Steiner Shipyard was founded in 1954 as a small shipyard engaged in repairing small wooden boats. Later the shipyard had diversified to the new construction of steel and aluminum vessels such as special-purpose fire control vessels and tugboats. Like most other shipyards that operated before the 1980s, employees were likely exposed to asbestos on the job, as the shipbuilding industry used the mineral heavily. Due to the construction and repair work, asbestos fibers got airborne, and the workers inhaled and ingested them. According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, several million civilian employees in Navy shipyards were exposed to asbestos. If you are a former employee, pay attention to the health of your lungs and get regular lung screenings.