Strategic Weapons Facility

Strategic Weapon Facility is located in Bangor, Washington, and recently merged with Naval Station Bremerton. The facility is solely responsible for assembling and processing D-5 missiles, launchers and subsystem components.

The Strategic Weapons Facility serves as a workplace for people from the military and federal government as well as civilian contractors. Workers at the facility handle highly toxic materials, such as asbestos, on a daily basis.

Materials like asbestos are often used in the manufacturing process of weapons for both the navy and the military. Since assembling these weapons could cause dangerous blasts or fires, some areas of the facility are forced to use asbestos in the insulation and to fire-proof risky areas.

The Dangers of Asbestos

Asbestos is defined as impure magnesium minerals that occur in fibrous form. In more simplistic terms, asbestos is a mineral fiber that can be fatal when ingested or inhaled. The substance has commonly been used in different building materials and as a fire-retardant throughout the United States. Today, the substance is most commonly found in older homes, insulation, certain kinds of paints, and floor tiling.

When asbestos is disturbed, deteriorating or improperly removed, asbestos fibers can be released and become airborne in homes or the workplace, which increases the risk for those living and working in the areas of heightened exposure.

Strategic Weapons Facility: Workers at Risk

The harmful effects of asbestos weren’t realized until the 1970’s and even though the carcinogen was banned decades ago and the Environmental Protection Agency now regulates its use, asbestos still remains aboard many ships and in many facilities throughout the country.

Any materials containing asbestos in workplaces that were broken, grinded, or used in sanding instantly became toxic risks for those working with and around them.

Since asbestos was used at the Strategic Weapons Facility on a regular basis, many of those who were employed there are now in great danger of developing an asbestos related illness such as mesothelioma. The facility used industrial HEPA air filters, so it’s nearly impossible that the air within the building is asbestos free, even up to this point. Workers may also have been exposed to other toxic chemicals and various forms of nuclear waste while employed at the Strategic Weapons Facility.

If you are a former employee of the Strategic Weapons Facility and feel you have been put at risk or have been diagnosed with an asbestos related illness, please contact us today to learn more about the resources available to you.