Asbestos Exposure on Ships:

USS BIRMINGHAM CL 62 CRUISER

Named after the city of Birmingham, Alabama, the ship was a Cleveland class light cruiser of the United States Navy during and shortly after the Second World War Sponsored by Mrs. C. Green, wife of the president of the Birmingham City Commission, USS Birmingham was built by the Newport News Shipbuilding company between the 17th of February 1941 and the 20th of March 1942. Commissioned to active service on the 29th of January 1943, USS Birmingham served in the Atlantic and Pacific fleets during the War. The ship received nine battle stars for her service during the second World War, mostly after she was reassigned to the Pacific Fleet. USS Birmingham was one of the most active ships in the fleet, suffering important damage on at least three occasions. She was finally decommissioned on the 2nd of January 1947, and struck on the 1st of March 1959, being scrapped the same year.

These are USS Birmingham’s main characteristics, as built:

  • Cleveland class cruiser
  • 10000 tons in full weight
  • 610 feet in length
  • Propulsion was done using four boilers with four steam turbines
  • Maximum speed was 33 knots (for short periods of time)
  • Crew was 1200 man and officers
  • Small military arsenal

Asbestos on the USS Birmingham has serious consequences

USS Birmingham was built using asbestos materials. These were included in the ship as insulation and fireproofing materials, but had one large down side. They were dangerous when damaged due to the high content of friable asbestos. People inhaling or swallowing such fibers could later develop deadly diseases, such as asbestosis and mesothelioma. There were some cases of people accusing a specific set of symptoms that could have been the result of asbestos exposure, but nothing official.

Have you been exposed to asbestos on the USS Birmingham? Contact an attorney!

If you are a former crew member of the USS Birmingham, you were probably exposed to large amounts of asbestos. We recommend visiting a doctor, and if the tests reveal an asbestos related disease, you should also contact an attorney. Remember to follow your lawyer’s exact indications in order to achieve the best possible results. If you and your lawyer win the case, you will receive enough money under the form of compensation, enabling you to pay for the best treatment methods available.

Do not hesitate to contact an asbestos specialist and ask whatever question you may have regarding asbestos issues. We will answer fast and completely free.