Johns-Manville Corporation’s Transite asbestos cement pipe — a pressure pipe product composed of Portland cement reinforced with chrysotile asbestos fiber at approximately 20-25% by weight — was used throughout US Navy shore facility utility systems from the 1930s through the 1970s. Transite pipe was specified for cold water distribution, sewer and drain lines, conduit runs, and low-pressure utility piping at naval installations across the United States and overseas. The pipe’s durability and corrosion resistance made it a standard specification material for Navy shore facility construction during this period.

Asbestos Content and Exposure Pathways

Transite pipe’s asbestos content created exposure during fabrication and installation:

  • Pipe cutting — cutting Transite pipe to length with a circular saw or snap cutter generated fine asbestos-laden dust from the pipe wall, with chrysotile fibers released during each cut. Utilitiesmen (UT), Seabee Builder (BU) and Construction Electrician (CE) ratings cutting Transite pipe at naval construction sites accumulated significant exposure from repeated cutting operations in the absence of respiratory protection in the pre-OSHA regulatory era
  • Pipe drilling and tapping — drilling Transite pipe for branch connections or service taps generated asbestos-containing dust at the drill point, with each drilling operation releasing fiber from the pipe wall
  • Pipe fitting and trimming — fitting Transite pipe joints and trimming pipe ends generated fiber from the cut face, with workers in confined utility trenches accumulating concentrated asbestos exposure in poorly ventilated excavations

Johns-Manville Transite pipe appeared in multiple shore facility piping applications:

  • Base water distribution systems — cold water mains and service laterals distributing potable water throughout naval station building complexes used Transite pipe in underground distribution systems
  • Fire suppression water mains — underground fire main distribution at naval air stations and naval stations used Transite pipe for the primary fire main distribution system serving fire hydrant networks
  • Drain and sewer systems — Transite drain pipe was used in shore facility drainage systems and building sewer connections throughout the naval base construction of the 1940s-1960s
  • Electrical conduit — Transite fiber conduit was also used as underground electrical conduit at some naval installations for medium-voltage distribution cable protection

VA Claims for Veterans Exposed to Johns-Manville Transite Products

VA evaluates asbestos-related disability claims on a case-by-case basis. Veterans generally need evidence of in-service asbestos exposure, a current asbestos-related diagnosis, and a medical link between them. Utilitiesmen, Seabee ratings, and Navy construction personnel who cut, drilled, or installed Transite pipe at naval installations and have since been diagnosed with mesothelioma, asbestosis, or asbestos-related lung cancer may qualify for VA disability benefits.