Jacksonville Area Exposure Map
Documented Exposure Sites
| # | Facility | Industry | Active Period | Risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Naval Air Station Jacksonville | Military Aviation | 1940–present | Critical |
| 2 | Mayport Naval Station | Naval Vessels / Shipyard | 1942–present | Critical |
| 3 | Port of Jacksonville (JAXPORT) | Maritime / Longshoremen | 1963–present | High |
| 4 | Florida Power & Light Northside Plant | Electric Power Generation | 1950–1990 | High |
| 5 | Rayonier Fernandina Beach (nearby) | Paper & Pulp Manufacturing | 1937–present | High |
| 6 | Gulf Life Insurance Building / Downtown Construction | Commercial Construction | 1950–1980 | Moderate |
Naval Air Station Jacksonville: Cold War Aviation Exposure
NAS Jacksonville operated military aircraft throughout the Cold War era, maintaining a rotating fleet of naval aircraft including F-4 Phantoms, A-6 Intruders, and P-3 Orion maritime patrol aircraft. Mechanics and maintenance workers on these older aircraft were routinely exposed to asbestos brake linings, gaskets, and heat shields — materials that remained in service through the early 1980s before the Navy began phasing out asbestos-containing components.
Civilian contractors who maintained base infrastructure at NAS Jacksonville also faced significant exposure. Boiler rooms, steam distribution lines, and the insulation within older base buildings all contained asbestos materials that required regular maintenance and periodic replacement. Workers who cut, sanded, or disturbed this insulation — often without respiratory protection — accumulated substantial cumulative asbestos exposure.
Veterans who served at NAS Jacksonville may qualify for VA disability benefits in addition to mesothelioma trust fund claims. Both active-duty personnel and civilian maintenance contractors have successfully pursued compensation for asbestos-related illness connected to work at NAS Jacksonville.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. NAS Jacksonville is one of the most significant military asbestos exposure sites in Florida. Both active-duty personnel and civilian maintenance contractors were exposed through aircraft components (brake assemblies, engine gaskets, insulation), building infrastructure (boiler insulation, pipe lagging in base buildings), and ship maintenance at the associated waterfront facilities. Veterans who served at NAS Jacksonville may qualify for VA disability benefits in addition to mesothelioma trust fund claims.
Florida provides 2 years from the date of diagnosis to file a mesothelioma personal injury lawsuit under Fla. Stat. §95.11(3). Wrongful death claims also have a 2-year deadline. Contact an attorney immediately after diagnosis to preserve your right to compensation through lawsuits and asbestos trust fund claims.