The USS Tolovana (AO-64) was a fleet oiler with a distinguished record that spans World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. Like many other ships built in the years between the 1930s and 1980s, the Tolovana contained asbestos in many of its components, and the carcinogenic material put sailors who served on the ship
Malignant mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive form of cancer caused by exposure to asbestos. Though the disease is always considered fatal, early detection significantly improves treatment effectiveness and overall survival time and often improves quality of life. People with known exposure to the toxic material are at high risk, but regular screening before symptoms
The USS Princeton (CV-37) was An Essex-class carrier commissioned in 1945 and decommissioned in 1970. The ship was built using asbestos materials in its infrastructure and relying on asbestos in many of its supplies. Naval personnel who served on the ship and shipyard workers who maintained and repaired her were exposed and at risk for malignant mesothelioma and other asbestos-related
As the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles continued and residents began assessing their losses, the L.A. County Sheriff’s Department issued a dire warning to officers and firefighters patrolling the area: the risk of mesothelioma and other illnesses from airborne toxins is real, and all personnel should wear masks and decontaminate their uniforms before entering their
The USS Prichett (DD-561) was a Fletcher-class destroyer built for the U.S. Navy in the run-up to World War II. During those years, Navy ships were built using a significant amount of asbestos, and much of the equipment and many onboard supplies were also contaminated with the toxic mineral. As a result, many of the men who
The USS Carronade (IFS-1/LFR-1) was an Inshore Fire Support Ship (IFS) designed to provide naval gunfire support to amphibious landings and other operations close to shore. One of only four IFS vessels built in the 1950s and serving in Vietnam, the ship was valued for its ability to fire thirty spin-stabilized rockets per minute with
Warehouse workers frequently suffer on-the-job injuries, and among the risks they face are being diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma or other asbestos-related diseases from exposure to asbestos. Whether through exposure to the older facilities they work in or from having handled goods that contain the toxic mineral, the workers need to be aware of the dangers posed by the
Mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases are most commonly associated with occupational exposure. But many people have also been sickened by asbestos hidden in everyday household items, from children’s toys and cosmetics to appliances and sporting goods. While the use of asbestos in consumer products has largely been discontinued, some older items are still in use, and some
A Virginia jury ordered Norfolk Southern Railway Company to pay $5 million in damages to the estate of a former rail car repair worker who developed asbestosis and died from the disease. Steven Fowlkes had worked for the railroad company between 1979 and 1990 and was never warned of the dangers arising from exposure to
The USS Purdy (DD-734) was an Allen M. Sumner class destroyer that entered service during World War II and served with distinction through the Korean War and the Vietnam War. Designed to protect other Naval vessels and carry out submarine warfare operations, the ship was known for its versatility, adaptability, and advanced radar system. Like