Menu

New York Mesothelioma Lawyers – Asbestos Exposure in the Big Apple

Asbestos, a fire-resistant mineral with durable fibers, has left a lasting impact on New York Mesothelioma cases. Despite its decline in usage since the 1970s due to its link to mesothelioma and other cancers, older construction materials still contain this hazardous substance. Mesothelioma, a cancer caused by asbestos exposure, has affected numerous New Yorkers. When asbestos-containing materials become damaged or disturbed, they release harmful fibers into the air, leading to cell mutations and the development of malignant mesothelioma cells.

Our New York Mesothelioma Lawyers are dedicated to seeking justice on behalf of victims and their families. With extensive knowledge of asbestos-related legal complexities, Mesothelioma Hub’s lawyers gather evidence, conducts thorough investigations, and builds compelling cases. Our goal is to hold accountable the parties responsible for asbestos exposure and ensure that victims receive rightful compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages resulting from asbestos-related illnesses.

Throughout the legal process, our lawyers provide crucial support and guidance, empowering victims to focus on their health and well-being while they fight for justice in the face of asbestos-related harm. Continue reading to find out more about the asbestos exposure risks in New York and how you can stay protected.

Occupational Asbestos Exposure in New York

Asbestos was mined, manufactured, and incorporated into products in various industries across the state, resulting in occupational exposure for many mesothelioma workers in the state of New York. Even properly protected people could have been at risk if they had taken home asbestos fibers on their clothing. This would then follow them home only to be distributed and distributed to whoever inhaled inside the home. We break down some of the biggest occupational industries affected by asbestos exposure in New York and New York City.

This is an image representing the asbestos industry.

Asbestos Industry in New York

Founded by the notorious Henry Ward Johns in New York City during the mid-1800s, Johns Manville Corporation became a leading force in the asbestos industry, profoundly impacting the construction landscape of New York. The widespread use of their asbestos-containing products resulted in numerous buildings in the city being constructed with these materials.

However, as the dangers of asbestos became evident, Johns Manville Corporation faced legal repercussions. In 1988, they became liable for asbestos exposure and took a significant step by establishing the country’s first asbestos settlement trust. This landmark action set a precedent for other asbestos companies, shaping the legal landscape and providing a pathway for justice for asbestos victims across the nation.


This is an image representing a construction site.

Construction Invovoing Asbestos in New York

As the New York City skyline changed with new construction projects, so did workers’ risk of exposure to contaminants. During the 1900s, asbestos was commonly used in various building materials utilized in construction. For instance, imagine a construction worker involved in the renovation of an older building in the city. As they work to remove or demolish asbestos-containing materials such as insulation, flooring, or ceiling tiles, the disturbed fibers are frequently released into the air, putting the worker at high risk of inhalation or ingestion.

Additionally, the construction process itself, including cutting, drilling, or sanding asbestos-containing materials, can generate fine particles that become airborne, further increasing the exposure risk for workers and even teachers or NY residents of the building. These scenarios illustrate the ongoing dangers faced by construction workers in New York City, especially if under equipped during renovation or demolition projects, a common occurrence in the Big Apple.


This is an image representing a factory.

Factory Workers at Risk for New York Mesothelioma

Factories in New York played a significant role in the production of various asbestos-containing building materials. Manufacturers utilized asbestos fibers in the creation of products such as roof shingles, floor tiles, adhesives, and sheets of asbestos felt. These materials were commonly manufactured within the state, and Libby specifically, contributing to the widespread use of asbestos in construction.

Furthermore, many manufacturing companies in New York sourced their asbestos materials from Libby, Montana. The town of Libby was known for its extensive vermiculite mining operations contaminated with asbestos, leading to the distribution of asbestos-contaminated materials across the country. This connection highlights the far-reaching impact of asbestos exposure, with materials originating from Libby making their way into factories in New York and posing risks to workers involved in their production.


This is an image representing first responders.

New York Mesothelioma Cases – First Responders at Asbestos Risk

Firefighters in the city and other first responders risk inhaling asbestos when a building burns or collapses as asbestos was used in fireproofing buildings prior to 1980. Materials that break down in fires result in severe levels of contamination. While searching through the wreckage, first responders risk inhaling the carcinogenic fibers.


This is an image representing the metropolitan transportation authority and the machinery.

Metropolitan Transportation Authority

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) is responsible for New York City’s public transportation and operates in 12 counties throughout the state. Millions of people use the MTA every day.

After recent inspections, the whole system contained asbestos in boiler rooms and depots, exposing thousands of employees to toxins that may someday necessitate medical treatment. According to the inspection report, the lack of safety was ignored for years due to widespread negligence from management.


This is an image representing mining..

Cancers Due to Mining Exposure in New York

Areas of upstate New York, near the border of Vermont, carry high rates of mesothelioma diagnoses. In that area, natural deposits of talc and other minerals were mined. These natural minerals can contain asbestos, increasing the risk of exposure for miners and other workers and residents in the area.


This is an image representing a power plant.

Power Plants in New York City

Multiple power plants throughout the state power large amounts of electricity in New York City and other large municipalities. Some of these power stations are known for their toxic exposure, where they used asbestos in products like boilers, pipes, and turbines.

Edison General Electric Company, known as General Electric, built some of America’s first power plants in New York. The industry relied on asbestos-containing insulation to protect its high-temperature machinery.

Think you’ve worked somewhere with high asbestos risk? Request a case evaluation to assess your chances for exposure.
Evaluate My Case

New York Mesothelioma on Shipyards

New York has over one hundred miles of shoreline and two Great Lakes. Both are home to multiple shipyards. During the 1900s, ships contained asbestos as insulation and fireproofing. Thousands of veterans were exposed and have since sought treatment.

Bethlehem Steel Shipyard (Staten Island)

Bethlehem Steel bought multiple United Shipyards on Staten Island prior to WWII, where the company produced 50 destroy-stye naval ships and 75 landing crafts. The site also offered maintenance and repair services for other military vessels. The site shut down not long after the war, but its operation exposed large amounts of asbestos to service members who worked at Bethlehem Steel Shipyard.

Brooklyn Naval Shipyard

Established in 1801, The Brooklyn Shipyard was New York’s first shipyard and occupied multiple buildings until the 1960s. Prior to WWII, the shipyard employed over 70,000 people. The Brooklyn Naval Shipyard was home to the development of the first U.S. steam-powered warship, called The Fulton. The shipyard quickly became one of the largest primary producers of battleships in the United States. After experiencing a devastating fire in 1966, Secretary of Defense Robert McNamara closed the shipyard. The fire released asbestos fibers into the air, exposing numerous workers.

Caddell Dry Dock & Repair Company

The Caddell Dry Dock & Repair Company opened in 1903 and is still active today. The docks accommodate over 300 vessels each year. During the 1900s, Caddell Dry Dock & Repair Company exposed thousands of workers to asbestos. Many workers faced little ventilation in tight working areas, resulting in an increased risk of breathing in dangerous fibers.

New York Asbestos Regulations

New York regulates asbestos on local, state, and federal levels. The New York City Department of Environmental Protection enforces the proper removal and handling of contaminated material in buildings by trained abatement workers. The New York State Department of Labor further regulates the carcinogenic fiber as part of public safety and health laws.

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requires schools across New York to identify and safely remove asbestos-containing materials. The United States Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OHSA) regulates employee safety by requiring employers to protect workers from exposure.

Asbestos and 9/11

In a series of terrorist attacks, the World Trade Center towers were destroyed, causing a giant dust cloud to fall over several blocks of Manhattan. Government agencies initially underestimated the danger of the dust, resulting in the exposure of asbestos to residents and first responders.

The World Trade Center and nearby buildings contained over a million pounds of the product. The toxic dust, inhaled by thousands, consisted of asbestos, mercury, lead, and other materials. Illnesses such as the “World Trade Center cough” and mesothelioma resulted from the World Trade Center attacks.

Were You Exposed in New York?

it’s important to be aware of the potential risks. If you suspect exposure, prioritize your health by consulting with a doctor and seeking a patient advocate for any questions you may have. They can provide guidance and support in navigating the complexities of asbestos-related issues.

For comprehensive information on mesothelioma, its causes, symptoms, and treatment options, check out our patient advocate page to see who can help you in your journey. Stay informed, take proactive steps towards your health, and remember that support is available to help you through this challenging journey of dealing with potential asbestos exposure in New York.

Mesothelioma Support Team

Mesothelioma Hub is dedicated to helping you find information, support, and advice. Reach out any time!