Mesothelioma in San Francisco, California

Victims should speak to an experienced mesothelioma lawyer who understands state and local laws, including the statutes of limitations. They can also identify the best state in which to file a lawsuit. For instance, a victim may be eligible to file in another state based on where exposure occurred. An asbestos attorney can also help explain if a victim has other options for compensation.

Examples of clients served in the San Francisco area include:

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04. Asbestos Use in San Francisco

Asbestos Use in San Francisco, California

San Francisco residents and workers have faced asbestos exposure at various jobsites, buildings, schools and in their homes. The widespread use of asbestos in industries such as shipbuilding, manufacturing and construction in the city puts many at risk.

Industrial exposure to asbestos continues to occur in San Francisco. Past litigation has focused on several negligent companies using asbestos in the San Francisco Bay area, including Bethlehem Steel Shipyard and the former John D. Hoff Asbestos Company Mine.

San Francisco also once faced exposure risks from asbestos cement pipes for the city’s drinking water. Research conducted in the early 1980s on asbestos fibers in San Francisco drinking water led to calls for further action. Later, a 2002 report highlighted potential problems with asbestos-based cement drinking water pipes. The study, and another similar study conducted in 1981, found higher-than-average numbers of colon cancers, lung cancer and peritoneal cancers in San Francisco Bay residents.

This and other asbestos exposure sites in the city continue to put residents at risk of developing asbestos illnesses.

Asbestos Found in Hunters Point Naval Shipyard

Veterans and contractors who worked at the Hunters Point Naval Shipyard or the on-site Naval Radiological Defense Laboratory (NRDL) continue to be at risk of developing mesothelioma and other asbestos-related health conditions.

Active from 1869 until 1974, Hunters Point Naval Shipyard is now an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Superfund site. These contaminated sites are designated for cleanup when they pose an unsafe health risk to the public and/or environment.

Activities at Hunters Point Naval Shipyard, including research conducted by the NRDL, contaminated the soil and the surrounding groundwater with dangerous chemicals. In addition, the soil at the site contains high levels of naturally occurring asbestos.

The U.S. EPA, the California EPA and the U.S. Navy have been working with one another to clean up the site for several decades. Asbestos-contaminated soil has been removed. In areas where removal hasn’t been possible, such as in shoreline or upland areas, workers have installed soil covers and implemented groundwater treatment programs to contain the mineral.

In addition to the naturally occurring asbestos at Hunters Point Naval Shipyard, Navy ships also contained a large amount of the mineral. Wall and pipe insulation, decking materials, roofing materials and floor tiles on ships often contained asbestos. When these products were removed or replaced, workers potentially ingested or inhaled asbestos fibers.

Veterans and contractors who worked at Hunters Point Naval Shipyard, the NRDL or anywhere on site until the mid-1970s are potentially at risk of developing mesothelioma. Shipyard workers, Navy personnel, scientists, technicians and other workers may have come into contact with asbestos dust. Additionally, any old asbestos materials at the site may continue to pose an exposure risk.