Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard

Pearl Harbor played an infamous role in history. Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard’s use of asbestos is less well known, but still caused harm. Workers and navy veterans exposed to asbestos in Pearl Harbor later faced the risk of serious illnesses like malignant mesothelioma.

If you or a loved one suffer from mesothelioma, asbestos-related lung cancer, or asbestosis, you may qualify for substantial compensation. Currently, there is over $30 billion in asbestos trust funds, awaiting those who’ve been diagnosed with an asbestos illness. We invite you to fill out our form today for a free Financial Compensation Packet, filled with information about experienced mesothelioma lawyers in your area, how to get paid in 90 days, how to file an asbestos trust fund claim, and much more. 

Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard History

Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard was founded in 1899, shortly after the annexation of Hawaii. It was initially created as a way to allow room for more vessels.

Over the next numerous years, over 80 acres were added, and the Navy spent time upgrading the shipyard. Upgrades included machine shops, housing, a smith and foundry, and much more.

Throughout the early and mid-1900s, Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard continued to expand and develop further, including widening the channels for the area to accept much larger vessels.

During World War I, Pearl Harbor played a significant role in helping defend the West Coast of the nation. It was known as the “Gibraltar of the Pacific.”

Once the Great Depression hit the U.S., production and expansion slowed down considerably at the shipyard for many years, which lasted until the start of the 2nd world war.

In 1941, Pearl Harbor was attacked and bombed by Japan. It became one of the most well-known and one of the most tragic events in U.S. history.

The surprise attack spurred the launch of World War II, and once again, the shipyard began expanding and developing to help accommodate the war.

Along with massive expansion came the use of asbestos and asbestos-containing products.

Asbestos at Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard

As mentioned earlier, Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard relied on asbestos in the past, similar to most other shipyards before the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) strict regulations on its use.

More than 10,000 workers of various occupations were exposed to the deadly minerals every day they went into work and for prolonged periods.

As a ship repair facility, Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard used many of the same asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) that were once used as shipbuilding facilities.

The U.S. Navy stated that more than 250 different types of asbestos-containing products were used at shipyards in the past in things such as insulation, sprays, cement, construction materials, and more.

Further, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) reports that people who worked at the Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard, who participated in a study, were found to have a heightened risk of lung cancer.

There is also a heightened increase in developing mesothelioma compared to shipyard workers in other parts of the U.S.

Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard Today

Naval Station Pearl Harbor contains the Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard inside its complex, located a few miles from the Honolulu International airport. It sits on over several hundred acres on the island of Oahu.

The shipyard currently focuses on upgrading its facilities to ensure a safe place for all workers. This comes after being named a SuperFund site by the EPA in the 1990s.

This SuperFund designation also entails either removing or renovating structures and buildings used during World War II. So far, close to 300 buildings have been torn down.

If you were affected by asbestos use at Pearl Harbor, contact a mesothelioma lawyer to go over your options for taking legal action.

Additional Information and Helpful Resources for Asbestos Victims

If you’ve been injured by mesothelioma, asbestos-related lung cancer, or asbestosis, keep in mind that there is a good chance that you’ll qualify for considerable compensation. Remember to fill out our form to get your free Financial Compensation Packet, with information on asbestos and mesothelioma lawyers. If you have questions or need additional assistance, contact us at 800-793-4540.