Pearl Harbor Shipyard
Pearl Harbor Shipyard has one of the most intoresting pasts in United States history. Pearl Harbor is located on the Hawaiian island of Oahu. Pearl Harbor Shipyard was originally organized in 1842 as a coalition station, but changed its activities to shipyard work in 1919. Over the years, the Pearl Harbor Shipyard has grown to over 300-acres and is fully equipped with numerous buildings and dry docks. The workspace is home to many employees including both civilians and military personnel.
One of the focal points for the growth of Pearl Harbor was during Franklin Roosevelt's presidency. During this time, the shipyard was able to acquire enough money to make significant adjustments and additions to the facility. The shipyard gained more clientele and became more versatile in the shipyard industry. Widening the channel and harbor in order to accommodate larger vessels let to a dramatic increase in the use of Pearl Harbor. With the ability to house an increased number of vessels within the docks, business increased and profits began to rise.
As history reminds us, Pearl Harbor was brutally attacked by the Japanese during World War II. These devastating attacks caused almost 100 ships to be destroyed or severely damaged. As the war continued, the Harbor's primary function was to serve as an emergency repair base. The facility worked on countless ships per month.
When the war finally came to an end, the shipbuilding facility's activities began to decline, though Pearl Harbor is still very active in the maintenance and repair of ships and submarines for the Navy to this day. During the years that the shipyard was used frequently for repairs and rehabilitation to Navy and other military vessels, shipyard workers were prone to asbestos exposure. Workers in the boiler rooms, plumbers, steelworkers, ironworkers and even civilians on the base were susceptible to this dangerous material. The health complications that occur years after exposure tend to be severe and are hard to diagnose. Mesothelioma and asbestosis are the two major illnesses that come from asbestos inhalation.
If you or a loved one has worked in a shipyard that refurbished or built naval ships, it is important to be tested immediately. Some individuals may not experience side effects from this material, but that does not mean that over the years the material has not caused complications within the lungs. It is important to have a physical immediately and remember to talk to your doctor about previous work environments and possible hazardous surroundings.
