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Asbestos Exposure in New York State
If you’ve spent a significant part of your life in the state of New York, whether as a resident or a worker, the specter of asbestos exposure may linger in your past. Prolonged contact with asbestos can unleash severe health consequences, encompassing pleural and peritoneal mesothelioma, as well as asbestos-related lung cancer. Our mission is to equip New Yorkers with vital information concerning asbestos and mesothelioma, empowering them with knowledge.
Asbestos in New York Workplaces
New York’s diverse landscape boasts a multitude of industries that have exposed countless individuals to asbestos over the years.
The very inception of the asbestos industry took place in New York City when Henry Ward Johns, the founder of what would later become the Johns-Manville Corporation, introduced asbestos-containing materials for construction as early as the 1850s. This innovation, while shaping the city’s skyline, inadvertently exposed millions, if not billions, to asbestos.
Upstate New York, bordering Vermont, harbors areas where talc and other minerals have been mined, leading to elevated mesothelioma rates. Asbestos often intertwines with these minerals, heightening the risk for miners and those handling extracted materials.
New York City, renowned for its ever-evolving skyline, has witnessed some of the world’s largest construction projects. Unfortunately, this also brought risks, exemplified by the September 11th, 2001 tragedy. The collapse of the Twin Towers released substantial asbestos into the air, contributing to elevated rates of respiratory disorders, including asbestosis and mesothelioma.
As a bustling port city, New York boasts numerous shipyards and docks, including the Brooklyn Naval Shipyard. Shipbuilders have grappled with asbestos exposure, endangering their health.
New York hosts several power plants. Some of the areas include Staten Island, Queens, and Syracuse.
Asbestos-Laden Shipyards in New York
Despite its relatively limited Atlantic coastline, New York still accommodates shipyards where asbestos exposure remains a concern:
Bethlehem Steel Shipyard (Staten Island): Operating from 1939 until its closure, this shipyard played a crucial role in naval ship production during World War II. Asbestos exposure was prevalent among shipbuilders during this era.
Brooklyn Naval Shipyard: Established in 1798, this historic shipyard contributed to significant naval developments. The use of asbestos in boat construction during its active years exposed countless workers to the mineral.
Caddell Dry Dock & Repair Company: Operating since 1903, this shipyard remains the oldest in New York State. It has focused on commercial shipping but exposed workers to asbestos throughout its history.
Todd Shipyards (Brooklyn Division): The Brooklyn Division of Todd Shipyards, active since the 1940s, contributed significantly to ship production during World War II. Asbestos exposure posed risks to its workforce.
Asbestos Exposure Across New York Cities
Asbestos presence extended across various cities in New York, affecting workplaces profoundly. Explore the list below to uncover specific job sites where asbestos exposure occurred: