Asbestos On U.S. Navy Ships Throughout most of the 20th Century, asbestos-containing materials were used on Navy ships for the insulation and fireproof qualities.  Although engine and boiler rooms typically had the highest concentrations of asbestos, no area aboard ship was considered safe from asbestos fibers. Pipes aboard ships were insulated with asbestos, often running

THE AGE OF STEAM:  Railroads have had a long history of using asbestos and asbestos-containing products. During the age of steam locomotives, the boilers on the locomotives were covered with as much 6,000 pounds of asbestos insulation material.  Asbestos gaskets, refractory products, and thermal insulation were also extensively used on locomotives during the steam era. 

Asbestos litigation has been ongoing since the late 1970s.  As a result, many of the companies that manufactured and sold asbestos-containing materials have filed for bankruptcy under a special provision of the United States Bankruptcy Code. This form of bankruptcy is virtually unique to asbestos companies and is far different from the traditional form of