As a result of the growing need for ships during World War II, many shipyards were added along California's coast to accommodate the high demand. Consolidated Shipyard was first established in 1941 in Wilmington, California and served as an emergency crafting station during the war.

In 1940, the United States Navy gave Consolidated Shipyard a commission to open a new station in Orange, Texas. The primary functions for the facilities in both locations were to construct different vessels for the needs of the U.S. military.

Consolidated Workers Exposed to Asbestos

At both locations, the Consolidated Shipyard employed thousands of workers. Reports show that over 12, 000 employees worked at the shipyards in various positions such as welders, painters and machinists on the ships.

Asbestos was contained in many of the products that the workers handled, and as a result, many of the employees were exposed for a prolonged period of time to the harmful substance.

Many of the workers at Consolidated Shipyard worked in close quarters with asbestos and didn't have access to the proper preventative gear to protect them from exposure. Asbestos is a hazardous material and workers who inhaled the fibers are susceptible to developing mesothelioma .

A number of companies, including shipyards, that were set up quickly to provide a service to the military often put the health of their employees at risk. Consequently, shipyard workers at Consolidated and similar facilities across the nation are now dealing with asbestos-related diseases.

Asbestos Exposure Causes Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a deadly type of cancer that is almost exclusively caused by exposure to asbestos. Many shipyard workers have already been diagnosed with the illness and many more are expected to be diagnosed in the future since mesothelioma takes 20-50 years to show symptoms.

If you are a former employee of a shipyard and have been diagnosed with mesothelioma or are concerned you may have the illness, please contact us today to learn more about financial, medical, and support options available to you.