Belonging to the R class of United States Navy submarines, the USS R-5 (SS-82) was laid down in 1917 and launched one year later. Although the probability that it was initially built with asbestos is low, the toxic mineral might have been present on the vessel after its recommission, so if you served on it from 1940 onwards, you should keep a close eye on your health. The submarine was eventually decommissioned and struck in 1945. The naturally occurring mineral asbestos was once an inexpensive raw material prized for its resistance to heat, water, fire, and corrosion. The carcinogenic mineral has affected Navy veterans more than any other military branch. Some of the naval jobs that exposed sailors to asbestos include boiler tech, shipbuilder, electrician, pipefitter, welder, machinist, steelworker, seabees, control man, gunners mate, and fireman.
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