Mayport Naval Station Asbestos Exposure
Naval Station Mayport in Florida is unique in that it combines a large harbor with an 8,000-foot airstrip, making it an efficient center of both sea and air travel. It was commissioned by the Navy in 1942 and has grown at an impressive rate since then. Unfortunately, the busy activity in this area has led to problems with pollution, lead paint contamination of the soil, and asbestos left over from the earliest days of the base.
While the Navy is now taking steps to minimize the amount of toxic materials used at the Mayport Naval Station, this has not always been their approach. During World War II and the Korean War, the dangerous mineral asbestos was used extensively in the construction and maintenance of Navy ships, along with a variety of other hazardous materials. Today, the effects of these hazards are still being felt.
Naval Station Mayport and Asbestos
Asbestos is a mineral that is relatively cheap to mine and is highly flame-resistant. For these reasons, it was very popular among government agencies and the private sector for much of the 20th century. The Navy used asbestos to make a variety of shipbuilding materials, including:
- Floor coatings
- Gaskets
- Piping and wiring insulation
- Cement
- Sheet metal
When these materials were cut, bent, or otherwise used, asbestos fibers could have been released into the air. When inhaled, these fibers can cause extensive damage to the lungs. Over time, this damage can develop into scar tissue and then into major illnesses such as asbestosis or the cancer mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma and Navy Veterans
Many workers who built, converted, or maintained Navy ships between 1930 and 1970 were exposed to asbestos. Most of them did not know about the associated hazards and felt no immediate effects. This is because diseases like mesothelioma can take years or even decades to become symptomatic.
Today, many Navy veterans are being diagnosed with mesothelioma, lung cancer, or other asbestos-related diseases. Each tragic case could have been prevented if Navy workers had been informed of the dangers of asbestos and given proper protection during their service. Today, some Navy veterans who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma are choosing to seek justice for their losses by taking legal action.
Contact Us
To learn more about filing a Mayport navy shipyard asbestos exposure claim, fill out our quick contact form or call us at 800-781-3955.
