Hunters Point Naval Shipyard

San Francisco Naval Shipyard at Hunters Point was situated on 638 acres of waterfront property. The plot of land was initially established as a commercial shipyard in1870 and was later bought by the U.S. Navy—only 11 days before Pearl Harbor. After stopping active operations in 1974, the Navy leased the land in 1986 to a commercial ship repair company.

When operations closed on April 1, 1994, Hunters Point Naval Shipyard became known as San Francisco's worst toxic dump, leaving behind a legacy of chemical pollution that caused many residents in the surrounding area to be fearful for their health.

Lawsuit Filed

In 1994, a lawsuit was filed against the U.S. Navy by a coalition of environmentalist, sports fishing and public interest groups who claimed that the toxic waste being disposed from Hunters Point Naval Shipyard was contaminating the San Francisco Bay and putting those living in the nearby neighborhoods at risk for toxic exposures.

Shipyard Workers Exposed to Asbestos

The shipyard business begun booming in the 1940's with the onset of WWII and continued as more ships became in demand with the beginning of the Vietnam War. During this time more than 8,500 civilians became full-time employees at the shipyard.

Amongst those who worked at the Hunters Point Naval Shipyard were mechanics, welders, painters and machinist. Many were exposed to asbestos and other dangerous chemicals during the war years without knowing of the long-term harmful effects to them and their loved ones.

After years at Hunter Point Naval Shipyard, many of these workers and those they came home to daily with asbestos fibers on their clothing are now suffering from asbestos-related illnesses such as mesothelioma, asbestosis and lung cancer.

Mesothelioma in Shipyard Workers

Mesothelioma is a rare and fatal form of cancer that is almost exclusively caused by exposure to asbestos. Because of the widespread use of asbestos—particularly in the shipbuilding business—for its fire- and heat-resistant properties, many shipyard workers suffered frequent and prolonged exposure.

As a result, thousands of former shipyard workers are now being diagnosed with illnesses like mesothelioma, and many more are expected to be diagnosed in decades to come since mesothelioma takes 20-50 years to show symptoms.

If you are a former shipyard worker who has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, contact us today. We can inform you of the resources available to you.