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Shipyards

San Francisco Naval Shipyard (Treasure Island)

San Francisco Naval Shipyard (Treasure Island)

San Francisco Naval Shipyard (Treasure Island) The San Francisco Naval Shipyard on Treasure Island served as a major naval station and ship maintenance facility in San Francisco Bay. Workers and military personnel were exposed to asbestos in both ship maintenance and building construction from the 1940s through the 1970s.

Last verified: 2026-03-09
Location
San Francisco, CA
Industry
Naval Station & Ship Maintenance
Exposure Era
1940s–1970s
Primary Asbestos Products
Pipe insulation, Boiler insulation, Gaskets, Building insulation, Floor tiles
Job Categories at Risk
Shipyard workers, Insulators, Maintenance workers, Electricians, Laborers

History & Asbestos Use

Treasure Island was built for the 1939 Golden Gate International Exposition and was taken over by the Navy in 1941. It served as a major Pacific Fleet staging area, training center, and ship maintenance facility throughout WWII and the Cold War. The base also hosted the Navy's radiological decontamination operations. Asbestos was used in buildings, ships, and infrastructure throughout the facility. The base closed in 1997 and became a Superfund site.

Exposure Details

Workers at the Treasure Island naval facility encountered asbestos in building insulation, floor tiles, and pipe systems in addition to ship maintenance operations. Maintenance crews repaired asbestos-insulated steam lines and building systems throughout the base. Ship maintenance workers handled asbestos-containing materials in vessel repair operations. The radiological contamination cleanup also disturbed asbestos-containing building materials.

Workers at Risk

The following job categories at San Francisco Naval Shipyard (Treasure Island) had the highest risk of asbestos exposure:

  • Shipyard workers
  • Insulators
  • Maintenance workers
  • Electricians
  • Laborers

Health Effects

Former Treasure Island workers and military personnel have reported elevated rates of mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases. The dual contamination of asbestos and radiological materials has complicated health monitoring and treatment. The site's Superfund designation reflects the severity of environmental contamination, including widespread asbestos in buildings and soil.

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.

Compensation May Be Available

Workers exposed to asbestos at San Francisco Naval Shipyard (Treasure Island) 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 Qualify

Were You Exposed to Asbestos at San Francisco Naval Shipyard (Treasure Island)?

Workers who were employed at San Francisco Naval Shipyard (Treasure Island) 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.

Related Asbestos Trust Funds

Workers exposed to asbestos at San Francisco Naval Shipyard (Treasure Island) may be eligible to file claims with the following trust funds:

Treatment Centers in California

If you were exposed to asbestos at San Francisco Naval Shipyard (Treasure Island) and have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, these specialized treatment centers in California may be able to help.

Browse all treatment centers →

Frequently Asked Questions

Was asbestos used at the San Francisco Naval Shipyard on Treasure Island?

Yes. Asbestos was used in building insulation, floor tiles, pipe systems, and ship maintenance materials at the Treasure Island naval facility from the 1940s through the 1970s.

What jobs had the highest asbestos exposure at Treasure Island?

Maintenance workers, insulators, electricians, and laborers had the highest exposure from both building maintenance and ship repair work at the facility.

Can Treasure Island naval workers file asbestos claims?

Yes. Former workers and military personnel exposed to asbestos at the Treasure Island naval facility who have developed mesothelioma or other asbestos-related conditions may pursue compensation through trust funds and legal claims.

What are the known asbestos exposure sites in San Francisco, CA?

San Francisco Naval Shipyard (Treasure Island) in San Francisco, CA is a documented asbestos exposure site. Workers in the naval station & ship maintenance 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.

Get a Free Case Evaluation

If you or a loved one worked at San Francisco Naval Shipyard (Treasure Island) 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.

Free & Confidential No upfront costs, no hidden fees. You pay nothing unless we recover compensation.
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Fast Results Trust fund claims can resolve in as few as 90 days. We move quickly for our clients.

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Sources:

  • EPA Superfund records — accessed 2026-03-09
  • Navy BRAC documentation — accessed 2026-03-09
  • Cal/EPA DTSC records — accessed 2026-03-09
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