Asbestos poses a serious health risk to San Francisco residents and workers. Despite being banned in many products, asbestos lingers in older buildings, industrial sites, and even homes, silently threatening the health of unsuspecting individuals. Exposure to asbestos fibers can lead to devastating diseases like mesothelioma, a rare and aggressive cancer that often proves fatal. At Throneberry Law Group, we are committed to fighting for the rights of mesothelioma victims and their families, holding negligent companies accountable for the harm they have caused.
Asbestos Exposure in the Workplace
Many San Francisco workers are at risk of asbestos exposure on the job, particularly those in industries like construction, manufacturing, and shipbuilding. Some notable companies and worksites where asbestos exposure has occurred include:
- Hunters Point Naval Shipyard: This former military base, now undergoing redevelopment, has a history of asbestos use in ship construction and repair. Workers involved in the cleanup and renovation of the site may encounter asbestos.
- PG&E Power Plants: Several of PG&E’s power generation facilities in the San Francisco Bay Area, such as the Hunters Point Power Plant and the Potrero Power Plant, used asbestos-containing materials in their construction and operation. Maintenance workers and contractors at these sites are at risk.
- Oil Refineries: San Francisco’s oil refineries, including the Chevron Richmond Refinery and the Shell Martinez Refinery, have used asbestos in insulation, gaskets, and other heat-resistant materials. Refinery workers may be exposed during maintenance and repair work.
Asbestos in Residential and Commercial Buildings
Asbestos isn’t just a threat in industrial settings; it can also lurk in homes, schools, and office buildings constructed before the 1980s. Common sources of asbestos in these structures include:
- Insulation: Asbestos was once a popular insulation material due to its heat-resistant properties. It can be found in attic insulation, pipe insulation, and HVAC ducts.
- Flooring: Vinyl floor tiles and the adhesives used to install them often contained asbestos. As these materials age and degrade, fibers can become airborne.
- Roofing and siding: Asbestos cement roofing and siding were used on many older buildings. When these materials weather and crumble, they can release asbestos fibers into the air.
Homeowners, tenants, and contractors who disturb asbestos materials during renovations or repairs are at high risk of exposure. Proper testing and abatement procedures are essential to prevent the release of harmful fibers.
Protecting Your Health and Your Rights
At Throneberry Law Group, our experienced mesothelioma attorneys are dedicated to fighting for the compensation you deserve. We thoroughly investigate each case to identify all potentially liable parties and pursue maximum damages for our clients. While no amount of money can undo the harm of a mesothelioma diagnosis, a successful claim can provide vital resources for medical care, lost wages, and the support of your loved ones.
If you suspect that asbestos exposure in San Francisco caused your illness, contact Throneberry Law Group today for a free consultation. Let us hold negligent companies responsible and secure the compensation you and your family need during this difficult time.
