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Asbestos in California

Linda Molinari
Author: Linda Molinari
Jennifer Lucarelli
Last Updated: 11/12/2025

Prominent industries in California once heavily relied on asbestos. Industries like shipbuilding, oil refining and mining put workers at risk of asbestos exposure. Residents may have also faced these risks. Anyone who is exposed to asbestos may develop mesothelioma or other related conditions.

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Asbestos Use in California

For much of the 20th century, asbestos use was widespread in California. The mineral was particularly common in the shipbuilding, mining and oil refining industries. Asbestos is affordable, durable and naturally fire-resistant. These traits made it popular for products like insulation and mechanical equipment parts.

But asbestos poses serious health risks, including cancer. Many exposure victims in California have developed mesothelioma, asbestosis and other asbestos-related diseases. Despite asbestos regulations, these health risks continue today.

California Asbestos Statistics

For decades, California workers and residents faced asbestos exposure risks. Some activities, like mining, posed a higher risk of exposure than others. This is especially true if workers were mining one of the many asbestos deposits in California.

Any amount and source of asbestos exposure has associated health risks. More than 20,000 Californians have suffered from asbestos-related conditions. Notable data and statistics about asbestos and mesothelioma in California include:

  • At least 235 naturally occurring asbestos deposits have been found in California. Of these, 72 became prospects and 25 became operational mines.
  • From 1999 to 2020, approximately 7,113 Californians were diagnosed with mesothelioma.
  • California reported approximately 5,484 deaths from mesothelioma from 1999 to 2020.
  • California has the highest number of mesothelioma deaths in the country. But because of its large population size, its death rate is slightly lower than the national average.

Many Californians may suspect or know they have a history of asbestos exposure. Others may have been diagnosed with mesothelioma. Patients in the state have access to many reputable options for California mesothelioma treatment, like the Cedars-Sinai Medical Center.

Asbestos victims may also contact mesothelioma law firms to understand their legal rights in California. Lawyers at these firms can help eligible clients seek compensation for their asbestos diseases.

Occupational Asbestos Use in California

Beyond asbestos mining, many other California industries once relied on asbestos. Until the 1980s, asbestos was especially popular in oil refining, shipbuilding and construction. Asbestos companies used the mineral for its fire resistance and strength, among other qualities.

But for many Californians, this led to asbestos exposure and related diseases. These diseases include mesothelioma, lung cancer and asbestosis. Agencies like the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) eventually regulated asbestos.

Before then, countless Californian workers may have faced frequent occupational asbestos exposure. Today, old facilities and machinery continue to pose asbestos risks to many workers.

Occupations Exposed to Asbestos in California

Non-occupational sources of asbestos exposure can also occur. For instance, homes built before the 1980s may contain asbestos materials. California homeowners may have been exposed during do-it-yourself repairs on these materials. Others may have experienced secondary exposure from someone who unknowingly brings asbestos fibers home on their clothing.

Shipyards

Thanks to having one of the longest U.S. coastlines, California developed a robust naval industry. This state is home to about 20 major shipyards and many smaller ones. In the past, shipbuilders frequently used asbestos in ship construction and repair. It was commonly found in products like insulation, boilers and pipes. Shipyards also contained asbestos in many facility construction materials and products.

One notable Californian asbestos shipyard is Naval Base San Diego. This shipyard covers more than 1,600 acres of land. Today, it is the primary port for the entire Pacific Fleet of the U.S. Navy. Historically, the base used asbestos in its shipyard and ships. Navy veterans stationed or working here may have been exposed.

Oil Industry

Since the early 1900s, California has had a booming oil industry. More than 175 oil sites are located here, including oil refineries, offshore platforms and storage terminals. Although some sites are closed, many have been operating since the early 1900s.

For much of the 20th century, the oil industry heavily used asbestos in various processes. For example, oil drilling and refining often use machinery in high-heat environments. Before the 1980s, asbestos materials were common for fireproofing these machines.

But many California oil industry workers experienced asbestos exposure through typical job duties. This leaves them at risk of developing diseases like mesothelioma.

Power Plants

Asbestos was once used throughout power plant facilities, equipment and machinery. Workers’ fireproof gear often contained asbestos, too. California’s power plant industry began in the 1890s. The state quickly became a leader in energy production, first with hydroelectric power. California’s power industry later expanded into gas and coal.

Many prominent power plants throughout California are now known to be asbestos jobsites. Power plants, like the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station, used asbestos to insulate from heat and electricity of the power generation process. Many workers may have been exposed to asbestos at Californian power plants.

Mining

California has at least 235 identified asbestos deposits. Some of these are among the largest known asbestos sites in the world. Some deposits here were mined for decades. Mining for asbestos poses significant exposure risks to workers.

There have been asbestos concerns with other types of mines in California, too. Asbestos contamination may occur with coal, talc, gold and copper. Workers at these other mines may have been exposed to asbestos.

Questions About Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure in California? Ask experienced mesothelioma advocate Jennifer Lucarelli Ask a Question

Asbestos Shipyards in California

Throughout its history, California has been home to many types of shipyards. These include public, private and military shipyards. In particular, its military shipyards have become notable hubs for ship production.

Many Navy veterans were stationed at California shipyards or naval bases. Until the 1980s, asbestos was popular at these shipyards. While the mineral is more regulated today, many legacy asbestos risks continue.

Bethlehem Steel Shipyard

Founded in 1849, Bethlehem Steel Shipyard is one of California’s oldest shipyards. It was originally called Union Brass and Iron Works. During World War I and II, this shipyard became a major warship construction site on the West Coast. After World War II, it transitioned to ship repairs and maintenance.

Many of the ships built and repaired at Bethlehem Steel Shipyard contained asbestos. Many people in various roles may have been exposed to asbestos while working here.

Naval Base San Diego

Naval Base San Diego was formally established in 1922. The U.S. Navy took control of its operations during World War I, where it became a main port for aircraft carriers in the Pacific Fleet. Much of these military vessels and the aircraft they carried contained asbestos.

For decades, many workers at Naval Base San Diego were exposed to asbestos. The naval base is still operational today, where remaining asbestos may be a concern. In general, older vessels and facilities may contain asbestos. This can lead to asbestos exposure for service personnel.

Long Beach Naval Shipyard

From 1940 to 1997, Long Beach Naval Shipyard on Terminal Island operated near Los Angeles. For much of this period, asbestos use was at its peak. Many ships containing asbestos were built, docked or repaired here. Anyone who worked at this shipyard may have been exposed.

In 1979, the Government Accountability Office assessed Long Beach Naval Shipyard. It found that dust samples from multiple ships showed the presence of asbestos. The report determined that proper cleanup processes had not been followed. This is one example of how asbestos exposure may have occurred at Long Beach Naval Shipyard.

San Francisco Bay Naval Shipyard

In 1965, two shipyards combined their operations to create the San Francisco Bay Naval Shipyard. This combined shipyard continued operating until 1970, when it again separated. Hunter’s Point continued until 1974 and Mare Island continued as a naval base until 1996. Both sites used asbestos heavily throughout their separate and combined operating periods.

Among other activities, these shipyards handled full overhauls of ships. Many ships during this time had asbestos-containing materials like insulation and gaskets. From 1940 to 1989, a Mare Island landfill became a dumping ground for asbestos and other dangerous toxins. Many shipyard workers may have experienced asbestos exposure at these sites.

Asbestos Exposure in California Cities

Major cities in California contain known asbestos jobsites. Below is a list of California cities where asbestos use in the workplace is known to have occurred. Click on the city to see more details about the specific jobsites where asbestos exposure occurred.

Asbestos Risks at Other California Jobsites

Workplace asbestos exposure is not limited to the cities listed above. Select a town or city below to see its list of jobsites where workers were exposed to asbestos. Asbestos exposure from any source could pose risks of developing mesothelioma cancer.

California Asbestos Work Sites

Sources

  1. Asbestos Nation. Asbestos-Related Deaths in California.

  2. California Energy Commission. California Oil Refinery History.

  3. California Energy Commission. California’s Terminal Facilities.

  4. California State Lands Commission. Final Environmental Impact Report for the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station (SONGS) Units 2 & 3 Decommissioning Project.

  5. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. CDC WONDER: About Underlying Cause of Death, 1999-2020.

  6. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. CDC WONDER: United States and Puerto Rico Cancer Statistics, 1999-2021 Incidence Request.

  7. Department of Conservation. California’s Abandoned Mines.

  8. Department of Defense. 2020 Demographics PROFILE OF THE MILITARY COMMUNITY.

  9. Destroyer History Foundation. Bethlehem San Francisco.

  10. KCRW. California’s offshore oil heyday is over. Why do the platforms remain?

  11. Naval Base San Diego. WELCOME TO NAVAL BASE SAN DIEGO.

  12. Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command. Former Long Beach Naval Complex.

  13. Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command. INVESTIGATION AREA H1 RESTORATION TEAM ACCOMPLISHMENTS AT THE FORMER MARE ISLAND NAVAL SHIPYARD, VALLEJO, CALIFORNIA.

  14. Naval History and Heritage Command. Mare Island Naval Shipyard.

  15. Navy Region Southwest. NAVBASE SAN DIEGO: HISTORY.

  16. U.S. Government Accountability Office. Navy Efforts To Protect Workers From Asbestos Exposure.

  17. United States Geological Survey. Reported Historic Asbestos Mines, Historic Asbestos Prospects, and Other Natural Occurrences of Asbestos in California.

  18. The Way Ahead. The Past, Present, and Uncertain Future of California’s Oil Business.

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Linda Molinari, Editor in Chief at Mesothelioma.com
Written by Linda Molinari Editor in Chief
Jennifer Lucarelli
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