If you served in the Navy or worked at shipyards such as the Lockheed Shipyard or the Todd Shipyard, chances are you were exposed to asbestos. Asbestos exposure can lead to mesothelioma, a dangerous form of cancer. If you are diagnosed with mesothelioma from working at a shipyard, you will want to learn more about why these dangerous conditions exist and what your rights are.
How asbestos was used in shipyards
Shipyards across the Pacific Northwest used large amounts of asbestos in ship repair and construction. Asbestos was useful as insulation because it did not corrode and was resistant to high temperatures.
Asbestos was used on ships to insulate all kinds of equipment on ships including turbines, pumps, valves, boilers, and piping. Asbestos was also used in gaskets and packing for sealing pumps, valves, and other equipment.
This heavy use of asbestos-contaminated ships and shipyards, exposing shipyard workers and navy sailors to dangerous asbestos fibers in the air.
What can you do if you are exposed to asbestos?
Sadly, being exposed to even a moderate amount of asbestos increases the chances you will die of mesothelioma. If you are exposed to high levels of asbestos, you are seven times more apt to develop mesothelioma. Veterans who develop mesothelioma from working in shipyards can seek professional assistance so they can explore all possible avenues of financial compensation for the harms they suffered.
