Hunters Point Naval Shipyard
The Hunters Point Naval Shipyard is located in the heart of the San Francisco Bay. This facility originated in 1868 for standard commercial use. After operating in the commercial industry, Hunters Point was purchased by the US Navy to accommodate its growing demand for World War II vessels. By 1941, Hunters Point was in full swing. Its contributions to the war-effort included commercial vessel repair and other related activities. The main goal of the shipyard was to produce liberty ships for the Second World War. The Naval Shipyard was also used as a docking location and base housing. It was used for naval ordnance training exercises and radiological defense research.
After World War II, Hunters Point became the site of the Navy Radiological Defense Laboratory. With all of its enterprises, Hunters Point reached its peak employment during the Korean War employing over 11,000 people. Unfortunately, the shipyard ceased operations in 1974. The shipyard was sold to Triple A Machine Shop, Inc. and its responsibilities lessened to only ship repair. Triple-A, however, used methods of inappropriate waste disposal and was soon under investigation.
Some of the many hazardous substances brought up by the investigation included asbestos. This irresponsible dumping caused many people to be exposed to toxic asbestos fibers. Additionally, most workers were unaware that their area had been contaminated with asbestos. These individuals had no idea that, in the long run, their health would be jeopardized due to the inhalation of fibers. Those who repaired ships and worked in boiler rooms were exposed to areas where asbestos would be most predominately used (i.e.: tiles, floors, insulation).
Workers at Hunters Point Shipyard should be tested for lung related illnesses due to possible asbestos exposure. Even if the worker has no signs or symptoms, a full examination should be performed by a doctor. Asbestosis and mesothelioma are the most prominent illnesses associated with asbestos inhalation. Patient exposure could have occured up to 30 years prior to symptoms.
