Asbestos in New York: The Threat Still Exists

When the mineral asbestos was used in the 19th century, it was lauded as one of the most versatile and cost-effective construction materials on the market. It was cheap, fire-resistant, acid-resistant, insulating, and more.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), asbestos is also linked to causing various forms of life-threatening illnesses, such as mesothelioma, asbestosis, and lung cancer.

It wasn’t until the late 1960s and early 1970’s that federal agencies began to regulate its production and usage. By that time, however, asbestos was already so deeply integrated within city and neighborhood infrastructure that it was impossible to completely remove it. As a result, the infrastructure of many cities all across the country still contain the cancer-causing material, where thousands of people are being unknowingly exposed on a daily basis.

Additionally, asbestos is still used in some current-day construction materials. If proper engineering procedures are not followed due to a contractor’s negligence, exposure to this dangerous mineral is a real risk. According to the New York State Department of Labor (Industrial Code Rule 56), regulations on asbestos are meant to protect the public from exposure.  

Even in cases where proper engineering has been practiced, the break-down or demolition of asbestos-containing structures can be hazardous for onsite workers and nearby communities. The microscopic, needle-sharp fibers of asbestos can lacerate human internal organs if ingested or inhaled, leading to life-long illnesses that are debilitating in nature.

To avoid accountability, many companies, manufacturers, and property-owners often turn a blind eye to public health concerns caused by asbestos exposure. In the state of New York, property owners and company officials have a responsibility to keep the public free and safe from the cancer-causing mineral. 

According to the New York State Department of Labor, “There is no known safe level of exposure to asbestos. Any exposure can cause illness.”

 Contact a New York Asbestos Attorney 

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with an asbestos-related illness, Hach & Rose, LLP wants you to know that our experienced attorneys will take every action to ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve. Our legal team has a long history of results in asbestos-related cases, earning our clients over $3 million in settlements.

 Schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with one of our lawyers at Hach & Rose, LLP to discuss your rights and legal options. We’re here to support you, so call us at (212) 779-0057 or reach out to us online.

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