Brown Shipbuilding (Todd Houston Shipyard) and Asbestos

Brown Shipbuilding (Todd Houston Shipyard), located in Houston, Texas, built many ships during World War II. Workers used and worked around asbestos before and after the war, putting them at risk for exposure and later illnesses, including mesothelioma.

If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, asbestos-related lung cancer, or asbestosis, you may be eligible for substantial compensation. There is currently over $30 billion in asbestos trust funds set up for victims of asbestos-related diseases. Fill out our form to receive our free Financial Compensation Packet. Our packet is loaded with information on experienced mesothelioma attorneys in your area, how to file a claim for asbestos trust funds, how to get paid in 90 days, and more. 

Brown Shipbuilding History

The Brown Shipbuilding Company was created in 1942 to build vessels for the U.S. Navy and the war effort.

• The idea of the new shipyard began in 1941 when the Navy asked brothers George R. Brown and Herman Brown to build four submarine chasers for the military.

• Although the brothers had no prior shipbuilding experience, they did help build the Corpus Christi Naval Air Station. With $9 in funding from the Navy, they created Brown Shipbuilding in time to help with the efforts of World War II.

• Once the submarine chasers were built, Brown Shipbuilding continued to develop and deliver ships, including 61 destroyer escorts, 254 amphibious assault ships, and over 350 Navy warships in total.  

• When World War II ended, the Todd Houston Shipbuilding Company bought Brown Shipbuilding.

• Todd Houston Shipbuilding, also known as the Todd Houston Shipyard, closed its doors in 1985, and once again, the shipyard went back to Brown and Root, where it was used as a ship construction and repair site until 2004.

• One of the most famous vessels constructed at Brown Shipbuilding was the United States Coast Guard destroyer, the USS Vance.

How Did Brown Shipbuilding Use Asbestos?

Shipyards all over the U.S. used asbestos materials before government regulations restricted its use. Shipyards used hundreds of asbestos components that went into all types of vessels.

Shipbuilding and repair relied on asbestos largely for its insulating and fireproofing properties. It was also abundant and inexpensive. Asbestos is lightweight, another property that makes it ideal for fitting ships.

The ships built at Brown Shipbuilding contained asbestos in these and many other parts:

• Insulation
• Pipe lagging
• Boilers
• Gaskets
• Valves
• Adhesives
• Fire protection gear
• Ceiling tiles
• Floor tiles

Who Was Exposed to Asbestos at Brown Shipbuilding?

Anyone who worked at Brown Shipbuilding was at risk of being exposed to asbestos. When asbestos materials are handled, they shed small fibers that become part of the dust in the air and on surfaces.

Anyone working with or around these materials and without adequate protective gear inhales asbestos fibers. This puts them at risk for later illnesses like mesothelioma and lung cancer.

Workers at greatest risk of asbestos exposure handled and manipulated asbestos materials:

• Insulation workers
• Boiler workers
• Pipefitters
• Plumbers
• Electricians
• Welders
• Repair workers
• Shipbreakers

Also at risk were the members of the Navy who served on these ships. They worked in cramped conditions with poor ventilation, which put them at significant risk of inhaling asbestos fibers. Today, many veterans with mesothelioma who served on these Houston-built vessels are eligible for specialized benefits and legal compensation.

How Did Asbestos Affect Brown Shipyard Workers?

As with many other shipyards, Brown shipyard workers were not required to and did not wear protective gear while working. None of the workers knew the damage that could occur when inhaling asbestos fibers.

The U.S. Navy confirmed that shipyards nationwide used over 250 asbestos-containing products, many of which were used at Brown Shipbuilding.

Scientists estimate that, in total, over 4 million shipyard workers were exposed to asbestos while working in shipyards during World War II alone.

Workers from Brown Shipbuilding began developing life-threatening diseases, such as malignant mesothelioma, asbestos-related lung cancer, and asbestosis.

To make matters worse, many children and spouses of Brown Shipbuilding workers eventually developed asbestos-related diseases via second-hand asbestos exposure.

Most Brown Shipbuilding shipyard workers did not shower or change clothes before returning home. Many children and spouses unknowingly inhaled asbestos via the worker’s clothing.

Compensation for Former Brown Shipbuilding Workers

If you worked at Brown or Todd Shipyards during peak asbestos use, talk to a mesothelioma lawyer about your rights and legal options.

Both civilian and military workers with asbestos can file claims against the companies that supplied the shipyard with asbestos materials. Asbestos claims often end in settlements for the victims.

You cannot file a claim against companies that went bankrupt over asbestos claims. Alternatively, you may be eligible for compensation from an asbestos trust fund. Bankrupt asbestos companies set up these trusts to compensate future claimants.

If you are a Navy veteran, make a claim with the VA for benefits. You could be eligible for monthly disability compensation, free medical care, and more.

Asbestos Trust Funds Associated with Brown Shipbuilding

Some of the companies that supplied Brown Shipbuilding with asbestos and now have active trust funds include:

• Babcock & Wilcox
• Combustion Engineering
• Fibreboard
• J.T. Thorpe
• Keene Corporation
• NARCO

Additional Help and Resources for Asbestos Victims

If you’ve been injured by mesothelioma, asbestos-related lung cancer, or asbestosis, keep in mind that there is a good chance that you’ll qualify for considerable compensation. Remember to fill out our form to get your free Financial Compensation Packet, with information on experienced asbestos and mesothelioma lawyers in your area. If you have questions or need additional assistance, contact us at 800-793-4540.