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Mesothelioma in Union City, California

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

Union City, California, was home to Pacific States Steel Corporation, which operated one of the largest foundries in the Bay Area. Steelworkers were exposed to asbestos in the machinery and equipment at this site. Union City mesothelioma patients have access to local treatment and legal resources.

Learn More About Asbestos and Mesothelioma in Union City Request Your Free Guide

Asbestos use in California

Union City, California Mesothelioma Treatment

Union City mesothelioma patients can seek specialized treatment close to home in the San Francisco Bay Area. Treatment will vary from patient to patient based on factors such as age, stage of disease, mesothelioma cell type and location of the disease. An experienced mesothelioma cancer specialist will discuss and recommend treatment options. These may include surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy and radiation. Doctors may also discuss potential clinical trials with patients. If surgery is a possibility, patients have several options in northern California to find an experienced mesothelioma surgeon.

Cancer Centers for Mesothelioma Serving Union City, California

Mesothelioma patients in Union City have multiple options for specialized oncological care within a short drive. Cancer centers specializing in mesothelioma offer a wide range of treatment options, including chemotherapy and surgery. The Stanford Cancer Institute offers experienced mesothelioma care.

For surgical candidates, the University of California San Francisco at Mount Zion has expert mesothelioma surgeons on staff. It is also home to the Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, which is a National Cancer Institute (NCI)-Designated Cancer Center.

Photo of Stanford Cancer Institute
Stanford Cancer Institute
Stanford, CA 94305
Photo of University of California San Francisco at Mount Zion
University of California San Francisco at Mount Zion
Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center
San Francisco, CA 94115

Union City, California Mesothelioma Doctors

Doctors with experience in mesothelioma create a personalized plan for each patient. Mesothelioma doctors are qualified to discuss treatment options with patients that may be able to extend life expectancy while maximizing quality of life.

Mesothelioma is a rare disease, with approximately 3,000 new diagnoses in the United States each year. Many doctors do not have experience treating the disease, making it very important to find a mesothelioma specialist. Specialists will be familiar with the latest chemotherapy regimens, surgical procedures and clinical trials.

Photo of Dr. Mark R. Cullen
Dr. Mark R. Cullen
Director of the Center for Population Health Sciences
Stanford, CA
Photo of Dr. Matthew A. Gubens
Dr. Matthew A. Gubens
Thoracic Oncologist
San Francisco, CA
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Union City, California Mesothelioma Lawsuits

Union City residents and asbestos workers who develop mesothelioma may have the option to file a lawsuit in California. There are many asbestos companies with operations in and around Union City known to have exposed workers to asbestos. Some of these companies have trusts established to compensate mesothelioma victims exposed to asbestos at Union City jobsites.

If a Union City mesothelioma victim was exposed to asbestos outside of California, there may be other venues in which to file their mesothelioma lawsuit. An experienced mesothelioma law firm will review the past asbestos exposure profile of the victim to determine the best venue to file each case.

Finding a Lawyer or Law Firm in Union City, California

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, speak to an attorney who has handled mesothelioma cases in Union City. An experienced mesothelioma lawyer will be familiar with defendants, jobsites and asbestos trusts relevant to Union City workers. With this knowledge, attorneys will try to identify where their clients may have been exposed to asbestos. The following law firms have experience serving California clients:

Logo for Dean Omar Branham Shirley, LLP
Fighting to get mesothelioma victims the compensation they deserve. Recognized by Super Lawyers® and National Trial Lawyers.
Logo for The Gori Law Firm
Over 16 years of experience serving asbestos injury victims. The Gori Law Firm is recognized by Super Lawyers®, National Trial Lawyers and the American Society of Legal Advocates (ASLA).
Logo for Frost Law Firm, PC
Over a decade of experience fighting hard for mesothelioma victims in California and across the country. Millions of dollars recovered for clients through passionate work in asbestos litigation.
Logo for Shrader & Associates
For over three decades, Shrader & Associates National Trial Attorneys have fought tirelessly on behalf of mesothelioma victims and their families and recovered millions of dollars in compensation.

Deadlines for Filing Mesothelioma Lawsuits in Union City, California

Mesothelioma lawsuits must be filed within specific deadlines defined by the statutes of limitations. Statutes of limitations vary by state and by lawsuit type. Individuals should contact a mesothelioma attorney with experience in California to learn more about the filing process.

Statutes of Limitations for Union City
Personal Injury

Claims must be filed within 1 year after an asbestos-related diagnosis.

Wrongful Death

Claims must be filed within 1 year after an asbestos-related death.

Successful lawsuits and claims may result in financial compensation. Compensation from a successful case may help individuals and their families pay for treatment-related costs.

Examples of clients served in Union City include:

Client Profile

Age: 86

Occupation: Electrician

Jobsites Worked at: West Coast Meats (1946 – 1975)

Settlement: ~$2,849,297

Client Profile

Age: 68

Occupations: Household, Construction

Jobsites Worked at: Associated Foods (1968 – 1976)

Settlement: ~$1,531,379

Client Profile

Age: 97

Occupations: Mechanic, Smelter

Jobsites Worked at: West Coast Meats (1946 – 1974)

Settlement: ~$798,444

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Asbestos Use in Union City, California

Union City, California, has a long industrial history. The city is a rail hub and was once home to Pacific States Steel Corporation. Union City was incorporated in 1959, combining the towns of Alvarado and Decoto. Decoto had been a railroad hub since the 1800s.

Union City is still an important rail hub today. With Union City Station, the city has been part of the Bay Area Rapid Transit system since 1972. Asbestos was commonly used in railcars, engines and equipment. Railroad workers may have been exposed to asbestos on the job.

Union City was also home to many foundries and steel mills that used asbestos-containing machines and equipment. Many steelworkers were exposed to asbestos daily while on the job.

Alameda County Mesothelioma Deaths by Gender 1999 – 2020
Gender Number of Deaths
Male 165
Female 50

Asbestos in Union City, California’s Steel Industry

Pacific States Steel Corporation was once one of the largest employers in Alameda County, operating a steel mill there from 1938 until 1978. Asbestos use was common in steel mills due to the mineral’s ability to resist the high temperatures necessary for steel production.

Asbestos was used in much of the equipment and machinery at steel mills. This includes insulation, pipes, gaskets and pumps. Fireproof clothing worn by steelworkers also contained asbestos. Steel workers and tradesmen who worked on and performed repairs on equipment would have been exposed to asbestos often. Pacific States Steel Corporation’s Union City mill is listed as a jobsite in asbestos bankruptcy trust databases.

Union City, California Jobsites Where Asbestos Exposure Occurred

  • American Cryonics Society (ACS)
  • American Licorice Company
  • Boldemann Chocolate Company
  • Borden Chemical, Inc.
  • Columbia Steel, Inc.
  • HD Supply Waterworks
  • Johns-Manville
  • Kitayama Brothers
  • Masonic Homes of California
  • McKesson Chemical Company
  • MJB Coffee
  • Owens-Illinois Glass Company
  • Pacific States Steel Corporation (PSSC)
  • Pacific Telephone and Telegraph Company (PacTel)
  • Reynolds Metals Company
  • U.S. Pipe
Sources
  1. About Union City. Union City.

  2. The Bocage Team. Union City.

  3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Underlying Cause of Death 1999-2020. CDC Wonder Online Database.

  4. Egelko B. UNION CITY / Steel mill site clean, ready for new homes. SFGate. October 2006.

  5. Fugro West, Inc. Phase I Environmental Site Assessment Report, Proposed I-880 to 238 East-West Connector, Alameda County, California. August 2008.

  6. GeoCities. Union City Timeline. Updated October 2009.

  7. Pimental B. A Broken Contract / Pensioners wait 23 years for medical benefits. SFGate. March 2001.

  8. Western City. Union City Redevelops Toxic Site, Creates Vital Community. May 2008.

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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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