA \|\| 32,000 (1945) \|\| 1891-Present ~~\|\| [[Puget Sound Naval Shipyard\|View Profile]]~~		\| '''[[Puget Sound Naval Shipyard]]''' \|\| Bremerton, WA \|\| 32,000 (1945) \|\| 1891-Present
	\|-		\|-
	\| '''Washington Navy Yard''' \|\| Washington, DC \|\| Historic \|\| 1799-Present ~~\|\| [[Washington Navy Yard\|View Profile]]~~		\| '''[[Washington Navy Yard]]''' \|\| Washington, DC \|\| Historic \|\| 1799-Present
	\|-		\|-
	\| '''Newport News Shipbuilding''' \|\| Newport News, VA \|\| 31,000 \|\| 1886-Present ~~\|\| [[Newport News Shipbuilding\|View Profile]]~~		\| '''[[Newport News Shipbuilding]]''' \|\| Newport News, VA \|\| 31,000 \|\| 1886-Present
	\|}		\|}

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	{\| class="wikitable" style="width:100%;"		{\| class="wikitable" style="width:100%;"
	\|-		\|-
	! Shipyard !! Location !! Notable Production ~~!! Profile~~		! Shipyard !! Location !! Notable Production
	\|-		\|-
	\| '''Kaiser Shipyards''' \|\| Richmond, Portland, Vancouver \|\| Liberty Ships, Victory Ships ~~\|\| [[Kaiser Shipyards\|View Profile]]~~		\| '''[[Kaiser Shipyards]]''' \|\| Richmond, Portland, Vancouver \|\| Liberty Ships, Victory Ships
	\|-		\|-
	\| '''Avondale Shipyard''' \|\| New Orleans, LA \|\| Commercial, Military ~~\|\| [[Avondale Shipyard\|View Profile]]~~		\| '''[[Avondale Shipyard]]''' \|\| New Orleans, LA \|\| Commercial, Military
	\|-		\|-
	\| '''Alabama Dry Dock and Shipbuilding''' \|\| Mobile, AL \|\| Liberty Ships, Repair ~~\|\| [[Alabama Dry Dock and Shipbuilding\|View Profile]]~~		\| '''[[Alabama Dry Dock and Shipbuilding]]''' \|\| Mobile, AL \|\| Liberty Ships, Repair
	\|-		\|-
	\| '''Bath Iron Works''' \|\| Bath, ME \|\| Destroyers, Cruisers ~~\|\| [[Bath Iron Works\|View Profile]]~~		\| '''[[Bath Iron Works]]''' \|\| Bath, ME \|\| Destroyers, Cruisers
	\|-		\|-
	\| '''Bethlehem Shipbuilding''' \|\| Multiple Locations \|\| Diverse Naval/Commercial ~~\|\| [[Bethlehem Shipbuilding\|View Profile]]~~		\| '''[[Bethlehem Shipbuilding]]''' \|\| Multiple Locations \|\| Diverse Naval/Commercial
	\|-		\|-
	\| '''Electric Boat''' \|\| Groton, CT \|\| Submarines ~~\|\| [[Electric Boat\|View Profile]]~~		\| '''[[Electric Boat]]''' \|\| Groton, CT \|\| Submarines
	\|-		\|-
	\| '''Fore River Shipyard''' \|\| Quincy, MA \|\| Battleships, Carriers ~~\|\| [[Fore River Shipyard\|View Profile]]~~		\| '''[[Fore River Shipyard]]''' \|\| Quincy, MA \|\| Battleships, Carriers
	\|-		\|-
	\| '''Ingalls Shipbuilding''' \|\| Pascagoula, MS \|\| Destroyers, Amphibious ~~\|\| [[Ingalls Shipbuilding\|View Profile]]~~		\| '''[[Ingalls Shipbuilding]]''' \|\| Pascagoula, MS \|\| Destroyers, Amphibious
	\|-		\|-
	\| '''New York Shipbuilding Corporation''' \|\| Camden, NJ \|\| Aircraft Carriers ~~\|\| [[New York Shipbuilding Corporation\|View Profile]]~~		\| '''[[New York Shipbuilding Corporation]]''' \|\| Camden, NJ \|\| Aircraft Carriers
	\|-		\|-
	\| '''Tampa Bay Shipbuilding''' \|\| Tampa, FL \|\| Commercial Vessels ~~\|\| [[Tampa Bay Shipbuilding\|View Profile]]~~		\| '''[[Tampa Bay Shipbuilding]]''' \|\| Tampa, FL \|\| Commercial Vessels
	\|-		\|-
	\| '''Todd Shipyards''' \|\| Multiple Locations \|\| Repair, Construction ~~\|\| [[Todd Shipyards\|View Profile]]~~		\| '''[[Todd Shipyards]]''' \|\| Multiple Locations \|\| Repair, Construction
	\|}		\|}

Line 100:		Line 100:

	=== Extreme Exposure Trades ===		=== Extreme Exposure Trades ===
	* '''Insulators/Laggers''' — Direct asbestos handling daily		* '''[[Insulation Workers\|Insulators/Laggers]]''' — Direct asbestos handling daily
	* '''Boilermakers''' — Confined space boiler work		* '''[[Boilermakers]]''' — Confined space boiler work
	* '''Pipefitters''' — Pipe insulation installation/removal		* '''[[Plumbers and Pipefitters\|Pipefitters]]''' — Pipe insulation installation/removal
	* '''Ship Scalers''' — Surface preparation in enclosed spaces		* '''Ship Scalers''' — Surface preparation in enclosed spaces

	=== Very High Exposure Trades ===		=== Very High Exposure Trades ===
	* '''Electricians''' — Wire insulation, panel work		* '''[[Electricians]]''' — Wire insulation, panel work
	* '''Machinists''' — Engine room equipment		* '''[[Machinists]]''' — Engine room equipment
	* '''Welders''' — Heat shielding, cutting through insulation		* '''[[Welders]]''' — Heat shielding, cutting through insulation
	* '''Sheet Metal Workers''' — Ductwork, ventilation systems		* '''[[Sheet Metal Workers]]''' — Ductwork, ventilation systems

	=== High Exposure Trades ===		=== High Exposure Trades ===