The LST 542, a tank landing ship built for the U.S. Navy during WWII, was the lead ship of her class. During WWII she was assigned to the European Theater and helped with the invasion of Normandy in June 1944.
She was later renamed USS Chelan County (LST 542) after the county in Washington and was decommissioned in 1956. She received one battle star for her services in the war.
LST 542 and Asbestos Exposure
As with all of the U.S. navy ships built before the 1980s, the LST 542 carried many asbestos laden products, including:
- Boiler room
- Steam pipes
- Gaskets valves
- Gas cans
- Cables adhesive
Because of its resistance to heat, fire and friction, asbestos was considered an ideal material by both the shipbuilding and military industries. It was, thus, used in several applications onboard the U.S. Navy ships. However, when the asbestos fibers are disturbed in combat, they break down and form a dust that can be easily inhaled. Once inhaled, the asbestos fibers lodge themselves into the lining of the body’s vital organs and lead to the development of fatal diseases including mesothelioma.
Asbestos, now banned from use, can still be found throughout naval ships and tanks, putting crews, maintenance workers and others at grave risk of asbestos exposure.
Get Legal Help for Asbestos Exposure
If you or a loved one has been exposed to asbestos and has been harmed by the dangerous mineral, you will most likely be eligible to recover compensation for your injuries. For more information, contact us.
