Hunters Point Naval Shipyard Hunters Point Naval Shipyard in San Francisco, California, served as a major ship repair facility and the Navy's radiological defense laboratory. Workers were exposed to both asbestos and radioactive contamination from the 1940s through the yard's closure in 1974.
Last verified: 2026-03-09Hunters Point Naval Shipyard was acquired by the Navy in 1940 and became a critical Pacific Fleet repair facility during World War II. The yard also served as the Navy's Radiological Defense Laboratory after Operation Crossroads nuclear tests. Ships contaminated with radiation were brought to Hunters Point for decontamination, while asbestos remained a standard material in all repair work. The yard closed in 1974 and became a Superfund site.
Workers at Hunters Point encountered asbestos throughout ship repair operations, including removing and replacing pipe insulation, boiler lagging, and gasket materials. The dual contamination of asbestos and radiological materials made Hunters Point one of the most hazardous naval facilities in the country. Repair workers in confined below-deck spaces inhaled concentrated asbestos fibers without adequate protection.
The following job categories at Hunters Point Naval Shipyard had the highest risk of asbestos exposure:
Former Hunters Point workers face elevated risks of mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis, compounded by potential radiological exposure. The site's Superfund designation reflects the severity of contamination. Many former workers and community residents have reported asbestos-related health conditions linked to the yard's operations.
Health information is based on established medical research on asbestos exposure. Asbestos is classified as a known human carcinogen by the National Cancer Institute, the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Consult a physician for medical advice specific to your situation.
Workers exposed to asbestos at Hunters Point Naval Shipyard may be entitled to compensation through asbestos trust funds, personal injury lawsuits, or veterans benefits. Mesothelioma patients and their families have recovered billions in compensation from companies that manufactured or used asbestos products.
1 asbestos trust fund have been identified as potentially related to exposure at this site. Many mesothelioma patients qualify to file claims with multiple trusts simultaneously.
Find Out If You QualifyWorkers who were employed at Hunters Point Naval Shipyard between 1940s–1970s may have been exposed to asbestos-containing materials. If you've been diagnosed with mesothelioma, lung cancer, or asbestosis, you may have legal options including trust fund claims and lawsuits.
Workers exposed to asbestos at Hunters Point Naval Shipyard may be eligible to file claims with the following trust funds:
If you were exposed to asbestos at Hunters Point Naval Shipyard and have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, these specialized treatment centers in California may be able to help.
Yes. Asbestos-containing insulation, gaskets, fireproofing, and deck tiles were used extensively at Hunters Point Naval Shipyard during ship repair operations from the 1940s through 1974.
Insulators, pipe fitters, painters, and general laborers had the highest asbestos exposure, particularly those performing ship repair work in confined below-deck compartments.
Yes. Workers exposed to asbestos at Hunters Point who have developed mesothelioma, lung cancer, or asbestosis may pursue compensation through asbestos trust funds and legal claims against responsible manufacturers.
Hunters Point Naval Shipyard in San Francisco, CA is a documented asbestos exposure site. Workers in the naval ship repair & radiological defense industry were exposed to asbestos-containing materials from the 1940s through the 1970s. Former workers diagnosed with mesothelioma or other asbestos-related diseases may be eligible for compensation.
If you or a loved one worked at Hunters Point Naval Shipyard and have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, lung cancer, or asbestosis, our attorneys can help you explore your legal options. There is no cost, no pressure, and no obligation.
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