Mare Island Naval Shipyard, established in 1854 as the first U.S. Naval base on the West Coast, was a hub of shipbuilding and repair activities for over 140 years until its closure in 1996. During its operational years, thousands of workers were unknowingly exposed to dangerous levels of asbestos, a mineral once prized for its heat resistance and durability. If you or a family member worked at Mare Island Naval Shipyard and has developed mesothelioma or another asbestos-related illness, understanding this exposure is critical.
At The Williams Law Firm, P.C., we have never lost a mesothelioma case and are committed to fighting for those affected by workplace asbestos exposure. Attorney Joseph P. Williams brings over 30 years of experience representing victims of asbestos exposure at naval facilities like Mare Island. Our firm utilizes actual naval archive records that include complete equipment lists from shipyard operations, allowing us to precisely identify where and when asbestos was present during your employment period.
Mare Island Naval Shipyard was one of the largest shipbuilding facilities on the West Coast, constructing more than 500 vessels and repairing countless others during its operational history. From the early 1900s through the late 1970s, asbestos was used extensively throughout the shipyard’s operations. According to the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, shipyard workers had some of the highest occupational exposures to asbestos of any profession during this period.
The shipyard’s peak asbestos use occurred during World War II when production dramatically increased. During this time, asbestos was considered an essential material for naval vessels due to its fire-resistant properties, and little was known about its dangers. Workers regularly handled asbestos insulation, asbestos cloth, and other products without adequate protection.
While virtually all Mare Island workers may have experienced some level of asbestos exposure, certain trades faced particularly high risks. These workers include the following:
Shipyard workers often labored in confined spaces with poor ventilation, where asbestos fibers could become highly concentrated. The dusty conditions created during ship construction and repair meant that even administrative staff working in offices at the shipyard may have been exposed through air circulation systems.
The Mare Island Naval Shipyard utilized numerous asbestos-containing products throughout its facilities and in ship construction. Some of these products included:
When these materials were cut, sanded, removed, or disturbed during the shipbuilding process, they released microscopic asbestos fibers into the air. Once inhaled, these fibers can remain lodged in the lungs for decades before causing mesothelioma or other asbestos-related diseases.
The health impacts of asbestos exposure at Mare Island Naval Shipyard have been devastating for many former workers. Mesothelioma, a rare and aggressive cancer affecting the lining of the lungs or abdomen, is strongly associated with asbestos exposure. The disease typically develops up to thirty years after initial exposure, meaning many former Mare Island workers are only now being diagnosed.
Other asbestos-related conditions that shipyard workers are at risk of developing if they face asbestos exposure include:
Many former Mare Island workers have developed these conditions decades after their employment ended. The long latency period between exposure and disease development means that the full impact of asbestos use at Mare Island may not yet be fully realized.
Importantly, workers were not the only ones affected by Mare Island’s asbestos use. Family members of shipyard workers may have experienced secondary exposure when asbestos fibers were brought home on work clothes, hair, and skin. This “take-home” exposure has resulted in cases of mesothelioma among spouses and children who never set foot in the shipyard. If you believe you or a loved one may have faced asbestos exposure, you have the right to fight for justice by filing a claim with the help of Attorney Joe Williams.
If you or someone you loved worked at Mare Island Naval Shipyard and has been diagnosed with mesothelioma or another asbestos-related illness, you need an advocate who understands the complex history of asbestos use in naval facilities. At The Williams Law Firm, P.C., we handle your case as our cause, not just another file. Our approach is built on personalized service and a deep understanding of shipyard asbestos exposure.
Attorney Joe Williams has dedicated his career to helping mesothelioma victims receive the compensation they deserve. With 30 years of experience, he will personally meet with you in your home to discuss your case and options. With offices in both New York and Texas, we represent shipyard workers nationwide who have been affected by asbestos exposure.” We have never lost a mesothelioma case and are prepared to fight for you. Schedule a free consultation today by calling (855) 575-6376 or visiting our contact form.
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