California reports more mesothelioma diagnoses annually than any other state in the nation — an estimated 280 new cases per year. This reflects California's significant industrial and military history: the state was home to some of the largest naval shipyards in the world, major oil refineries, aerospace manufacturers, and extensive construction activity throughout the 20th century. Workers and veterans across Northern and Southern California were exposed to asbestos in these industries for decades.
Asbestos Exposure History in California
California's asbestos exposure history is extensive and geographically diverse. The San Francisco Bay Area was home to Mare Island Naval Shipyard in Vallejo and Hunters Point Naval Shipyard in San Francisco — two of the largest naval facilities on the Pacific Coast, where tens of thousands of workers built and repaired ships using massive quantities of asbestos insulation. In Southern California, the Los Angeles Naval Shipyard at Terminal Island and Long Beach Naval Station served the Pacific Fleet. The Richmond refinery complex, operated by Standard Oil (later Chevron), exposed thousands of refinery workers to asbestos pipe insulation and equipment seals. California's aerospace industry — concentrated in Los Angeles, San Diego, and the Central Valley — used asbestos in aircraft components and facility construction.
Key Asbestos Exposure Sites in California
- Hunters Point Naval Shipyard (San Francisco)
- Mare Island Naval Shipyard (Vallejo)
- Los Angeles Naval Shipyard (Terminal Island)
- Standard Oil Richmond Refinery (Richmond)
- Long Beach Naval Station
- Lockheed Martin Skunk Works (Palmdale)
Documented Sites with Detailed Records
One of the largest naval shipyards on the West Coast. Thousands of workers were exposed to asbestos insulation on pipes, boilers, and engine rooms during WWII construction and Cold War maintenance.
A major Pacific Fleet repair and construction facility. Shipbuilders, welders, and pipefitters encountered asbestos-containing insulation throughout hulls and machinery spaces.
One of the largest oil refineries on the West Coast. Refinery workers, pipe insulators, and maintenance crews faced chronic asbestos exposure from pipe lagging, boiler insulation, and valve packing.
The oldest naval shipyard on the Pacific Coast. Submarine and ship construction exposed generations of workers and Navy personnel to asbestos in engine rooms, bulkheads, and insulation throughout the facility.
Home to legendary aircraft production including the SR-71 and U-2. Aerospace workers used asbestos-containing gaskets, insulation blankets, and fireproofing materials throughout aircraft manufacturing.
Top Industries for Asbestos Exposure in California
- Shipbuilding & Naval Facilities
- Oil Refining
- Aerospace
- Construction
- Military Bases
California Mesothelioma Laws & Filing Deadlines
California has a 3-year statute of limitations for personal injury mesothelioma claims, running from the date of diagnosis. Wrongful death claims must be filed within 2 years of the date of death. California courts have historically been receptive to asbestos claims and have produced significant plaintiff verdicts. The state also allows claims to be filed against multiple defendants simultaneously, which is important given the many manufacturers whose products appeared at California job sites.
* Filing deadlines are based on state law at time of publication. Always verify current deadlines with a licensed mesothelioma attorney in California.
Frequently Asked Questions — Mesothelioma in California
California has jurisdiction to hear mesothelioma claims even if your exposure occurred partly in other states. Cases are typically filed in the county where the plaintiff resides or where significant exposure occurred. San Francisco and Los Angeles counties both have active asbestos litigation dockets.
Yes. California courts have a long history of asbestos litigation and juries there are experienced with these cases. The 3-year statute of limitations gives you reasonable time to file, and California's legal framework allows claims against multiple manufacturers in a single case.