Todd Shipyard, Tacoma

Todd shipyard was founded in the 1920s in Tacoma, Washington. During WWI, workers at the shipyard built a significant number of large warships and destroyers. After the war, production ceased and the shipyard shut down until it was revived by Todd and Kaiser Shipbuilding in 1939.

The U.S. Navy contributed to its revival with $15 million in capital for the production of war ships in anticipation of entry into WWII. Todd bought out Kaiser’s share in 1942, forming Todd Dry Dock Construction which eventually became Todd Pacific Shipyards.

After WWII, the Port of Tacoma felt the devastation of the sharp decline in waterfront manufacturing. Todd eventually sold the Tacoma shipyard to the U.S. Navy, which in turn, sold it to the Port of Tacoma in 1959. Today, the site is part of the Port’s Commencement Bay Industrial Development District.

Todd Shipyard Workers and Asbestos Exposure

During its peak years, Todd Shipyard, Tacoma employed nearly 30,000 individuals who built, repaired and maintained the ships.

During WWII, asbestos was used extensively to insulate steam pipes, boilers, incinerators, and other items found on ships. The workers, unaware of its harmful effects, used little or no protection while handling the toxic material, and have reported to working in poorly ventilated areas where they were forced to breath in high levels of the toxic fibers.

Studies have found that the effects of asbestos can take up to 50 years to develop, meaning many retired shipyard workers and navy veterans who were exposed to asbestos during WWII are just now suffering the effects.

Asbestos-Related Diseases:

Exposure to high levels of asbestos can lead to the development of deadly diseases such as mesothelioma, asbestosis or lung cancer.

• Mesothelioma:
  Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that attacks the protective sac lining the lungs, stomach or heart. It is the only form of cancer that is directly related to asbestos exposure.
• Asbestosis:
  asbestosis is a term used to describe chronic, progressive inflammation of the lung, an illness directly linked to the inhalation of asbestos fibers.
• Lung cancer:
  Exposure to high levels of asbestos can lead to the development of lung cancer. Smoking tobacco can greatly increase the risk of developing lung cancer. If you have been exposed to asbestos, you should not smoke.

To learn more about asbestos exposure at Todd Shipyard, Tacoma, contact us today.