Asbestos Exposure Aboard Baltimore-Class Heavy Cruisers

If you served aboard a ship of the Baltimore-Class Heavy Cruisers, you may have been exposed to asbestos. Ships of this era used asbestos throughout their engineering and living spaces because it resisted heat and fire. If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, lung cancer, or another asbestos-related disease, you may be eligible for compensation through asbestos trust funds and VA benefits. There is no cost to speak with us about your service history.

About the Baltimore-Class Heavy Cruisers

The Baltimore-Class Heavy Cruisers were heavy cruisers that served in World War II and the Korean War, several later converted to guided missile cruisers. They were in service across roughly 1943 to the 1970s. Like other warships of the 1940s, they were built and maintained at a time when asbestos was a standard material.

Where asbestos was used aboard the Baltimore-Class Heavy Cruisers

Asbestos was used in many parts of a ship of this era. The heaviest concentrations were in the engineering spaces, where high heat made fireproof insulation necessary. Common locations included:

• Boilers, turbines, and steam piping wrapped in asbestos lagging and insulation
• Gaskets and valve packing throughout steam, fuel, and water systems
• Pumps, evaporators, and heat exchangers
• Insulation behind bulkheads and around ventilation trunks
• Fireproofing in berthing, galley, and machinery compartments

Repair and overhaul work disturbed these materials. Removing and replacing insulation, gaskets, and packing could release asbestos fibers into the air in enclosed spaces.

Who was exposed

Sailors in the engineering ratings had the most regular contact with asbestos. The roles most often associated with this exposure include:

• Boiler Technician (BT). Operated and maintained boilers that were heavily insulated with asbestos.
• Machinist’s Mate (MM). Worked on turbines, pumps, and engine room machinery sealed with asbestos gaskets and packing.
• Hull Maintenance Technician (HT). Performed welding, pipefitting, and structural repair that cut through asbestos materials.
• Engineman (EN) and Damage Controlman (DC). Maintained machinery and firefighting systems in insulated spaces.

Sailors in other ratings could also be exposed, since the materials were present throughout the ship and overhaul work affected many compartments.

Health risks from asbestos exposure

Asbestos exposure is linked to mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis. These diseases commonly develop 10 to 50 years after exposure, so a diagnosis decades after service is common. A veteran who served aboard ships of this era and later received such a diagnosis may have options for compensation.

Trust funds covering Baltimore-Class Heavy Cruisers exposure

Many companies that supplied asbestos materials to the Navy later filed for bankruptcy and set up trust funds. A veteran exposed aboard a ship of this class may have claims against more than one trust, separate from any lawsuit and separate from VA benefits.

Insulation and block materials point to trusts such as Owens-Corning Fibreboard, Babcock and Wilcox, and Combustion Engineering. Gaskets and packing point to gasket makers whose trusts are listed in the asbestos trust funds directory.

Figures on this page are reference values from published trust documents and are not a promise of payment. See the full disclaimer.

Compensation options for veterans

A trust claim does not replace VA benefits. They are separate paths. A veteran with mesothelioma may qualify for VA disability compensation, and a surviving spouse may qualify for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation. See VA benefits for mesothelioma and filing a VA claim and a trust claim together.

Related ships and resources

See other vessels of this era: Cleveland-Class Light Cruisers; Iowa-Class Battleships. For the full index, see asbestos on Navy ships and the military bases directory. For examples of how Navy cases have resolved, see Navy veteran mesothelioma verdicts and settlements.

Get help with your claim

We help veterans and their families understand their compensation options. There is no cost to speak with us about your case.

Call: (800) 763-9692
Or fill out the form below.

Frequently asked questions

Was there asbestos on the Baltimore-Class Heavy Cruisers?
Yes. Ships of this era used asbestos for insulation and fireproofing, especially in boilers, turbines, piping, gaskets, and packing throughout the engineering spaces.

Who was most exposed aboard these ships?
Engineering ratings such as boiler technicians, machinist’s mates, hull maintenance technicians, and enginemen had the most regular contact, though the materials were present throughout the ship.

Can I file a trust claim and a VA claim?
In many cases, yes. Trust claims are paid by the manufacturers’ trusts, not the VA, so the two are usually separate paths. A case review can confirm which options apply to you.

How long after service can mesothelioma appear?
Mesothelioma commonly develops 10 to 50 years after exposure, so a diagnosis decades after Navy service is common.

Sources

1. https://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/asbestos/
2. https://www.benefits.va.gov/COMPENSATION/claims-special-asbestos.asp