During World War II, the United States Navy decided to build a supply depository at Rough & Ready Island. Originally, Rough & Ready Island was set up as an auxiliary depot for the Navy depot in Oakland, California.

Although construction of the facility was completed as planned, the war ended and the site no longer required a year-round presence. The Navy began to lease parcels of the land for private use. That use included ship repair for naval ships, and later for commercial vessels. Like many naval shipyards during World War II, Rough & Ready Island provided several ways to become exposed to asbestos. As a supply depot, many supplies that included asbestos were stored in a dry warehouse for prolonged periods. While efficient, this method of storing materials makes asbestos exposure inevitable to the naval personnel operating the facility.

Asbestos exposure occurs when individuals inhale the toxic fibers into the lungs and other organs. In shipyards, it's difficult to discern which products contain asbestos and which do not. A direct link to mesothelioma has been associated with working in poorly ventilated areas commonly used by welders, pipefitters, electricians and others involved in the process of building or repairing ships. Long-term exposure to asbestos is dangerous and can eventually lead to cancer.

Lawyers and activist groups have both taken an interest in the side-effects of asbestos exposure. Virtually all shipyards, including Rough & Ready Island, exposed employees to asbestos. Many lawsuits have been brought to these companies to provide financial compensation to those who now have to treat mesothelioma, lung cancer and other illnesses related to asbestos exposure. Recently, Rough & Ready Island was returned to the ownership of the city of Stockton, CA for development. It has yet to be determined if the United States Navy effectively cleaned up all remaining waste that could prove harmful to residents of Stockton.

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