Located in Washington State, Tacoma Dry Dock was a ship maintenance and construction facility also known as Seattle-Tacoma Shipbuilding. Tacoma Dry Dock used asbestos in its daily operations. Asbestos exposure at the dry dock led to an increased risk of asbestos-related illnesses like mesothelioma.
If you or a loved one suffer from mesothelioma, asbestos-related lung cancer, or asbestosis, you may qualify for substantial compensation. Fill out our form to get a free Financial Compensation Packet. You’ll learn about the experienced mesothelioma lawyers in your area, how to get paid in 90 days, how to file a claim for the asbestos trust funds, and more.
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Did Tacoma Dry Docks Use Asbestos?
Little information exists on the history of Tacoma Dry Docks. However, a well-known fact about the company is that it used dangerous asbestos products for many years.
Tacoma Dry Docks operated at a time when asbestos use was common in the shipbuilding and repair industries. Shipyards used asbestos as an insulator and fireproofing material.
Tacoma Dry Docks History
Tacoma Dry Docks began as the Seattle Construction and Drydock Company, which was purchased by Todd Corporation in 1916. Skinner & Eddy acquired the shipyard in 1918.
Todd Shipyards went on to employ over 30,000 workers during World War II. Most of these people were exposed daily to asbestos as crew members, maintenance workers, construction workers, painters, welders, electricians, and more.
After World War II ended, Todd Shipyards sold the company to the U.S. Navy. It eventually became the Port of Tacoma. Today, the site is part of a Port Commencement Bay Industrial Development District redevelopment.
How Did Tacoma Dry Docks Use Asbestos?
According to internal documents about Tacoma Dry Docks, asbestos was used in the following:
- Gaskets
- Asbestos cement
- Packing materials
- Fireproofing sprays
- Fire bricks
- Boiler rooms
- Electrical fittings
- Ceilings
- Floor paneling
- Insulation for steam pipes
- Insulation for boilers
- Incinerators
How Did Asbestos Use at Tacoma Drydocks Affect Workers?
During its peak operation, Tacoma Dry Docks used large amounts of asbestos. Most shipyards did the same thing before the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) placed strict regulations on asbestos use in the 1970s.
Before the EPA’s regulations, Tacoma Drydocks and many other shipyards relied on asbestos because of its cheap cost, resistance to high heat and fire, and ability to mix well with other ingredients.
Many types of workers at Tacoma Drydocks were at risk of exposure. Those with the greatest risk handled asbestos materials directly or worked very close to them:
- Insulation workers
- Boiler workers
- Pipefitters
- Plumbers
- Repair workers
- Demolition and shipbreaking workers
Spouses and children of these workers are also at risk of developing asbestos-related illnesses via second-hand exposure. Most shipyards in the past didn’t require workers to wear protective gear, nor did they supply the gear.
Some shipyards added showers to the job site, but there were complaints from workers that there were only a few showers for hundreds of workers to use.
Most workers didn’t want to wait two hours to shower after a long workday. Instead, they returned home with asbestos-filled clothing and asbestos fibers in their hair and on their skin.
Compensation for Tacoma Dry Docks Workers Exposed to Asbestos
Talk to an experienced asbestos attorney if you were exposed to asbestos at the Tacoma Drydocks. They can help you seek compensation.
Victims of workplace asbestos exposure can seek compensation through a claim. Asbestos companies that supplied shipyards like Tacoma Dry Docks can be held liable for damages resulting from asbestos illnesses.
If asbestos companies went bankrupt, they are protected from claims. These companies set up trust funds as an alternative way to compensate victims. A mesothelioma claim can help you find any trusts you qualify for and guide you in making a claim.
Additional Help and Resources
If you’ve been injured by mesothelioma, asbestos-related lung cancer, or asbestosis, keep in mind that there is a good chance that you’ll qualify for considerable compensation. Remember to fill out our form to get your free Financial Compensation Packet, with information on asbestos and mesothelioma lawyers in your area. If you have questions or need additional assistance, contact us at 800-793-4540.
