Asbestos Exposure Sites in California
California has 13 documented asbestos exposure sites spanning 5 industries. Workers at these facilities were exposed to asbestos-containing materials — often in shipyards, power plants, refineries, and manufacturing plants — and may be eligible for compensation through trust fund claims and lawsuits.
Asbestos Exposure in California
California has one of the highest rates of mesothelioma in the nation, driven by decades of heavy industrial activity across the state. The San Francisco Bay Area was a center of shipbuilding during World War II, with the Hunters Point Naval Shipyard, Mare Island Naval Shipyard in Vallejo, and the Bethlehem Steel shipyard in San Francisco exposing tens of thousands of workers to asbestos insulation, pipe covering, and fireproofing materials. Southern California's Long Beach Naval Shipyard and the aerospace industry giants in Los Angeles — Lockheed, Northrop, and Hughes Aircraft — used asbestos extensively in aircraft and facility construction. Oil refineries in Richmond, El Segundo, Torrance, and the Central Valley contributed to occupational exposure among refinery workers. Naturally occurring asbestos deposits exist in the Sierra Nevada foothills, parts of the Coast Ranges, and areas of El Dorado, Amador, and Placer counties, creating environmental exposure for nearby residents. Power plants operated by Pacific Gas & Electric and Southern California Edison relied on asbestos insulation for decades. California's construction industry, the largest in the nation, generated widespread exposure during building, renovation, and demolition work. The state applies a two-year statute of limitations from diagnosis for personal injury but only one year for wrongful death claims, making immediate legal consultation critical for surviving family members.
Major industries linked to asbestos exposure in California: Shipbuilding, Aerospace, Oil refining, Construction, Power generation, Naturally occurring asbestos.
Notable exposure sites: Hunters Point Naval Shipyard, San Francisco; Mare Island Naval Shipyard, Vallejo; Long Beach Naval Shipyard; Lockheed Martin, Burbank/Palmdale; Chevron Richmond Refinery.
Shipyards
Power Plants
Mining
Military
Frequently Asked Questions: Asbestos Exposure in California
What is California's statute of limitations for mesothelioma claims?
California has a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims from the date of diagnosis. Wrongful death claims have only a one-year filing deadline from the date of death, so families must act quickly.
Where were people most commonly exposed to asbestos in California?
Major exposure sites include shipyards in San Francisco, Vallejo, and Long Beach; aerospace facilities in Los Angeles; oil refineries throughout the state; and areas with naturally occurring asbestos in the Sierra Nevada foothills and Coast Ranges.
Is there naturally occurring asbestos in California?
Yes. California has significant deposits of naturally occurring asbestos, particularly in the Sierra Nevada foothills, parts of El Dorado, Amador, and Placer counties, and portions of the Coast Ranges. Ground disturbance in these areas can release asbestos fibers into the air.
How much compensation can mesothelioma victims receive in California?
California mesothelioma verdicts and settlements have ranged from hundreds of thousands to tens of millions of dollars, depending on exposure history, responsible parties, and case specifics. Multiple asbestos trust funds are also available for claims against bankrupt manufacturers.