New York City is, in many ways, the asbestos capital of the world. Asbestos was once a critical material in everything from firefighter vests to automobile brake pads to building insulation. Now it’s known as a carcinogen and the cause of more than 40,000 deaths per year.

Asbestos in building insulation is what affects most New Yorkers. Much of the Big Apple and the Empire State Building was construct ed during the asbestos boom before World War II. The fall of the Twin Towers on 9/11 released nearly four tons of asbestos into Lower Manhattan’s atmosphere. It inspired a larger citywide effort to bring attention to the carcinogen, which is still not banned in the United States.

Who Asbestos Affects

Asbestos most often affects blue-collar workers, especially in shipyards, power plants, and construction. Plumbers, electricians, and o ther contractors could inhale it as they renovate older buildings. Metal workers, steamfitters, and pipefitters are also exposed. In some cases, workers’ spouses have become fatally ill from doing their husbands’ contaminated laundry.

Prized for exceptional ability to insulate and fireproof, asbestos use skyrocketed after the H.W. Johns Manufacturing Company receiv ed its roofing shingles patent during the post-Civil War era. The company began manufacturing asbestos products at a rapid rate. Later, they merged with Manville Covering, an asbestos mining company, to create Johns-Manville Corporation. Construction with asbestos bo omed.

Asbestos was used widely in the construction of military bases, ships, and submarines. Therefore, a large majority of asbestos litigati on cases are from military veterans. Long-term asbestos exposure has also affected men and women working on offshore oilrigs.

How Were You Affected?

The respiratory system absorbs particles of asbestos, resulting in mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis. These conditions are n ot only terminal, but also extremely painful. Those afflicted have major limitations to their quality of life.

If you are seeking damages against a former employer about exposure to asbestos, you should begin with this question: Can you p rove that your employer knew you might be exposed and did not inform you adequately? Did he or she provide you with appropriate safety gear and educate you about precautionary measures to avoid exposure?

There are six types of asbestos:

There are six types of asbestos:

  • Actinolite
  • Chrysotile
  • Anthophyllite
  • Tremolite
  • Amosite
  • Crocidolite

Start by learning the type of asbestos found in your environment and estimating the duration of your exposure. Collect any docume ntation of its effects on your health.

There are also at least ten places in New York City known to have asbestos:

  • Con-Ed Powerhouses
  • Indian Point Station
  • GMD Shipyard
  • Caddell Dry Dock
  • Alcoa Aluminum
  • Todd Shipyards
  • Hudson Avenue Generation Station
  • Astoria Powerhouse
  • Charles Poletti Power Plant
  • Arthur Kill Powerhouse
  • Brooklyn Shipyard

Find out exactly where you encountered asbestos and what type of work you were doing at the time.

Remain Positive

Take a quick look at New York City Asbestos Litigation. This website has a list of companies bankrupt by asbestos claims, as well as appellate court rulings. You are not alone. Many people have found success in receiving compensation and bringing asbestos companies to justice.

Building owners should know that they are responsible for asbestos abatement. The New York State Department of Labor’s Asbestos Control Bureau are in charge of surveying, demolishing, rehabilitating, and reconstructing old buildings with asbestos materials. They al so certify contractors to deal with asbestos removal. If you’re a building owner, have your building inspected now.

Although asbestos exposure is a well-known public health issue, it is still used in a wide range of products. The current EPA restrictions keep the amount of asbestos limited to 1% of the product’s ingredients. However, we use many products with asbestos in day-to-day life. Common products with asbestos include automobile parts, such as clutches and brake pads, roofing materials, and industrial building materials, such as corrugated sheeting, vinyl tile, and cement pipes. You may also find asbestos in various kinds of insulation for your home.

Staying aware of asbestos-related issues and litigation may help you settle your claim.