Asbestos Exposure at Dravo Corporation
From the 1940s through the 1980s, Dravo Corporation was a major employer in Pittsburgh. Like all shipyards of that era, asbestos was used extensively throughout the facility. Workers who built, repaired, or maintained vessels at this shipyard were regularly exposed to asbestos fibers that can cause mesothelioma 20 to 50 years after exposure.
Sources of Exposure
Workers at Dravo Corporation encountered asbestos in numerous applications:
- Pipe insulation throughout vessels
- Boiler and engine room insulation
- Fireproofing materials on bulkheads and decks
- Gaskets and valve packing
- Electrical insulation and wiring
- Cargo hold insulation
- Commercial vessel accommodations
Confined Space Exposure
Shipyard work is particularly dangerous because much of it occurs in confined spaces below decks. When workers cut, ground, or installed asbestos materials in engine rooms, boiler rooms, and other enclosed spaces, the fibers accumulated in the air at extremely high concentrations. Without modern ventilation or respiratory protection, workers inhaled massive quantities of asbestos over the course of their careers.
At-Risk Occupations
Multiple trades worked at Dravo Corporation and faced asbestos exposure. If you held any of these positions at this facility, you may have been exposed:
Mesothelioma Risk
Former workers at Dravo Corporation are at increased risk for asbestos-related diseases, including:
- Mesothelioma — Cancer of the lung, abdominal, or heart lining
- Lung cancer — Risk increases significantly with asbestos exposure
- Asbestosis — Scarring of lung tissue causing breathing difficulty
- Pleural disease — Thickening and scarring of the lung lining
These diseases typically appear 20 to 50 years after initial exposure. Workers who were employed at Dravo Corporation during the 1940s through 1980s are now in the peak diagnostic period for mesothelioma.
Legal Options
If you worked at Dravo Corporation and have been diagnosed with mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease, you may be entitled to compensation. Options include:
- Asbestos trust funds — Over $30 billion available from bankrupt manufacturers
- Personal injury lawsuits — Claims against companies that supplied asbestos materials
- Workers' compensation — In some states, additional benefits may be available
What to Do If You Were Exposed
- Document your work history — Record your dates of employment, job titles, and specific work locations at Dravo Corporation
- Inform your doctor — Share your asbestos exposure history at all medical appointments
- Monitor for symptoms — Watch for persistent cough, chest pain, shortness of breath, or unexplained weight loss
- Consider legal consultation — An attorney can evaluate your compensation options based on your specific exposure