Washington Navy Yard

The Washington Navy Yard was a U.S. Navy-owned shipyard that built and repaired vessels for the military and later supplied guns and ammunition. Washington Navy Yard relied on asbestos for its ease of use, affordability, and high resistance to heat and fire. Eventually, it received a Superfund site designation.

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.

Washington Navy Yard History

The Washington Navy Yard was created in 1799 on Washington D.C.’s 9th and M Street. It started as a shipbuilding operation and built numerous military ships, including 22 vessels of different sizes.

This continued until World War II, when the company added guns and ammunition manufacturing. The shipyard was massive; it spread across 63.3 acres.

During World War II, Washington Navy Yard employed over 20,000 people. It became the largest naval ordnance plant in the world at the time and continued to design numerous weapons.

In 1945, its name changed to the U.S. Naval Gun Factory, and it continued crafting guns and ammunition until the 1960s.

In 1973, the Washington Navy Yard was placed into the National Register of Historic Places. Within three years, it became a part of the National History Landmark.

Washington Navy Yard Asbestos Use

As with most shipyards in the past, Washington Navy Yard used asbestos in its daily operations. Documents dating back to 1918 indicate that metal blocks contained over 65% asbestos that was molded into the backs of cannons.

Asbestos was also found in:

• Fireproof paint
• Electric boosters
• Sealants
• Ignitions
• Insulation
• Ceilings
• Boards
• Equipment, and more

Another issue people faced was second-hand exposure, which became a significant concern at many shipyards throughout the United States.

Since Washington Navy Yard workers rarely used protective gear nor changed clothing before returning home every day, children and spouses were exposed to asbestos by simply doing laundry or hugging their loved ones.

Several children who grew up around fathers who worked at shipyards developed mesothelioma themselves years later.

Superfund Site

In April 1998, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Agency for Toxic Substances and Diseases Registry (ATSDR) designated the Washington Navy Yard as a Superfund site.

Within a year, ATSDR conducted several site investigations, which included evaluating groundwater data and on-site soil data.

At least 17 locations throughout the shipyard contained contaminated soil and groundwater contamination.

Even though large amounts of asbestos were found at the site, metals were the primary concern, as well as lead paint. ATSDR indicated that the primary source of surface soil contamination was lead paint, which was over 18,700 ppm of the EPA’s recommended 400 ppm level.

The EPA and ATSDR took several steps to ensure public safety, including but not limited to the following:

• Removing the Coal Storage Yard in order to abate contaminants
• Removing Admiral’s Row to remove excessive levels of toxins
• An awareness program for the public, as well as construction workers, the military, and anyone else who may still work around asbestos
• Posting advisory warnings to area residents, and more.

If you believe exposure at the Washington Navy Yard contributed to your asbestos illness, contact a mesothelioma lawyer to find out what you can do about it.

Help and Additional Resources

If you’ve been injured by asbestos, keep in mind that there is a good chance that you’ll qualify for considerable compensation. Don’t forget to fill out our form to get our free Financial Compensation Packet, filled with information on the experienced asbestos and mesothelioma attorneys in your area. If you have questions or need additional assistance, contact us at 800-793-4540.