As the most famous Navy installation in the United States, Pearl Harbor is well known for the bombing that occurred in 1941. The facility, however, has another legacy—asbestos exposure. It’s estimated that since World War II, 10,000 workers have been exposed to asbestos in Pearl Harbor.
Asbestos exposure has the potential to result in an incurable cancer called mesothelioma. Diagnosing mesothelioma is challenging and most patients are older in life because the cancer can take decades to develop.
If you’ve been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you have the right to seek compensation for your losses. Let’s take a look as worksites in Pearl Harbor that have a history of exposing employees to asbestos.
Worksites with Known Asbestos Exposure in Pearl Harbor
Prior to the introduction of asbestos regulations in the 1970s and 80s, most companies used asbestos-containing products. This is because asbestos is a good insulator and is fire-resistant. Once a person is exposed to the material, however, it has the potential to adhere to their lungs and cause mesothelioma over time.
Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard
For those in Pearl Harbor with mesothelioma, it’s likely asbestos exposure occurred at the Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard. The shipyard employed 1,400 general service employees, including over 500 engineers. In addition to that, the shipyard also had 2,600 wage grade personnel.
The material was used for gaskets, insulation, packing, and tape. Those enlisted in the Navy could have been exposed to asbestos every day without realizing it, and without knowing the dangers and potential consequences.
The Navy’s Pearl Harbor complex was considered a concern, so the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency deemed it a Superfund cleanup site. This means that hazardous materials, like asbestos, on site are being identified, investigation, and cleaned up.
Other sites where asbestos exposure occurred in Pearl Harbor include:
- Ford Isle Tower
- Schofield Army Barracks
- Libby Processing Site
- Naval Fleet Airbase
- Hydro-Blast Corporation
- Waiau Power Plant
Legal Guidance from Frost Law Firm, PC
At Frost Law Firm, PC, our Hawaii mesothelioma lawyers understand how challenging of a time it is when you’re diagnosed with an illness as serious as mesothelioma. You likely have a thousand thoughts running through your mind at once. Fortunately, we can help you determine what steps to take to ensure your financial security.
When you work with one of our lawyers for an asbestos exposure claim, we’ll research your options and advise you on how best to proceed. If you’ll be filing a personal injury claim, we’ll guide you through the process and do what we can to maximize your compensation. Contact us today to learn more.
