The primary subsidiary of Brown and Root Shipyard was Brown Shipbuilding Company, which was established in 1942 in Houston, Texas. It was mainly founded to supply the U.S. Navy with military vessels during World War II. However, this was also the heyday of asbestos, as the mineral was fundamental to shipbuilding. It was cheap to purchase and widely available, and had numerous convenient properties, such as resistance to extreme temperatures. Everyone who was working at Brown Shipbuilding Company was exposed to asbestos. The highest level of asbestos exposure took place in the boiler room and the damage control room. If you were employed at this shipyard before the 1980s, you should pay close attention to your health.