Skate-Wear Central

Navy Carpenter

Boston Naval Shipyard & Asbestos Use

Located in Charlestown, Massachusetts, the Charlestown Navy Yard was among the first shipbuilding sites in the nation. It operated from 1801 to 1974, and has been referred to as the Boston Naval Shipyard since 1945. Like many other shipyards in the United States, the Boston Naval Shipyard used asbestos.

The Secretary of the Navy opened the Boston Naval Shipyard to build vessels for the country’s defense and to repair those that had been damaged. The USS Independence was the first vessel built at the Boston Naval Shipyard, and many other Navy ships followed. Destroyer escorts, barrack ships, submarines, destroyers,  tank landing ships and motor tugs were among the ships constructed at the Boston Naval Shipyard. The Boston Naval Shipyard was also used to repair and store Navy vessels.

The Boston Naval Shipyard was active during several different wars, including the Spanish American War, World War I and World War II. During World War II, the Boston Naval Shipyard employed a record-high 50,000 workers. This was mostly because of an array of attacks from German submarines that destroyed and sank a number of naval vessels.

The Massachusetts shipyard employed a variety of workers including blacksmiths, shipbuilders, machinists, electricians, sail makers, plumbers and carpenters. Unfortunately, many of these workers may have been exposed to the toxic mineral asbestos. Asbestos refers to a group of six minerals that were utilized for their heat resistance and insulating properties. Because of this, asbestos was used in many industries, including shipbuilding, from the late 1800s until its ban in the late 1900s. When products containing asbestos are damaged or disturbed, tiny asbestos fibers are released into the air and can be inhaled into the lungs. Eventually, these asbestos fibers can lead to the development of mesothelioma, asbestosis and lung cancer.

The Boston Naval Shipyard used asbestos extensively throughout the shipbuilding process, particularly after it began using steel and metal for hulls and various other parts. According to the U.S Navy, approximately 300 products containing asbestos were used regularly in the shipbuilding process. Although the health effects of asbestos exposure were recorded as early as the 1920s, those working with the mineral were unaware of its dangers until the mid to late 1900s. As a result, many workers, including shipbuilders, Navy veterans and naval contractors, may have been exposed to asbestos fibers in dangerous amounts. Although the Navy banned asbestos use in 1973, many workers had already been exposed to the harmful mineral.

In 1974, the Boston Naval Shipyard was shut down as part of a government cost-saving plan. As the dangers of asbestos became public in the 1970s, any asbestos products at the shipyard had to be cleaned up and removed properly. Several acres of the Boston Naval Shipyard are now part of the Boston National Historical Park.

About the Author

A mesothelioma law firm, The Shepard Law Firm represents mesothelioma victims and their families throughout Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont and Rhode Island. If you or a loved one has developed mesothelioma, contact the mesothelioma attorneys at The Shepard Law Firm for a free legal consultation.

OLD NAVY CARPENTER JEANS AND AE SHIRT

O’Neill Carpenter Tee $20 O’Neill Carpenter Tee

Splendid Navy Modest Bandini Top and Navy Swim Bottom $116 Sophisticated yet sporty. The Splendid Bayside Solid Bandini Top offers a full coverage look with a stylish twist. With removable soft cups detachable swim strap and slimming side shirring detail you’ll have total confidence poolside. Color: Navy. Content: 89% Micro Nylon 11% Spandex. Made in California U.S.A.

Mens Breadwinner, Navy/Orange $16 100% acrylic, Reversible visor beanie, Jacquard logo, OFFERED IN YOUTH, Available in sizes: One Size

Mens Stockholm, Navy $15 100% nylon tri fold wallet, Screen-print art, Available in sizes: One Size

Mens Konz, Navy $50 60% cotton 40% polyester heather loose knit french terry crew neck pullover, Felt chest appliqué, Mikey Taylor signature label package, Available in sizes: S, M, L, XL

Mens Classic Pullover, Navy $48 80% cotton 20% polyester, 240gsm Fleece pullover, Jersey hood lining, Embroidered chest logo, Available in sizes: S, M, L, XL

Mens Entry, Navy $30 600D basic backpack, Woven label, Dimensions: 17″ H x 15″ W x 5″ D, Available in sizes: One Size

Mens Jacar Belt, Navy $16 100% polyester, All over printed web belt, Enameled logo buckle, Available in sizes: One Size

Mens Chevy, Navy $30 210 Fitted cap, Etnies icon embroidery, Available in sizes: S/M, L/XL

Mens Heritage, Navy $22 Foam trucker hat with screen-print, Available in sizes: One Size

Mens Rookie, Navy $28 Snapback hat with 3D embroidery, Available in sizes: One Size

Girls Circe, Dark Navy $40 Closed toe design, Textile uppers, STI Foam Lite Level 1 footbed, EVA outsole, Available in sizes: 5-11

Mens Bound, Navy $40 Color blocked tri-blend long sleeve Henley, Chest pocket, Devine Calloway signature label package, Available in sizes: S, M, L, XL

Mens Mayday, Navy $52 100% cotton, 12G high low stripe sweater, Contrast interior collar, Full fashion sleeves, Available in sizes: S, M, L, XL

Splendid Solid Navy Ruffle Halter Bikini and Bikini Bottom $100 The Bayside Solid Halter Bikini Top is a new style that offers stylish support and coverage. The full ruffle detail and tie accent create a sweet statement for summer. Color: Navy. Content: 89% Micro Nylon 11% Spandex. Made in Califonia U.S.A.

Mens Standard 10, Navy/White $32 100% cotton New Era cotton twill cap, 3D embroidered etnies Icon, Available in sizes: 7, 7 1/8, 7 1/4, 7 3/8, 7 1/2, 7 5/8, 7 3/4, 7 7/8

Mens Icon Wallet, Navy/Red $15 Nylon tri fold wallet, Embroidered appliqué, Available in sizes: One Size

Mens Bledsoe Mid, Navy/White $70 Designed and tested by Tyler Bledsoe , Slimmer vulcanized silhouette with blind seam toe and reduced padding , Unique lace locking system with hidden toggle and DTTF Pro 1 footbed for increased comfort and cushioning, Custom signature trim package, Available in sizes: 5-14

Mens Jameson 2, Navy/Black $60 Cupsole construction, Thinly padded tongue and collar, STI Foam™ Lite level 1 footbed, 400 NBS rubber outsole with internal EVA midsole, Available in sizes: 5-14

Mens Freeport, Navy/Blue/White $65 Team inspired silhouette is one of the most comfortable in the line, The upper is built around a narrow last while the main feature is the memory foam collar and tongue, The midsole has an egg crate build for additional support and DTTF Pro 1 footbed for comfort, Finishing trim package includes metal badging and rap bar details on the quarter, Available in sizes: 5-14