New York Shipbuilding Corporation
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Based out of Camden, New Jersey, the New York Shipbuilding Corporation was once one of the largest shipbuilding yards for the U.S. Navy. The shipyard played a major role building ships used during the both world wars, but it came at the cost of asbestos exposure in thousands of workers and veterans.
About New York Shipbuilding Corporation
The New York Shipbuilding Corporation (NYSB) was established in 1899 by Henry G. Morse. Despite its name, Morse chose New Jersey as the shipyard’s home after plans to buy land on Staten Island fell through. Morse kept the name and found land in the southern area of Camden that he felt would suit the needs of the business.[1]
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The business grew quickly and within its first year of operations, the shipyard had already built its first vessel. By 1917, the shipyard expanded substantially and began constructing luxury liners, aircraft carriers, battleships, barges, and more.
When World War I began, the shipyard was extremely busy, creating numerous vessels. It also built Yorkship Village during this time, a community created specifically for NYSB workers.[1]
During World War II, the shipyard expanded its line to build a battleship, Independence-class light carriers, and over ninety landing craft and tanks. NYSB was also responsible for building tenders and seaplane tenders.[2]
The shipyard created submarines following World War II. By the mid-1960s, however, business declined significantly for NYSB. The shipyard eventually closed down in 1967.[3]
Throughout the majority of the time that the shipyard was in business, NYSB relied on asbestos. This, in turn, put thousands of workers at risk of debilitating illnesses. Many workers eventually developed toxic diseases known to occur after exposure to asbestos, a known carcinogen that causes malignant mesothelioma, asbestosis, and asbestos-related lung cancer.
Asbestos at New York Shipbuilding Corporation
The boiler shop, power plant, pipe shops, foundries, dry docks, shipways, and more areas around NYSB were found to contain asbestos.
On a daily basis, shipyard workers were around asbestos for prolonged periods of time. Quite a few workers worked in cramped engine rooms aboard ships that had asbestos dust permeating literally everywhere.
This type of asbestos exposure didn’t just happen at NYSB. It had happened at almost every other shipyard in the U.S. prior to the late 1970s before regulations on asbestos use were set forth by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
According to one study of asbestos and shipbuilding, “US asbestos use in the Depression year 1932 was 197 million pounds annually. By 1937, it was 633 million. During the World War II years it averaged 783 million pounds.”[4]
Although the military and manufacturers knew about asbestos dangers well before its use was regulated, the toxic mineral was still used for years. Manufacturers and other businesses prized asbestos for its resistance to heat and fire, its ease of use, and its affordability. In addition, asbestos was a big moneymaker for many companies, who chose to turn a blind eye in the name of profit.
However, it was the workers who suffered due to corporate greed. Asbestos fibers are easily inhaled without detection. Once inside the body, the tiny fibers attach themselves to the linings of major organs and never let go. They scar the lining and, eventually, cancerous cells and tumors can form.
After asbestos exposure, it generally takes decades before people realize they’ve developed an asbestos illness. By that time, the illness is typically in its latest stages, making prognosis grim.
New York Shipbuilding Corporation Today
In 1968, NYSB closed down after it didn’t have any additional work orders from the Navy. At the time the shipyard closed, the USS Pogy was being built as NYSB. The vessel was taken to another shipyard, Ingalls Shipbuilding in Mississippi, for completion.
Page Edited by Patient Advocate Dave Foster
Dave has been a mesothelioma Patient Advocate for over 10 years. He consistently attends all major national and international mesothelioma meetings. In doing so, he is able to stay on top of the latest treatments, clinical trials, and research results. He also personally meets with mesothelioma patients and their families and connects them with the best medical specialists and legal representatives available.