Naval Weapons Station Concord, California
Naval Weapons Station Concord, located along the Sacramento River, was founded in 1942. From World War II through the Gulf War, the base was used to store weapons and supply Navy ships. The Inland Area of the base was closed in 2007, although the nearby city of Concord is developing plans to renovate the area for commercial properties.
Working with munitions is always a dangerous undertaking. Unfortunately, the sailors and civilians who worked at the Concord Naval Weapons Station prior to 1970 faced more dangers than they were informed of. During this time, the US Navy used asbestos extensively in the construction of ships, weapons, offices, and more. The consequences of this use are still being suffered today.
Asbestos Use in the Navy
Workers at Navy bases like the Naval Weapons Station Concord could be exposed to asbestos in a variety of ways, including the use of:
- Piping and wiring insulation in ships, offices, and factories
- Sheet metal
- Cement
- Floor coatings in ships and factories
- Caulk
When materials like these contain asbestos, dangerous asbestos dust can be released whenever they are handled or begin to decay. This dust is composed of small fibers that can be inhaled or ingested, potentially causing extensive damage to the lungs and other internal organs. This damage places victims at risk for major diseases like mesothelioma, asbestosis, and lung cancer.
Mesothelioma and Navy Veterans
Asbestos-related diseases can take years to develop fully and begin showing symptoms. As a result, people can still be diagnosed with them even decades after asbestos exposure took place. Tragically, these illnesses are often not diagnosed until they reach the later stages, at which point treatment is less likely to be effective.
Today, many people who served with the Navy before 1970 have been diagnosed with mesothelioma or other asbestos-related illnesses. Some have chosen to pursue legal action against the parties responsible for their suffering. When these actions are successful, mesothelioma victims can sometimes receive compensation for the costs of their necessary treatments.
