Asbestos was once hailed as a miracle material due to its heat resistance and durability. Unfortunately, its widespread use in shipbuilding has led to severe and often fatal health consequences, particularly for Navy veterans. Nowhere is this issue more poignant than in California, a state with a rich naval history and numerous shipyards. This article explores the legacy of asbestos in California shipyards and the lasting impact on Navy veterans who served their country, only to face deadly health consequences years later.
Understanding Asbestos: What Made It So Common in Shipyards?
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral composed of thin, heat-resistant fibers. Because of its insulation properties and resistance to fire, corrosion, and electricity, it was heavily used in shipbuilding, especially during World War II and the Cold War.
Shipyards in California—including Hunters Point Naval Shipyard (San Francisco), Long Beach Naval Shipyard, Mare Island Naval Shipyard (Vallejo), and Terminal Island Naval Shipyard—relied heavily on asbestos for a wide range of applications:
- Pipe insulation
- Boiler linings
- Gaskets and valves
- Fireproof coatings
- Electrical wiring insulation
Due to confined quarters on ships, where proper ventilation was often lacking, workers and sailors alike faced high levels of asbestos exposure.
California Shipyards: Hubs of Asbestos Exposure
1. Hunters Point Naval Shipyard
Located in San Francisco, Hunters Point was one of the largest naval shipyards in the western United States. From the 1940s to the 1970s, workers here built and repaired ships extensively coated in asbestos materials.
The U.S. Navy used asbestos for insulation in ships’ walls, ceilings, and mechanical systems. During maintenance and repair work, disturbing these materials released microscopic fibers into the air, which shipyard workers and Navy personnel breathed in daily. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Hunters Point remains a contaminated site due to extensive asbestos and radiological pollution [1].
2. Mare Island Naval Shipyard
Operating for over a century until its closure in 1996, Mare Island was another major hub for shipbuilding and repairs. The Navy used asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) here for thermal insulation and fireproofing. Veterans and shipyard workers often handled these materials without protective equipment or awareness of the health risks [2].
3. Long Beach Naval Shipyard and Terminal Island
Located in southern California, these facilities employed thousands of workers and serviced Navy vessels extensively during World War II and the Vietnam War. Asbestos exposure was rampant in boiler rooms, engine rooms, and below deck spaces. Many veterans who served on ships repaired at these shipyards later developed asbestos-related illnesses.
Long-Term Health Impact on Navy Veterans
The most tragic consequence of asbestos exposure is its long latency period. Diseases may take 20 to 50 years to manifest after initial exposure. Navy veterans exposed to asbestos in California shipyards have been diagnosed with serious illnesses decades after retirement.
1. Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive cancer caused almost exclusively by asbestos exposure. It affects the lining of the lungs (pleural), abdomen (peritoneal), or heart (pericardial). According to the Veterans Administration (VA), about 33% of mesothelioma patients are veterans, most of whom served in the Navy [3].
California veterans exposed at shipyards often experienced prolonged, repeated exposure, placing them at high risk.
2. Asbestosis
This chronic lung condition results from inhaling asbestos fibers, which cause lung tissue scarring. Symptoms include shortness of breath, persistent cough, and fatigue. Asbestosis is progressive and has no cure, often resulting in severe disability.
3. Lung Cancer
Veterans exposed to asbestos also have an increased risk of lung cancer, especially those who were smokers. The combination of asbestos exposure and smoking multiplies the risk significantly.
Personal Stories of Veterans Affected
Many Navy veterans from California have stepped forward with harrowing stories of illness years after their service. For example:
- Joe H., who served aboard ships at Mare Island in the 1960s, was diagnosed with mesothelioma in his 70s. He had no idea his work in cramped engine rooms surrounded by asbestos insulation would later threaten his life.
- Robert T., who performed repairs at Long Beach Naval Shipyard, developed asbestosis in his later years. His family has since become vocal advocates for veteran health screenings and compensation.
Legal and Government Response
1. VA Disability Compensation
Veterans suffering from asbestos-related illnesses can file for disability compensation through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. However, proving service-related exposure can be complex. The VA requires documentation linking the disease to the veteran’s duties and exposure sources.
California’s shipyards are now known exposure sites, which can support veterans’ claims. Nonetheless, many veterans face delays or denials in their applications due to a lack of medical or military documentation.
2. Asbestos Trust Funds
Due to widespread litigation, many asbestos manufacturers have filed for bankruptcy and set up trust funds to compensate victims. Veterans exposed in California shipyards may be eligible to file claims against these trusts, even if they have already received VA benefits.
Some well-known trusts include:
- Johns-Manville Trust
- Owens Corning Fibreboard Trust
- Armstrong World Industries Trust
Legal representation can be crucial to navigating this process successfully.
3. Federal and State Regulations
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have implemented stricter asbestos regulations since the 1980s. However, these laws came too late for many Navy veterans who were exposed during earlier decades.
In California, Cal/OSHA oversees workplace safety, and the state has been proactive in asbestos remediation at former military and industrial sites.
Continuing Cleanup and Environmental Concerns
Many former shipyards in California remain hazardous due to lingering asbestos contamination. Hunters Point Naval Shipyard, in particular, is part of the federal Superfund program due to toxic waste and asbestos pollution.
Despite years of cleanup, concerns persist over the safety of redevelopment projects on these lands. Veterans and community groups have called for more transparency and thorough environmental testing before any housing or public development moves forward [4].
Resources for Navy Veterans Affected by Asbestos Exposure
Veterans and their families have access to several resources for support and compensation:
- VA Environmental Health Coordinators can guide veterans on exposure risks and available healthcare.
- Mesothelioma Veterans Center and Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO) provide education and legal assistance.
- Legal Aid and Veteran Service Organizations (VSOs) such as the American Legion and VFW often assist in filing claims.
Recommended Steps for Veterans:
- Seek medical screening if you experience respiratory symptoms and served at a California shipyard.
- File a VA claim and collect service records, ship logs, and medical documentation.
- Consult legal counsel experienced in asbestos litigation to explore compensation options from trust funds.
- Connect with other veterans through support groups and advocacy networks.
Looking Forward: Advocacy and Awareness
Awareness is the first step toward justice and healing. Advocates continue to push for:
- Increased funding for mesothelioma research
- Improved VA claim processing for asbestos-related diseases
- Full cleanup of toxic sites like Hunters Point
- Recognition of the sacrifice these veterans made—not just in service, but in health
As the population of Navy veterans ages, the number of asbestos-related cases continues to rise. California, with its rich naval history, has a moral obligation to ensure these veterans and their families are not forgotten.
Conclusion
The story of asbestos in California shipyards is not just about negligence; it’s about sacrifice. Navy veterans served their country with honor, often unaware of the invisible threat they faced daily. Decades later, many suffer from devastating illnesses linked to asbestos exposure. While there have been efforts to compensate and support these veterans, much work remains.
Greater awareness, stronger legal protections, and continued advocacy are essential. California’s naval legacy must also include accountability, ensuring that future generations learn from the past and that no veteran is left behind in their fight for justice and health.
References
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). (2023). Hunters Point Naval Shipyard Superfund Site. Retrieved from: https://www.epa.gov/superfund/hunters-point
- Department of the Navy. (1996). Mare Island Naval Shipyard Closure Report.
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). (2024). Asbestos Exposure. Retrieved from: https://www.va.gov/disability/eligibility/hazardous-materials-exposure/asbestos
- NBC Bay Area. (2021). Controversy Grows Over Hunters Point Shipyard Cleanup. Retrieved from: https://www.nbcbayarea.com/investigations/hunters-point-naval-shipyard-cleanup/
