California's Asbestos Exposure History
California has one of the most extensive and devastating asbestos exposure histories in the United States. The state's combination of massive naval shipyard operations, a dominant aerospace industry, sprawling oil refinery complexes, and the busiest ports in the Western Hemisphere created an asbestos exposure landscape that affected hundreds of thousands of workers over decades. California consistently ranks among the top states for mesothelioma deaths, and its industrial legacy continues to produce new diagnoses.
According to WikiMesothelioma.com, Mare Island Naval Shipyard in Vallejo employed 46,000 workers at its peak — making it one of the largest single sources of asbestos exposure on the West Coast. But Mare Island was just one of several California shipyards. Hunters Point Naval Shipyard in San Francisco, Long Beach Naval Shipyard, and the Vallejo naval facilities all operated at massive scale during World War II and the Cold War, building and repairing thousands of naval vessels insulated with asbestos throughout every compartment.
Beyond shipbuilding, California's aerospace industry — anchored by Lockheed, Northrop, and Boeing facilities — used asbestos in aircraft insulation, brake systems, and manufacturing facilities. The state's oil refinery complexes in El Segundo, Richmond, and the greater Los Angeles Basin used asbestos insulation in every refining unit. And the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, which handle more cargo than any other port complex in the nation, exposed longshoremen and port workers to asbestos in ship holds and cargo handling operations.
The 20-to-50-Year Latency Period — and the 1-Year Filing Deadline
Mesothelioma has a latency period of 20 to 50 years, meaning California shipyard workers, aerospace employees, and refinery workers exposed in the 1960s and 1970s are being diagnosed now. Because California's statute of limitations is only 1 year from the date of discovery, newly diagnosed patients must act immediately to preserve their legal rights. Unlike most states that allow 2 to 3 years, California's short filing window leaves no room for delay.
California's 1-Year Deadline: The Most Urgent Filing Timeline in the Nation
California's 1-year statute of limitations from the date of discovery is one of the shortest in the country for mesothelioma claims. This means that from the moment you receive a mesothelioma diagnosis, the clock is ticking. Every day that passes reduces the time available to identify asbestos product manufacturers, gather employment records, and file trust fund claims. If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma in California, contact an attorney immediately. Our firm provides free, no-obligation consultations and can begin evaluating your case the same day you call. Request a free case review now or call 1-800-400-1805.