Bethlehem Steel Shipyard, close to Allentown, Pennsylvania, is a shipyard site known to have exposed their workers to asbestos. Founded in 1857, the Bethlehem Steel Shipyard was a major shipbuilding facility located closely to Allentown, Pennsylvania. This shipyard produced warships, commercial vessels, and other types of ships. Workers at the Bethlehem Steel Shipyard have been diagnosed with asbestos-related diseases such as mesothelioma, asbestosis, and lung cancer.
Those who worked at the Bethlehem Steel Shipyard or lived with someone who did could have been exposed to the asbestos that was used on this site. Asbestos was used at this site in various areas. Insulation, shipbuilding equipment, and fireproofing measures all necessitated the use of asbestos. Boilers, steam pipes, and engines that were built at the Bethlehem Steel Shipyard also contained asbestos.
The dangers of asbestos were not immediately known in early years, so many were exposed without proper protection, if any at all. Mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases also have a long latency period, meaning symptoms of an exposure do not manifest themselves until many years later.
Symptoms of mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease include, but are not limited to:
- Shortness of breath
- Difficulty breathing
- Nausea and fatigue
- Abdominal pain
- Chest pain
If you are experiencing these symptoms and have worked at a place where asbestos was present—like the Bethlehem Steel Shipyard—see a doctor for evaluation immediately.
Asbestos is a cancer-causing mineral that strengthens and fire-proofs materials. When an asbestos-contaminated material is agitated, sharp fibers are released. When inhaled, these fibers can embed themselves into organ lining and develop into mesothelioma, lung cancer, asbestosis, or another respiratory disease.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease, you may be eligible for financial compensation. The Halpern Law Firm has over 35 years of experience in filing claims for victims in Pennsylvania. For a free consultation, call (800) 505-6000 or fill out our contact form.
