Many employees who worked at Penn Shipbuilding, including dock workers, ship builders, outfitters, longshoreman, and office employees, were exposed to many types of materials that are known to be physically harmful — including asbestos.
In the early 1980s studies discovered the serious and even fatal effects of exposure to asbestos. Before this evidence came to light, however, asbestos was heavily used in shipbuilding and maintenance activities, posing a serious threat to Penn Shipbuilding workers.
Penn Shipbuilding History
Before shutting their doors for good in 1990, Penn Shipbuilding operated for decades in the production, refurbishing and maintenance of small to medium sized commercial and military ships. In the late 1970s, Penn Shipbuilding bought Sun Shipbuilding , another Pennsylvania shipbuilding outfit, and operated its facilities for over 20 years. All of the facilities owned by Penn Shipbuilding used asbestos extensively for myriad purposes.
Use of Asbestos at Penn Shipbuilding
From the pre-World War II years up until the 1980s, Penn Shipbuilding used asbestos in many applications. Asbestos was immensely popular at various shipyards during this period because of its fireproofing, insulating, sealing, and other desirable qualities. While this material has desirable qualities for shipbuilding applications, asbestos is an incredibly harmful substance to humans.
Asbestos Exposure & Mesothelioma
Asbestos fibers enter the air and are inhaled or ingested by people exposed to this material. Once asbestos fibers enter the body, they can lodge in the mesothelial lining of the heart, lungs, and/or abdominal cavity. This can result in a serious and deadly form of cancer called mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma has the potential to remain asymptomatic for years or ever decades. This means that people exposed to asbestos years or decades ago at Penn Shipbuilding or another facility are at risk of developing mesothelioma or another serious asbestos-related illness even today.
Are You a Former Penn Shipbuilding Worker?
If you or a loved one worked at Penn Shipbuilding at any point and you are concerned about the health risks posed by exposure to asbestos, it is important to seek medical advice. The best chance at treating mesothelioma is with early diagnosis and treatment.
If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease, you may be able to seek compensation for your serious illness and related losses with the help of a qualified attorney. Our attorneys specialize in helping people like you seek legal recovery after a diagnosis of an asbestos related disease.
To learn more about the risks at Penn Shipbuilding, please contact us to speak with an attorney who can evaluate your case to determine the best way to protect and exercise your legal rights.
